23. January 2018
TIDAL’s company story in the book “WHO IS WHO in HIGH FIDELITY”
TIDAL’s company story in the book “WHO IS WHO in HIGH FIDELITY”
FIDELITY just launched the book "Who is Who in Hifi, Pt. 2".
A whopping 460 pages book telling the stories behind the curtain of audio companies. Both in English and German language.
"...the more we discover about the faces and stories behind the products, the more curious we become to meet the people who are responsible for them, whether it’s at the workbench, in the acoustics lab, on the drawing board, or behind the sales counter.
You only need to take a close look at the rigorous quality standards governing the work of companies like Accuphase, TIDAL or Wilson Audio to understand why their products are among the finest in the world sound-wise, and why you can’t purchase them for any less money."
Please feel free to read the PDF version (English/German).
9. January 2018
Best Value of the Year Award & Product of the Year.
Best Value of the Year Award & Product of the Year.
Best Value of the Year Award
We have to be honest: we are spoiled with awards and praise from all over the world. Being established as premium brand, building audio masterpieces in the super territory, we feel honored to see our smallest masterpiece - the classic TIDAL Piano - being awarded as best value of the year 2018.
Since the first day of our history we never defined things by price - never defended it, nor explained it. Prices more than often contains lots of air and lack solid explanation. TIDAL is often viewed as an expensive product, yes, but only as the most consequent definition of a very simple meaning: you get what you pay for. Therefore we are very happy with this special award since it also represents our worldwide success through happy clients ending their search for the ultimate audio experience.
Parttimeaudiophile, Best Hifi Gear 2017: TIDAL Camira
"This DAC manages a sense of ease that’s rare in digital reproduction. An analog lover’s object of desire.".
Dr. P. Karavitis / Parttimeaudiophile.com
8. December 2017
Top review of TIDAL Piano from AUDIOART magazine.
Top review of TIDAL Piano from AUDIOART magazine.
"Flagship heart": highest possible praise in this review for the TIDAL Piano, AUDIOART magazine Taiwan
"Conclusion: Listen to the TIDAL speakers. It is a super monitor to show up everything. Never doubt that this is a super race car: when you can fully control it, the TIDAL Piano will let you have the pleasure experience of the perfect drive, but also it let you feel the ultimate music infection. The Piano is the core of all TIDAL speaker designs, but also the ultimate reflector of music."
Perfectly balanced in all aspects, and most possible points in all test criteria: TIDAL Piano.
9. October 2017
US premiere at the RMAF 2017: Camira DMC™, Ferios & Reference cable series. 5 x Best of Show.
US premiere at the RMAF 2017: Camira DMC™, Ferios & Reference cable series. 5 x Best of Show.
AUDIOPHILIA votes TIDAL system as Best of RMAF 2017
"Best? An easy choice this year, and agreed upon by the three of us. The room featuring TIDAL Audio, the Cologne, Germany-based company that manufactures exceptional speakers and electronics. The system cost almost half a million dollars. It should be wonderful and it was and much more.
The three of us at different times were musically gobsmacked. The damn system almost ruined the rest of the show for us. Yes, that insanely good. Never heard better in my 20 years with Audiophilia. The room was set up by Doug White of The Voice That Is. Great job!"
THE ABSOLUTE SOUND: Best Sound (Cost No Object)
"Doug White and The Voice That Is always features systems in the top sonic ranks and RMAF was no exception. Doug premiered the TIDAL Audio Ferios amplifiers in a mostly all-TIDAL system with its Akira speakers, Presencio Reference Preamplifier, Camira Digital Music Converter, and Tidal Reference Cables.
The Ferios monos offer plenty of power reserves with an all new 1.600 VA power supply, 300 watts/channel into 8 ohms, pure silver hollow conductor EMI transformers, TIDAL’s proprietary amplifier protection management system, hand-selected and matched transistors, etc. Johnny Hartman’s voice was palpable, natural, and realistic — it felt like he was in the room, and the TIDAL Ferios seemed to have unlimited power with explosive dynamics and fine detail retrieval."
Jim Hannon / The Absolute Sound
HiFi PLUS (HiFi +): BEST SOUND
The Voice That Is showed what was arguably the most expensive system at RMAF: fortunately it was also the best sounding. The Akira speakers that so impressed in a large room at the Munich show two years ago were this time deployed to equally impressive musical effect in a hotel bedroom. This might have been a single seat, single source set up, but sit in that hot seat, play a record and the system, the room and the end wall simply disappeared. If you ever wondered what a time and space machine might cost, the answer is around half a million dollars!
Roy Gregory / HiFi PLUS
Parttimeaudiophile.com
"There’s a reason Scot Hull calls Tidal gear “The Rolls Royce of high-end audio,” it’s because it’s big, glossy, built by hand to last for generations, and offers a level of performance, fit, and finish that many competitors cannot match. Some will balk at the price, and say things like “It better sound good for that money… etc.” But again, I go back to the Rolls analogy, and must emphasize that IMO you’re getting what you pay for: Some of the very best sound available on the planet regardless of price. Any price.
This isn’t a system to listen to if your goal is to fault it, because honestly it’s nearly impossible to do that. White has curated an incredibly impressive sound system, and with every show he brings it to he only confirms what I felt when I heard it for the first time: Emotion. It triggers a deeply emotional response from me, and I honestly can’t ask any gear to do more than that. I encourage everyone who is able to visit White’s showroom, and book a listening session for themselves.
I can talk about rock-solid, and subterranean bass, delicate, liquid treble extension, and a midrange that perfectly captures every nuance of a vocalist’s range – how I can hear the lyrics emanating more from their chest, and not their throat – but all this is taken as hyperbole by many until you’ve had a chance to experience it for yourself."
Rafe Arnott, Parttimeaudiophile.com
Discover more
Fidelity-magazin.de
"Let's start right away with the perfect rooms, which we would give 100 of 100 points. Two rooms involved W***** speakers. At the same top level with an even more crystal clear reproduction was TIDAL Audio. The German manufacturer introduced their whole chain with Camira, Ferios, Presencio and of course their in-house reference cables. The hint 'more' over the others obviously came from the all pulled thru chain synergy. The 4th best room was V*****, but offerred less grip in comparison to the W***** and TIDAL Akira."
Ingo Schulz / FIDELITY
AUDIOBACON.com / Best Sounds of show
"Tidal Akira paired with their electronics, it was easily one of the most liquid and emotive setups at the show. It was hard to believe everything was played off digital sources."
TheAudioBeatnik.com
"This was one of the systems that would definitely be in the running for best in the show if you were looking for a really open and revealing system. Without a doubt some of the very best sound at RMAF this year."
Audio-Head.com
"TIDAL has been making a lot of fuss among audio writers for quite some time now, and credit where it’s due, the exhibits are to blame. Consistently show stopping sound, no matter the venue, how can that be beat? With properly setup TIDAL system, you too can have one of the best experiences money can buy, but truth to bear, you gotta pony up.
If ever there was a “Brand of The Year” award, and for some reason my opinion mattered, I’d cast my vote for TIDAL."
6. July 2017
TIDAL La Assoluta: cover queen of Germany’s leading audio magazine FIDELITY
TIDAL La Assoluta: cover queen of Germany’s leading audio magazine FIDELITY
FIDELITY covers a home story in 9 pages about the TIDAL La Assoluta, being the crown jewel in a clients system.
"...we were invited to report in depth and detail about the new TIDL La Assoluta, our cover queen of this issue. ...what we heard and saw just literally took our breath away."
C. Brockmann / FIDELITY
PDF Download, incl. interview with CEO Jörn Janczak (English language)
PDF Download, incl. interview with CEO Jörn Janczak (German language)
22. June 2017
TIDAL Contriva (with TIDAL Preos & TIDAL Impulse): Best Sound of Show at LAAS
TIDAL Contriva (with TIDAL Preos & TIDAL Impulse): Best Sound of Show at LAAS
The Absolute Sound: Best Sound of Show at the LAAS (Los Angeles Audio Show)
"Similar to the system shown at the Newport Show last year, it remains a full, rich listening experience with stunning timbre and tonal color. It just didn’t miss a beat."
Neil Gader / The Absolute Sound
26. May 2017
2 x Best Sound of Show for TIDAL at the Munich HIGHEND 2017
2 x Best Sound of Show for TIDAL at the Munich HIGHEND 2017
Parttimeaudiophile.com
"...I played a variety of Tidal 16/44 tracks, and heard several high-res local files during the session, and experienced a linearity, transparency, effortlessness and cohesion to the sound from the Tidal system that left an indelible emotional connection to the music on me... I look forward to the next opportunity to spend time with components from Tidal, and this curated set-up was an example of the whole-system approach that Janczak is pursuing to define a vision of recorded playback that I think sets Tidal apart from the competition...
As with all Tidal gear, the fit, and finish is unrivalled in high-end audio, and exudes a level of quality, and commitment to beauty that has to be seen, and touched to be believed."
Discover more
"The Tidal Audio room that I wrote about previously was another sonic knockout of a calibre that is difficult to quantify even in the realm of the super high end of which there was no lack of at Munich. ...Again, this was a room of scale that is not easy to accurately describe unless you’ve had the chance to experience it in person. Making a recorded-playback system that realistically conveys the weight, physical presence, and human touch of a real performance is an incredibly difficult feat.
While the approach to this end is practically diametrically-opposed to the WE horn system I just described to you, the outcome has a similar effect on the listener: emotional connection to the recorded event. For this system’s ability to connect me to the music, and it’s stunning visual presence I’m awarding it Best In Show for Munich."
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TheAudioBeat
"While many manufacturers talk about cost-no-object products, the physical details alone put La Assoluta in a different league."
R. Gregory/ The Audiobeat
HIGH END MUNICH AWARDS of AUDIOHUB
"For the La Assoluta speaker, a true statement of grace and elegance, a full range speakers like few others, with reproduction qualities, fit and finish that only can be matched by its price."
FIDELITY
"...who needs that kind of stuff, is what I am thinking before I enter the TIDAL room. One for sure: I don't. But five minutes in the sweet spot and I start thinking about concrete plans how to rob a bank! Because one thing for sure: without this perfectly lacquered transducer statement I don't want and can't live anymore.
H. Hack / FIDELITY
...Driven with in-house electronics, TIDAL removed the border between "canned music" and the original. It had an extraordinary degree of authenticity. One could have quoted, that one is getting here to the end of the flagpole."
Ingo Schulz / FIDELITY
8. May 2017
TIDAL Akira system voted 6 x Best of Show at AXPONA from various magazines
TIDAL Akira system voted 6 x Best of Show at AXPONA from various magazines
The Absolute Sound:
'Best of Show' and 'Most Coveted Product'.
"...This fabulous system came closest to what I hear at home from the various LPs I brought to the show: gorgeous color, very deep well-defined bass, no added edge or sibilance in the treble, superb soundstaging and lifelike imaging, tremendous transient speed and dynamic range—a sound as smooth, lovely, and iridescent as shot silk. As I had nothing to critique, the Tidal rocketed to the top of my Best of Show contenders list...
...I'm not sure what I can add to the Tidal Akira blurb, other than to say (as I did) that it came closest to the beauty, power, resolution, and fidelity to sources of my reference systems. Gorgeous timbre, lifelike texture, incredibly deep and well-defined bass, superior transient response, with no added edge or brightness. A very full-range, very transparent, very realistic sounding speaker with no obvious demerits, and therefore my pick for Best of Show."
"Best of Show (cost-no-object): TIDAL Akira with TIDAL electronics".
"Most Coveted Product: TIDAL Akira."
Jonathan Valin / The Absolute Sound
"Most Coveted Product: TIDAL Akira."
Julie Mullin / The Absolute Sound
"Most Coveted Product: TIDAL Akira."
Andre Jennings / The Absolute Sound
Positive Feedback:
'Best of Show' & AUDIO OASIS AWARD
"A pristine Malcolm Arnold LP (Lyrita) sounded simply superb, with stable 3D imaging, broad and deep staging, and supple micro-dynamic precision. Tonality boasted classic TIDAL values — liquid finesse but superior instrumental traction as well... I commented to Doug that the Akira's were the finest sounding TIDAL's I had heard to date and he didn't try to argue the point. If you have the scratch, this baby will cure your itch. From minimally recorded classical to densely layered, highly processed pop and soul, the Akiras revealed all, but in a seductively inviting manner that drew one into the recording and the recorded space.
On cut after cut, the Akiras elicited from me that elusive "ah-ha" moment of clarity, that point in the performance where I felt I could genuinely divine the deeper intent of the musicians, recording engineer, and composer. Think of the Akiras as $219,000 time machines that defy the Laws of Physics by taking you back to the recorded event across multiple intersecting vectors. A stunning achievement (and my personal show favorite)!"
M. Jeffries / Positive Feedback
...spectacular! Superb!
"...But AXPONA was the American debut of the new Akira loudspeaker, with its massive diamond tweeter and a driver array downshifted from the no-holds-barred Assoluta. The results were simply brilliant. The TIDAL Audio gear, with its supporting cast of players, produced a sound from any source that was truly crystalline in its transparency, effortless in its dynamics, and quite authoritative. I had loved the Agoria, but the Akira was clearly outpointing that lesser sibling. I had a new TIDAL love!
Dr. David Robinson / Positive Feedback
Parttimeaudiophile: Best Sound of the Show, cost no object
"...This was one of those carefully curated, and holistic sound systems that benefits greatly from being designed to work together, from the pre-amplification, to the power amps, speakers, and even the cabling, this gear was all voiced from the TIDAL factory... Voices, and stringed instruments contained sinewy organic textures that recreated those subtle human cues which are capable of fooling one’s brain into believing there is not only a body present in the room creating the music, but a spirit too...
This was the two-channel room to beat... it showcased the capabilities of a manufacturer whose obsession with quality in design, materials, circuit concept, fit, finish, and musicality borders on the religious. "
Rafe Arnott / Parttimeaudiophile
Please feel free to see the video here
Stereotimes:
"In terms of the sound – it was simply magical with a hallmark transparency to die for. This speaker releases sound so effortlessly yet with solid impact and big time dynamics, outstanding delicacy and cohesive sound from the very deepest lows to the highest highs. Special features include a very special diamond midrange driver and tweeter. These are proprietary drivers produced solely for Tidal by Accuton. Whether analog or digital as the source – the sound was always beautifully musical."
Bill Wells / Stereotimes
5. April 2017
TIDAL at The Voice That Is ‘Part II’: a listening experience from Stereotimes
TIDAL at The Voice That Is ‘Part II’: a listening experience from Stereotimes
Stereotimes wrote about the TIDAL Akira:
"Over many, many years, I’ve had numerous opportunities to hear quite a few different speaker designs including some that were truly outstanding. This includes dynamic speakers, horns, planars, electrostatics, hybrids, other. My recent experience listening to the TIDAL Akira has been like none other and literally caused me to recalibrate my thinking. ....what was my impression of the new Akira speakers?
Truth be told, I was simply stunned by their sound. Or perhaps I should more accurately state – their lack of sound. What I heard was perhaps the least colored sound and stunningly beautiful, pure sound from a loudspeaker (and accompanying system) that I can recall ever having heard.
In fact, the so-called disappearing act was pulled off to the max with sound that came through with such a natural and dynamic way that it was easy to simply close my eyes and drift into audio nirvana. Additionally the sound was relaxed, silky smooth, loaded with intimate details with every little musical nuance being revealed.
There was simply no tension while listening to recorded music - just as it is when listening live. When called for – music also came through the system with as much verve, punch and drive to provide the impression of the real thing.
From my earlier experiences listening to various TIDAL speakers and particularly with this on-site visit, my sense is that the TIDAL Akira speakers excel beyond well beyond my expectations and are about as close to being perfect transducers as I’ve ever heard…..and trust me, I’ve heard plenty."
Bill Wells, Stereotimes.com
Feel free to read more: The TIDAL experience at 'The Voice That Is'
4. April 2017
Stereophile visits TIDAL premium dealer The Voice That Is
Stereophile visits TIDAL premium dealer The Voice That Is
Two video's: an Interview with Doug White from "The voice that is", Philadelphia based premium dealer for TIDAL in the US
This video is about the man behind "The voice that is" and his concept and understanding about music and highend:
A Conversation with Doug White (The Voice That Is) | Stereophile
Also feel free to see Doug White sharing his view about TIDAL with Herb Reichert und John Atkinson:
Doug White (The Voice That Is) on TIDAL Loudspeakers | Stereophile
1. December 2012
TIDAL Presencio and the TIDAL Impulse amps are beeing reviewed in AUDIO ART Magazine
TIDAL Presencio and the TIDAL Impulse amps are beeing reviewed in AUDIO ART Magazine
And again ;-): the amps were tested in 20 different aspects and was getting in each aspect the highest possible rating and therefore received the top notch ranking of all 100 of 100 points.
Conclusion: "This set of amplifiers does poisoning people". The complete 8 pages review will be translated soon.
1. December 2012
TIDAL Presencio and TIDAL Impulse received the “Best Performance Of The Year Award 2013” of AUDIO ART magazine.
TIDAL Presencio and TIDAL Impulse received the “Best Performance Of The Year Award 2013” of AUDIO ART magazine.
TIDAL Presencio and TIDAL Impulse received the "Best Performance Of The Year Award 2013" of AUDIO ART magazine.
1. January 2013
TIDAL Agoria reference review in the Audio Art Magazine
TIDAL Agoria reference review in the Audio Art Magazine
TIDAL Agoria as coverstar: our most sold speaker right now did receive another great review and 100 of 100 possible points in all aspects. Translation and more pictures will come soon.
1. February 2013
TIDAL Agoria review from U-AUDIO.COM
TIDAL Agoria review from U-AUDIO.COM
"...Even when I wrote a lot of sound descriptions, a always listened pure music. What gave me the biggest surprise is the ability to reproduce music originally as it is. From the entire top references the 'loyal' resolution and realism of the Agoria is simply the best I heard, independent of any price field.
The Agoria does allows rediscovering the essence of music. You can change the character of it from soft to hard if you prefer a special taste, and if music is the goal the Agoria is sitting on the throne."
http://review.u-audio.com.tw/reviewdetail.asp?reviewid=618
1. March 2013
TIDAL Agoria review at MY-HIEND
TIDAL Agoria review at MY-HIEND
"...Shocking sound performance of highest achievements: No one will doubt that this is high end at the highest level. I learned the tremendous resolution does not go hand in hand with 'cold' sound or so, it is the ultimate product to learn about perfect sound reproduction to the top extreme and I guarantee you will have an experience to learn from.
The TIDAL is an ultimate tool to reflect the system, what we call usually "transparent". But this goes further, it is about density, complexity, speed, tone-and frequency intensity and complete lack of any distortion and to sum it up listening music most enjoyable is what I did in my showroom!"
1. March 2013
TIDAL Piano Diacera is getting a “Best Sound of Show” for Axpona Show from “The Absolute Sound”
TIDAL Piano Diacera is getting a “Best Sound of Show” for Axpona Show from “The Absolute Sound”
"....here the gorgeous two-and-a-half-way Piano Diaceras, with their black Accuton ceramic mid/woofs and black Accuton diamond tweeter, were downright breathtaking - incredibly high in resolution, incredibly subtle and powerful in dynamics (sensational on a cello and piano sonata), incredibly gorgeous in tone color, and very realistic.
Though their three rivals were also outstanding (as were the Big Boys on the bottom floors), the TIDALs simply won my heart - and my Best of Show award."
Jonathan Valin
"....I’d have to say that the show’s best sound was the room of retailer The Voice That Is. It featured the TIDAL Piano Diacera loudspeakers... The sound was texturally luscious yet resolved, expansive, and dynamic. Although not as “big” sounding as some of the mega systems in the large rooms, this system was extremely involving."
Robert Harley
1. May 2013
HIGH END SHOW 2013 in Munich – fair audio
HIGH END SHOW 2013 in Munich – fair audio
"TIDAL for e.g. showed how one does present big speakers. With its 1,70 meter height the Agoria looked with its beautiful proportions extremely elegant. And this is also how the whole system sounded like: while other exhibitors tried to catch attention with fat boomy bass, the TIDAL Agoria convinced with subtle sophistication. It sounded extremely neutral, precise, dynamically very agile and exact, which was compared to the other show demo's a real blessing. And the sheer resolution capabilities of it may be even unique."
1. May 2013
HIGH END SHOW 2013 in Munich – press feedback
HIGH END SHOW 2013 in Munich – press feedback
"At the German brand TIDAL, builder of speakers and amplifiers, I have also been a lot of attention in my report of the Top Audio Video Milan (2011) in various show reports from the High End and rightly so because they know every time excellent listening demonstrations to take care of. This year they have come to Munich with the Agoria SE speakers, the model which is derived from their impressive man-Sunray / T1 system and as a world premiere, their new "Impulse Monobloc's". This year it sounded again wonderful and we can counting TIDAL again as one of the best sets of the show." (Audio review.nl)
"The demonstration of the ultra high end specialist TIDAL was one of my highlights of the show, the overall performance was maybe even "Best sound of show". Highend at this level one can almost never experience at a dealers place. What is also given to the fact that TIDAL is playing at the super territory in terms of the price. The overall price of this system probably was over 300.000,- €. But someone who is spending so much money also gets delivered a lot in this particular case.
With this system, played with analog source (there is a digital TIDAL source too) was really nothing to complain about: no matter Pop, Rock, Classic or Jazz, all was perfectly balanced. It started with an extremely clean and dry bass (cattle drums for e.g. sounded very powerful but not boomy), with almost explosive dynamics, the most subtle and extreme resolution and a stage that - other than often claimed - really IS realistic. A big soundstage does not happen simply by zooming instruments and voices all big up, but by giving them correct room informations and reproducing the event with clear separation. All this sounded just great and shows what one can do today." (Frank Armbruster, Culture Journalist, Germany)
1. May 2013
HIGH END SHOW 2013 in Munich – the absolute sound
HIGH END SHOW 2013 in Munich – the absolute sound
"Germany’s TIDAL was showing its gorgeous Agoria SE mulitway floorstander with black ceramic drivers and diamond tweeter, as well as debuting its own TIDAL electronics alongside a Hartvig table. Though strings and winds were sugar-sweet at moderate levels on Tacet’s great recording of Ravel’s La valse, when the SPLs went up (and they do go up on this LP), the sound became a bit piercing. Also, bass was not as deep as it should have been on this spectacular disc. Seeing that I just heard a much more demure TIDAL speaker sound fabulous in Chicago, I concluded that something was wrong and decided to return later in the show.
I’m glad I did, because some days later I found the speakers sounding very lithe and lively on vinyl — superb on Keb Mo’s voice with phenomenal guitar transients and color. The Agoria also now managed perhaps the best reproduction I heard of Rapsodie espagnole from The Reiner Sound, reproducing all its sweetness as well as its power and phenomenal inner detail.
Best of Show: ...TIDAL Agoria SE / TIDAL Electronics system (on Day Three)."
Jonathan Valin
1. August 2013
TIDAL at the Hong Kong Audio Video Show 2013
TIDAL at the Hong Kong Audio Video Show 2013
TIDAL was exhibit in the exclusive penthouse area within three big rooms.
Voted from many as the best rooms at the whole show we were playing as world premiere the 1.3 tons heavy new Sunray G2 fully active with 6 x Impulse Monobloc amplifiers, TIDAL Presencio and LPX. Also we showed a system made out of the TIDAL Agoria, Impulse LPX and Preos-D.
This was the very first time showing the new T1-System. Gentle evolution of the unique Sunray concept, instead of revolution. The major differences are:
- the complete cabinet is made out of TIRALIT now, the result is a massive gain of weight and performance
- all new BCC-drivers, all new cross-over design, complete new terminal design, the speaker did grow in height 6 cm, in width 1 cm and in depth 2cm
- improved efficiency and many many details more
Much more details and the official launch will be end of the year.