Hello, save a random post here and there I've been away from this forum for several years - good to be back.
Disclaimer 1, I've had all this in place for only a few days.......I reserve the right to change my mind.
Disclaimer 2, I was hit in the head with the ADD stick as a kid so you'll get brevity only.
Traveling system:
Front Ends2014 MacBookPro (Sierra 10.12.3) 16 gigs RAM, 512 gig SSHD etc. or iPhone 6s
Memory PlayerAudirvana 2.6? and A+ Remote app
Streaming ServiceTidal HiFi (16/44.1 FLAC- at least a few songs like Deep Purple's "Child in Time" beam in at an indicated 24/48 FWIIW)
DAC/Amp/Volume ControlAudioquest Dragonflies 1.0 and Red
Transducerscheapish Grado earbuds, Grado RS-1 'phones and most often AKG-K7XX 'phones
Scatter-shooting part A......Mac set up:
1). Audirvana Direct Mode will not work with Sierra........I say so what! Integer Mode works great.
2). The AQ-Red has plenty of power and gusto for my AKG's which isn't surprising. It is surprising that it drives my Grados just well.
3). Tidal HIFI at $20 per month is a steal.
A). The audio quality is as you'd expect given the stats - excellent.....not much different than the hi-res stuff I have from HD Tracks and others.
B). The interface is all of beautiful, fast, easy to navigate and robust.
C). The breadth and depth of tracks is solid trending towards amazing - although I haven't rooted around much into Tidal's classical offerings.
I'm exceptionally happy with the ultimate SQ given the cost.
Part B......iPhone>Tidal>Camera Adapter>AQ-Red>'buds/'phones
1. I use Tidal on the phone..........it works exquisitely well yet again.
2. The AQ-Red with Apple USB 3 Camera adapter works perfectly, for that matter my older Apple camera adapter works fine too.
3. No Audirvana on the phone.
4. AQ-Red and or Tidal do seem to run down the battery quicker than I would have expected, maybe 15-20% per hour.
I'm even more happy with this set up. No, it does not sound as good as the computer running Audirvana, however, given the size/travel-ability factor it's a grand slam home run winner.
Bonus Round:
I've been running the iPhone>Tidal and AQ-Red into my car stereo and it's sublime.
ETA - Tidal has a number of albums/songs in its Masters category that all appear to be 24/48 FLAC or better......cool beans.