topic [All Platforms] Can we here difference between Spotify 320k and lossless FLAC? in Content Questions

[All Platforms] Can we here difference between Spotify 320k and lossless FLAC?

igorcd — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 14:18:57 GMT

Many people claim they can easily spot difference between Spotify 320k and lossless (FLAC).

It will be interesting if someone can try it.

Comparison:

Spotify (Vorbis 320 kbps) vs LOSSLESS.

You can download files here -> LINK

You will find 3 short samples:

01 Allons Pink Floyd

02 Angel Fall First

03 Girl Beck

There are two samples in each directory.

SampleA.wav and SampleB.wav. Some of them are "lossless" another were decoded from Vorbis 320k (Spotify)

So tell us. Can You hear a difference?

Report here which of "A" and "B" You think is lossless and which is Spotify 320k

Re: [All Platforms] Can we here difference between Spotify 320k and lossless FLAC?

Benos — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 16:34:11 GMT

Hi, i try it and my answer is :

01 Allons Pink Floyd

A/ lossless
B/ Vorbis 320k (Spotify)

02 Angel Fall First

A/ lossless
B/ Vorbis 320k (Spotify)

03 Girl Beck

A/ Vorbis 320k (Spotify)
B/ lossless

I made this test on an Onkyo TX8150 (stereo receiver with DAC) and Kef Q300 speakers. I only feel differences in "presence" and a bit in the high frequencies precision. Am i wrong?

Re: [All Platforms] Can we here difference between Spotify 320k and lossless FLAC?

Oltremare — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 19:00:46 GMT

This test is not good.

Decoding of ogg vorbis file is important part of comparision process.

I have tested using yamaha aventage 2060 (and kef r300) direct connected to spotify, tidal, qobuz changing quality streaming.

I hear difference from spotify or qobuz 320 vs tidal cd or qobuz cd. lossless flac is more clear in high frequency and less confusing on bass frequency. instruments appear more ‘separate’ (sorry for my terms).

Re: [All Platforms] Can we here difference between Spotify 320k and lossless FLAC?

igorcd — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 23:45:03 GMT

@Benos
Thank you for your results. I will inform about your results as soon as we will get more results from other participants.

@Oltremare

Sorry, but then following your logic "everything can be flawed". There would be no sense to test Tidal, Spotify, 320k and lossless because of that.
It's not a valid point.
Vorbis files were properly decoded with compliant decoder.

Re: [All Platforms] Can we here difference between Spotify 320k and lossless FLAC?

davew99 — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 07:17:56 GMT

I replied with my results in the original thread. Sorry.

I think the lossless samples are BAB

Re: [All Platforms] Can we here difference between Spotify 320k and lossless FLAC?

igorcd — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 01:38:02 GMT

Thank you davew99.

We still need more results.

Re: [All Platforms] Can we here difference between Spotify 320k and lossless FLAC?

davew99 — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 11:53:15 GMT

It's incredible that so many people are claiming to easily hear differences in sampling rates and are willing to pay more to get lossless but won't take part in this test.