Yeah, it’s odd that I am hearing a significant improvement via AM. That’s why I created the post. I was and still am a bit dumbfounded. I first heard the difference when using the native Tidal app on iOS devices with AirPod Pro 2 and AirPod Max headphones and comparing AM. I assumed it was Apple optimising AM and sub-optimising Tidal. But then I used the Plexamp iOS app which sounds better than AM* (or Tidal with Tidal’s own content). AM sounded better than ‘Tidal via Plexamp’ too. This is what sent me off comparing Tidal and AM on my home audio equipment. AM was still better. Not always, but with many tracks.
*Pleamp sounds better to me than AM when playing back a locally streamed (or downloaded to the iOS device) ripped CD, compared to a 16/44 “identical” track ‘streamed on AM’, I.E. not an obvious remaster. Also, Plexamp sounds better than the Tidal native iOS app when streaming Tidal’s own music from Plexamp’s Tidal integration - go figure!