Tidal Intra Stereo Amp

[joaovieira]

Hi all,

Anyone listened to the new Tidal Intra Stereo Amplifier? A D Class amp?

If so how can it be compared to the other stereo models Tidal had made?

Thanks

João Vieira

 

[Audiocrack]

No personal experience but here is a review that might give you some idea: https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2022/01/16/tidal-audio-intra-power-amplifier-review/

 

[gleeds]

Joao, I heard the Tidal Intra and Ferrios amplifiers in April paired powering the Contriva G3s. The Prisma was quite a bit warmer than the Ferrios but still retained nice detail and dimensionality. Both amplifiers were fronted by the new Tidal Contros, an all-in-one stream, DAC, and volume, as opposed to the Intra pre-amplifier. Later in the day, we inserted my Westminster Rei monos, however, this time inserted an older generation Tidal pre-amplifier, and the sound improved in all regards. I can't say for sure but I have a hunch that if the pre-amplifier was in the circuit for all three amplifiers the results may have been different. I'll have a second chance to listen when I visit Tidal in Munich and will report further.

 

[R S]

Joao, I heard the Tidal Intra and Ferrios amplifiers in April paired powering the Contriva G3s. The Prisma was quite a bit warmer than the Ferrios but still retained nice detail and dimensionality. Both amplifiers were fronted by the new Tidal Contros, an all-in-one stream, DAC, and volume, as opposed to the Intra pre-amplifier. Later in the day, we inserted my Westminster Rei monos, however, this time inserted an older generation Tidal pre-amplifier, and the sound improved in all regards. I can't say for sure but I have a hunch that if the pre-amplifier was in the circuit for all three amplifiers the results may have been different. I'll have a second chance to listen when I visit Tidal in Munich and will report further.

Hi, Great perspectives. Can I clarify that you thought the “Intra” was warmer than the Ferrios (your post states Prisma which I think is a Tidal pre-amp)? On the flip side you state fronted by Contros all-in-one rather than Intra pre-amp - did you mean Prisma pre-amp? Thanks and apologize if added to confusion. How were the G3s?

 

[gleeds]

Hi, Great perspectives. Can I clarify that you thought the “Intra” was warmer than the Ferrios (your post states Prisma which I think is a Tidal pre-amp)? On the flip side you state fronted by Contros all-in-one rather than Intra pre-amp - did you mean Prisma pre-amp? Thanks and apologize if added to confusion. How were the G3

Excuse the mix-up. You are correct, I meant to reference the "Intra", which was decidedly warmer than the Ferrios. Contros is correct, meaning the amplifiers were not connected through a traditional Tidal pre-amplifier but rather directly to Tidal's just released Contros DAC/streamer that contains its own internal volume controller.

I see you currently power your G2s with Audiopax tube electronics. Is your consideration of a Tidal amplifier simply to eliminate the care and feeding a tube amp requires or is it to change the tonal balance of your system? Perhaps add more power?

The G3s sounded quite good, however, the Akira's were game-changing and offered perhaps the most exquisite midrange I've ever heard! I hope this helps but feel free to inquire further either here or through DM.

 

[joaovieira]

Joao, I heard the Tidal Intra and Ferrios amplifiers in April paired powering the Contriva G3s. The Prisma was quite a bit warmer than the Ferrios but still retained nice detail and dimensionality. Both amplifiers were fronted by the new Tidal Contros, an all-in-one stream, DAC, and volume, as opposed to the Intra pre-amplifier. Later in the day, we inserted my Westminster Rei monos, however, this time inserted an older generation Tidal pre-amplifier, and the sound improved in all regards. I can't say for sure but I have a hunch that if the pre-amplifier was in the circuit for all three amplifiers the results may have been different. I'll have a second chance to listen when I visit Tidal in Munich and will report further.

Thank you Gleeds! Another curiosity I have is about the Rei.
for many years I’ve been a tube guy. I’m very happy with my Audiopax Monos, but sometimes he upgrade virus comes and one starts to search for new option. It’s been years I have the same amp setup.

more power would be interesting for my Contrivas. But I’m afraid I loose the great and natural sound of the SET I have. The usual SS amps in the market wouldn’t work for me.

reading the comments from @Audiocrack Rudolf again in the Tidal La Assoluta thread, where he describes his visit to Tidal an the listening he had, I figure out that maybe I would be on the same position after listening all those great SS new options. I would appreciate the impact of more power amps, but the refinement and naturalness of my Audiopax would prevail on my choices.

 

[joaovieira]

Excuse the mix-up. You are correct, I meant to reference the "Intra", which was decidedly warmer than the Ferrios. Contros is correct, meaning the amplifiers were not connected through a traditional Tidal pre-amplifier but rather directly to Tidal's just released Contros DAC/streamer that contains its own internal volume controller.

I see you currently power your G2s with Audiopax tube electronics. Is your consideration of a Tidal amplifier simply to eliminate the care and feeding a tube amp requires or is it to change the tonal balance of your system? Perhaps add more power?

The G3s sounded quite good, however, the Akira's were game-changing and offered perhaps the most exquisite midrange I've ever heard! I hope this helps but feel free to inquire further either here or through DM.

You brought some news that I didn know about.
the new Contros and the G3 version of the Contrivas.

Gleeds, Audiopax has a very natural sound. my set amps are pure class A1 with 100W each monoblock.
I was research for a new brand of amp in the SS mode to try more power and figure out if I am exploring all my Contriva’s can give.

but not only I don’t feel the lack of power now (I did when I used Audiopax M50) that talking to some very experienced audiophiles those days I came to the conclusion that no SS will have me so happy, even with more power.

thank you very much for your comments.

 

[gleeds]

You brought some news that I didn know about.
the new Contros and the G3 version of the Contrivas.

Gleeds, Audiopax has a very natural sound. my set amps are pure class A1 with 100W each monoblock.
I was research for a new brand of amp in the SS mode to try more power and figure out if I am exploring all my Contriva’s can give.

but not only I don’t feel the lack of power now (I did when I used Audiopax M50) that talking to some very experienced audiophiles those days I came to the conclusion that no SS will have me so happy, even with more power.

thank you very much for your comments.

I think you are making a wise decision to stay with your Audiopax until something clearly better comes along. I do not totally agree no solid-state amplifier will make you happy. If you continue to use your Audiopax tube pre it migt make for an incredible combination wit te right SS amplifier wit te attributes you would enjoy more of. As I see it a SS amplifier with a dense, clean tone palette with greater overall dynamics, bass impact and transparency tan you ave currently.

There is a fellow WBF member who's system I had te privilege of hearing recent using te Wilson Alexx V's powered by the big Gryphon Class A monos and it was outstanding! Rich, detailed and powerful. That said, the amplifiers cost around $200,000 USD. Later in the summer I hope to directly compare how our Westminster Labs Rei Class A monos ($60,000 in bridged mode) compare in his system against the big Gryphons at less than a 1/3 the cost.

Enjoy the music!

 

[TVTI]

Hello All.

One of my TIDAL clients brought this thread to my attention. Albeit late, I’m afraid some clarity is required here as there is confusion in this post.

In April of this year, gleeds visited my Studio to experience TIDAL products. During the visit, it was requested to hear his Westminster amps on TIDAL speakers and the courtesy was extended. The preamp used in the system utilizing the Westminster amps was the discontinued Preos D - not the Prisma (nor the Contros) as he stated. The system was reconfigured for connectivity reasons. Note: There was never a direct A/B of the Westminster amps with the Intra, or Ferios, using the same cables or components.
?
As TIDAL electronics are very transparent, the difference in cables can tailor the sonics. Graceline, Siltech and TIDAL cables were used/swapped during the visit. Frankly, I don’t remember which cables were where now but the differences were very apparent. These changes were to show how a transparent system can convey the sonic traits of cables on the source and therefore fulfill a desired sound for the listener.

?More clarity. The Prisma was installed in an entirely different system with the TIDAL Akira speakers which were played at the end of the visit as stated. The components in the Akira system were the Prisma, Camira, Arkas and Assoluta amps with all TIDAL cables. The Taiko Extreme was not used during the visit.

?Lastly, the speakers used during listening of the Intra, Ferios and Westminster amps, were the 20th Anniversary Contriva G2 speakers - not Contriva G3. The Contriva G3 does not exist!

The Westminster amps appeared to be built well and do have a different sonic characteristic than the TIDAL Intra. I would expect some listeners will prefer one or the other depending on their individual tastes and system makeup.

?Enjoy the music!

 

[Ron Resnick]

Hello TVTI,

It looks like you have a wonderful system in your studio!

Are you happy with the way the REL stacks integrate with the Tidal speakers?

Are you a REL dealer? Are you using REL (Gibraltar?) subwoofers because you felt that, regardless of subwoofer brand, the RELs were the best subwoofer solution for these speakers?

Thank you.

 

[TVTI]

Hello TVTI,

It looks like you have a wonderful system in your studio!

Are you happy with the way the REL stacks integrate with the Tidal speakers?

Are you a REL dealer? Are you using REL (Gibraltar?) subwoofers because you felt that, regardless of subwoofer brand, the RELs were the best subwoofer solution for these speakers?

Thank you.

Hi Ron,

Thanks for the compliment. Yes I am happy with how the REL S/812 “6 Pack” Array work (the Carbon Specials came out just after this array was installed). I have several customers with REL Subsystems with TIDAL speakers and their speed integrates well. I am a Dealer for everything shown.

 

[gleeds]

Hi Doug, it's good to see you here. I hope all is well!

Each amplifier we listened to performed with distinction, with the Contriva's revealing those differences quickly and easily. My characterization of the difference between the Prisma and Ferrios stand, albeit you are correct, we did make a cable change to accommodate the Westminster's, so a direct comparison would be unfair unless equalized.

While I genuinely enjoyed the Contriva's, I was unprepared for what I heard from the Tidal Akira's. In my forty-plus years of high-end experience, I don't recall hearing anything that surpassed them! Spending the day with you was a great experience that I will not soon forget.

As we know, every variable in this hobby matters at this level of excellence. I, therefore, appreciate your correcting me on those incorrectly stated items

 

[gleeds]

Doug, I must again stand corrected! I always mix the "Intra" stereo amplifier with the "Prisma" pre-amplifier. Gotta work on that

 

[Audiocrack]

Hello All.

One of my TIDAL clients brought this thread to my attention. Albeit late, I’m afraid some clarity is required here as there is confusion in this post.

In April of this year, gleeds visited my Studio to experience TIDAL products. During the visit, it was requested to hear his Westminster amps on TIDAL speakers and the courtesy was extended. The preamp used in the system utilizing the Westminster amps was the discontinued Preos D - not the Prisma (nor the Contros) as he stated. The system was reconfigured for connectivity reasons. Note: There was never a direct A/B of the Westminster amps with the Intra, or Ferios, using the same cables or components.
?
As TIDAL electronics are very transparent, the difference in cables can tailor the sonics. Graceline, Siltech and TIDAL cables were used/swapped during the visit. Frankly, I don’t remember which cables were where now but the differences were very apparent. These changes were to show how a transparent system can convey the sonic traits of cables on the source and therefore fulfill a desired sound for the listener.

?More clarity. The Prisma was installed in an entirely different system with the TIDAL Akira speakers which were played at the end of the visit as stated. The components in the Akira system were the Prisma, Camira, Arkas and Assoluta amps with all TIDAL cables. The Taiko Extreme was not used during the visit.

?Lastly, the speakers used during listening of the Intra, Ferios and Westminster amps, were the 20th Anniversary Contriva G2 speakers - not Contriva G3. The Contriva G3 does not exist!

The Westminster amps appeared to be built well and do have a different sonic characteristic than the TIDAL Intra. I would expect some listeners will prefer one or the other depending on their individual tastes and system makeup.

?Enjoy the music!

As a dealer you are undoubtedly aware of the fact that Tidal unleashed very recently their Piano G3 loudspeakers. While you are right that the Tidal Contriva G3 does not exist (yet) I suppose it is in the making ….

 

[TVTI]

As a dealer you are undoubtedly aware of the fact that Tidal unleashed very recently their Piano G3 loudspeakers. While you are right that the Tidal Contriva G3 does not exist (yet) I suppose it is in the making ….

As TIDAL-Audio’s Premium Dealer and Brand Ambassador in the US, you are correct. I am very aware of things (see the attached ad that ran in TAS’s Speaker directory submitted in May). As a side note, the Contros that gleeds ”leaked” was in my Studio “before” the official press release I distributed in June 2022. TIDAL will indeed release the Contriva G3, and I quote, “when it’s ready”.

 

[Audiocrack]

As TIDAL-Audio’s Premium Dealer and Brand Ambassador in the US, you are correct. I am very aware of things (see the attached ad that ran in TAS’s Speaker directory submitted in May). As a side note, the Contros that gleeds ”leaked” was in my Studio “before” the official press release I distributed in June 2022. TIDAL will indeed release the Contriva G3, and I quote, “when it’s ready”.

Ah, you are Doug apparently …. I did not know who was behind TVTI … btw, I fully agree with the comment of Gleeds regarding the Akira (and she (or is it he?), that is the Akita’s, are a ‘stunner’ to look at) …

 

[TVTI]

Ah, you are Doug apparently …. I did not know who was behind TVTI … btw, I fully agree with the comment of Gleeds regarding the Akira (and she (or is it he?), that is the Akita’s, are a ‘stunner’ to look at) …

He, and I agree with you… the Akira is impressive to see and hear.

 

[Audiocrack]

He, and I agree with you… the Akira is impressive to see and hear.

Yep, if it were not for my desire to play large orchestral pieces with aplomb I would have opted for the Akira’s because their looks are even more beautiful than the Tidal LA’s (in my view anyway)

 

[TVTI]

Yep, if it were not for my desire to play large orchestral pieces with aplomb I would have opted for the Akira’s because their looks are even more beautiful than the Tidal LA’s (in my view anyway)

If I had the space, the LA would be here too. I have everything made by TIDAL here except the LA. It is truly an impressive speaker capable of so much. I envy your ownership. Maybe one day I’ll have them here too!

 

[Audiocrack]

If I had the space, the LA would be here too. I have everything made by TIDAL here except the LA. It is truly an impressive speaker capable of so much. I envy your ownership. Maybe one day I’ll have them here too!

Well Doug, with so much beautiful sounding Tidal equipment as you have available audio life should be blissful…