Tidal Connect to Onkyo DAP/Receiver via Best Ways

Part 1. How to Stream TIDAL Hi-Res FLAC on Onkyo AV Receivers

Many Onkyo receivers use the built-in TIDAL client, controlled via the Onkyo Controller app, to deliver high-resolution audio. Recent firmware updates have enabled support for 192kHz/24-bit FLAC streams and even Dolby Atmos tracks for compatible users.

For most modern Onkyo network receivers (TX-NR and TX-RZ series), you have multiple ways to stream Tidal. The best method depends on whether you prioritize convenience or absolute audio fidelity (Tidal Max). Before getting started, you can check your Onkyo model and firmware compatibility:

How to Use Tidal Connect with Onkyo Receiver

Best for: Users with newer or recently updated receivers who want Hi-Res FLAC (192kHz) support.

Onkyo has rolled out significant firmware updates for select models (including the TX-RZ50, TX-RZ70, TX-NR7100, and TX-NR6100) that enable Tidal Connect with "Tidal Max" support. This allows you to stream Hi-Res FLAC content directly from the Tidal app on your phone to the receiver without quality loss.

Step 1. Go to "Setup" > "Miscellaneous" > "Firmware Update" on your receiver to ensure you are on the latest version.

Step 2. Open the Tidal app on your smartphone or tablet (connected to the same Wi-Fi network).

Step 3. Play a track on Tidal and tap the "Device Speaker" icon on the Now Playing screen.

Step 4. Select your Onkyo receiver from the list. Your Tidal music will be played through the Onkyo receiver.

How to Use Tidal via Onkyo Controller App

Best for: Older models without Tidal Connect or users who prefer a unified remote app.

Onkyo receivers include native Tidal integration accessible via their proprietary app. While the interface is less polished than the official Tidal app, it is a stable way to stream.

Step 1. Make sure your mobile device (running the Onkyo Controller app) and your receiver are on the same network for control.

Step 2. Download and install the Onkyo Controller app on your mobile device. Launch the app and select your Onkyo receiver from the device list.

Step 3. Navigate to the "Network Receiver" > "NET" section and select the "TIDAL" icon. You have to enter your TIDAL account credentials.

Step 4. Once logged in, browse your library directly within the app. Select a Tidal track, and your receiver will begin streaming at its highest supported quality (Lossless or Hi-Res FLAC).

Part 2: How to Play Tidal on Onkyo DAPs (DP-X1, DP-X1A, DP-S1)

The Onkyo DP-X1 and its siblings are legendary portable players known for their incredible dual-DAC hardware. However, they run on Android 5.1 (Lollipop), an operating system that the official Tidal app no longer supports. It means that you cannot directly download Tidal from the Google Play Store on these devices anymore. Now, you have to use a specialized audiophile player, like USB Audio Player Pro, to do this.

How to Install the Tidal App on Onkyo DAPs via UAPP

This is the only legitimate software method to get high-quality Tidal streaming directly on the Onkyo DAPs without sideloading risky APKs. USB Audio Player PRO (UAPP) is a paid app that features its own audio driver, bypassing Android's limitations.

Step 1. Purchase and install USB Audio Player PRO from the Google Play Store (verify availability for Android 5.1 on your specific device; older versions of UAPP often support it).

Step 2. Open UAPP and navigate to the "Settings" menu.

Step 3. Select "Network" > "Tidal" and sign in to your account details.

Step 4. Navigate to the "MQA" section in settings if you wish to purchase the MQA Core Decoder plugin (optional, but recommended for these DAPs).

Step 5. Stream Tidal directly. UAPP will bypass the Android audio mixer, sending bit-perfect audio directly to the Onkyo's dual ESS Sabre DACs.

Part 3. How to Connect Tidal to Onkyo Receiver/Onkyo DAP Offline

Onkyo receivers and Digital Audio Players (DAPs) are renowned for their high-fidelity audio processing. While modern Onkyo components often feature built-in network streaming capabilities for services like Tidal, users may encounter limitations:

1. "Tidal Client Not Found" issues, preventing streaming access.

2. Lack of Wi-Fi/Streaming: Older receivers or DAPs may lack network features entirely.

3. Free Account Restriction: Free Tidal accounts cannot download music for offline use.

4. DRM Limitations: Even paid offline downloads are locked to the Tidal app and cannot be played directly through the Onkyo's USB or file system.

The DRmare Streaming Audio Recorder is the perfect workaround, converting Tidal's library into a local music collection that can be played offline on any Onkyo device via a USB drive, network server, or direct file transfer to an Onkyo DAP.

This tool ensures you can enjoy Tidal's highest quality audio, including Lossless and HiRes FLAC content, by converting it to Onkyo-compatible formats like FLAC, MP3, or WAV, complete with full metadata (ID3 tags).

How to Download and Play Tidal on Onkyo Devices Offline

Step 1. Download and install the DRmare Streaming Audio Recorder on your Windows or macOS computer. Launch the DRmare program and click the "Menu" icon and select "Preferences". In the settings window, you can go to the "Conversion" tab to select an output format highly compatible with Onkyo devices.

Step 2. Go back to the main interface, and click the "Tidal" icon to open the built-in Tidal music downloader. You can tap the "Log in" button to authorize your Tidal account. Here, you can browse through the built-in Tidal web player to find the tracks, albums, or playlists you want to download. Tap the "Add" > "Add to List" button to load them.

Step 3. Go to the "Converting" tab, and you can click the main "Convert" button to start the process. The software will download the selected Tidal tracks and convert them into your chosen Onkyo-compatible format while maintaining all ID3 tags. Once finished, click the "folder" icon in the "Converted" tab to open the output folder on your computer.

How to Transfer and Play Tidal on Onkyo Devices Offline

Now, you can transfer downloaded Tidal songs to your Onkyo devices. The method for playback depends on your specific Onkyo device:

For Onkyo Receiver:

1. Copy the folder containing the converted Tidal music files onto a USB flash drive.

2. Plug the USB drive into the USB port on the front or back of your Onkyo receiver.

3. Use your Onkyo remote or the Onkyo Controller app to select "USB" as the source/input.

4. Browse the file folders on the receiver's display and play your high-quality Tidal music offline through your home theater system.

For Onkyo DAPs

1. Connect your Onkyo Digital Audio Player to your computer via a USB cable.

2. Ensure the DAP is set to "File Transfer" mode.

3. Drag and drop the converted Tidal music files into the designated "Music" folder on the DAP's internal storage or SD card.

4. Eject the DAP, and the files will be indexed and available in the DAP's main music library for permanent, offline listening.

Part 4. In Conclusion

Connecting TIDAL to your Onkyo receiver or DAP is the key to unlocking a true audiophile listening experience. Whether you choose to stream directly via the built-in app and Onkyo Controller for convenience or utilize an offline conversion method for flawless, connection-independent playback, your Onkyo hardware is perfectly equipped to deliver TIDAL's superior Hi-Res FLAC quality.