It's been observed elsewhere, but it's such a shame how poor the user interfaces tend to be for the apps that allow you to control your streamer of choice.
I've recently acquired a Teufel Connector, and I've been going through the various service and controller choices. They're all a compromise of one sort or another (apps are on an Android device):
I've recently acquired a Teufel Connector, and I've been going through the various service and controller choices. They're all a compromise of one sort or another (apps are on an Android device):
- Tidal: no MQA support (not a big deal for me), and plays 'natively' from the Raumfeld app, which supports gapless playback. This is the best compromise I've landed on to date, in that the end result gets me what I prioritise, but the Raumfeld app user experience leaves a lot to be desired. I can cast over Chromecast direct from the Tidal app, which is a better user experience, but that means giving up gapless playback (I find the gaps are noticeable and really irritating).
- Qobuz: can only be played over Chromecast, which means no gapless.
- Amazon HD: also over Chromecast, so no gapless, and file quality is variable.
- Spotify: plays natively in the Raumfeld app, but sub-CD quality. Haven't assessed whether Spotify Connect is gapless as I don't have a premium account.
- Raumfeld / Teufel significantly improve their app.
- I find an alternative app with a better user experience that is able to host the native Raumfeld / Teufel services (pipe dream?), or somehow can cast gapless. (I've tried BubbleUPnP, and it doesn't play nicely with Raumfeld / Teufel.)
- Chromecast delivers gapless playback (wouldn't bet the farm on that one)
- Spotify brings out a hi-res plan (more likely) and Spotify Connect is gapless