Well, I know it sounds quite strange, but I also hear different quality of sound when I compare TIDAL tracks streamed direct to BluOS card vs. Roon->BluOS card. And I have switched off any DSP processing in ROON. Still the sound from ROON to BluOS card is somehow flatter and the background is not as dark. See my post: BluOS MDC sound quality vs. Roon.
I’m planning to try HQPlayer on Roon Core (Mac Mini) and USB connection to NAD M12. I just need more time to experiment.