1. All files are not created equal: know your resolution

First things first: make sure your actual source device is letting you get at the things. 

On the Tidal desktop app, select 'settings' then 'streaming' and choose 'HiFi/Master'. On your mobile, again, it's 'settings' and then 'streaming', to adjust the quality of streaming and downloads based on your wi-fi/cellular status. 

Note that Tidal Master files are available via the Tidal desktop, iOS and Android apps, but not on web browser (not yet, anyway). 

2. DAC's amazing

A cheap digital to analog converter can be found in even the lowliest of devices (your phone wouldn't be able to play music without one), but this is a key part of the hi-res audio recipe – and these days, a superior standalone portable option doesn't have to cost the earth.

Buying one of the best portable DACs essentially nullifies the guessing game regarding whether or not your setup can provide the resolution. My current favorite is the Astell & Kern HC3, which offers inexpensive access to  Apple Music Classical,  Tidal's top-tier MQA offerings and frankly, any hi-res file you can squirrel into your computer or iPhone – because yes, it comes with a Lightning dongle. 

The svelte unit boasts a pair of highly-regarded quad DAC ESS ES9219MQ chips, which deliver support for audio files up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM, native DSD256, and full  MQA rendering, aka  Tidal’s HiFi Plus. The "final fold" of the MQA rendering makes the LED light glow magenta so you know you're getting the goods too. 

Want something even cheaper? Check out the $59 iFi Uno, which guarantees hi-res music files up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD up to 11.2MHz (DSD256). 

Got a Tidal HiFi Plus membership and made sure you've tweaked the in-app settings to permit the highest streaming quality? Plug a cheeky DAC in and you're nearly there… 

3. Get wired

Here's the thing: Bluetooth audio has come a long way but it's still no match for wired listening. That is because Bluetooth tech pings audio wirelessly (fun!) using lossy compression that discards data (less fun). The sad truth is that even aptX Adaptive, a format which claims support for better-quality 24-bit audio, uses lossy compression. 

In simple terms: if you want hi-res audio, you're going to have to ditch even the best wireless earbuds for a wired set of in-ears or cans. 

My picks would be the cheap and cheerful Sivga Oriole over-ears or, if you're really pushing the boat out,  high-end Audeze Euclid in-ears or Campfire Audio Trifecta, but you don't need to go all out here; I maintain that Apple's wired EarPods beat any AirPods when it comes to sound quality. 

Remember: whatever you get, make sure the design suits your ears – because without a good seal betwixt ear canal and earpiece, you're losing bass, clarity and insight whatever resolution you're listening to. 

4. Consider a high-res audio player

We still call them the best MP3 players, but that term does them a disservice when the highest quality MP3 bitrate is 320 kbps at 16 bit (for clarity, CD quality is 1,411kbps, aka a lot better). What they really are, of course, is hi-res audio players; sometimes called Digital Audio Players or DAPs. 

The best of the bunch? That depends on your budget and priorities, but I adore the Astell & Kern A&norma SR25 MKII and Cowon Plenue D3 – and we've compiled a guide on how to choose the best portable hi-res audio player for you, to help you choose.  

Are these players essential for the hi-res audio experience? No. Do they take the responsibility of housing and playing your hi-res music files away from your phone – thus freeing up its storage space for photos, backing up whatsapp chats and the like? Yes. And do they contain excellent DACs, top touch-screens and expandable storage slots? Also yes.