[All Platforms][Music] HiFi Quality - Lossless Streaming 16bit 44.1khz

[timiambeing]

I've just started a trial of Qobuz - they offer the standard 320kbps as well as lossless FLAC streaming (and high res downloads if you purchase them) the sound quality is noticeably better and on classical it's just wonderful to get all that resolution through your hi-fi or headphones! The catalogue has a way to go to get to Spotify's level, but they are getting there. The iPad app isn't' too bad (the desktop app is in need of an upgrade but I hear they are putting all their efforts into mobile apps right now).

So - lossless streaming - if Qobuz can do it then so can Spotify, they must have the same source - and obviously if you are asking £20 a month then those record labels and distributors take enough notice to make the high res tracks available for streaming. What this all means is soon, very soon, we will get lossless streaming and closely followed by high res downloads - but if Spotify aren't careful it will be Apple who get there first with an audiophile premium offering, and when they do it will be a much harder market place to make money in!

** please don't lump this suggestion with the main one on lossless downloads, that's a different idea entirely guys!

[timiambeing]

I've just started a trial of Qobuz - they offer the standard 320kbps as well as lossless FLAC streaming (and high res downloads if you purchase them) the sound quality is noticeably better and on classical it's just wonderful to get all that resolution through your hi-fi or headphones! The catalogue has a way to go to get to Spotify's level, but they are getting there. The iPad app isn't' too bad (the desktop app is in need of an upgrade but I hear they are putting all their efforts into mobile apps right now).

[timiambeing]

So - lossless streaming - if Qobuz can do it then so can Spotify, they must have the same source - and obviously if you are asking £20 a month then those record labels and distributors take enough notice to make the high res tracks available for streaming. What this all means is soon, very soon, we will get lossless streaming and closely followed by high res downloads - but if Spotify aren't careful it will be Apple who get there first with an audiophile premium offering, and when they do it will be a much harder market place to make money in!

[Visionary1]

Excellent analysis. I think the tipping point is now:  Darko Audio YT/blog/podcast channel announced his leaving Spotify after 10yrs.  John Darko’s patience has run out.  

Many audiophiles and other channels will heed his advice. 

Hmmn, why do have the feeling Spotify will be acquired by Apple?  

[Yasoleon]

John Darko just drop a bomb. 

https://youtu.be/0inUSlM8pI8?si=-ox7eyDdT089uT5d

[petsy48]

I've given up on Spotify long ago and went over to Amazon HD. After there a year I gave up with all the problems with their Android app. I've been with Qobuz for about 18 months, but got a 3 month trial from Amazon HD. I thought let's give it a try for free. Wow! They've cleaned up their Android App, Android Auto and there connection in the BluOS app. Theirs a lot to love in Qobuz but I'm having trouble with a sluggish response in BluOs. I've contacted both BluOs and Qobuz and although it's improved, Amazon HD blows it away. I've noticed that nobody even mentions Amazon HD.  I'm thinking about switching back. Anyone else tried Amazon HD lately?

[Contz]

Do they have that annoying library limit?

[petsy48]

I haven't run across it yet and I have many playlists over 1000 tracks.
I have over 80 playlists now. I resolved this year to trim all my
playlists as I will never ever finish listening to all of them. Give it
a try yourself. They're giving 3 month trials. Plenty of time to test it
out.👍🎵🎶💖

[BlueM_The]

Sorry to say, I've had it now ! Fed up ! Can't wait anymore and be satisfied with waiting 11 years for a true, sincere and meaningful answer to a simple legitimate question : when will Spotify implement FLAC streaming or Hi-Fi.
Stop the bull... 
The interface is still the best, but that's not enough. If you're interested in music streaming, not podcasts (of whatever topics) look elsewhere. There are plenty of better music quality services out in the market : Qobuz, Tidal, Apple Music, Deezer, Amazon ... to name some prominent ones.
I have stopped my Premium subscription abt 18 mth ago without ever looking back.  

[PabloAlonso]

El ecosistema de Apple no es para todos. Si quieres usarlo y no tienes sus productos no hay HiFi. En Windows o Android no funciona, además que según el país resultan más caros algunos servicios que otros. Por ejemplo Tidal en Argentina cuesta u$s 0.40 y Spotify alrededor de u$s 3.00, y Apple y Qobuz son más caros.

[HoverDonkey]

That's easy for you to say!

[MrBue]

I feel similar to John Darko with spotify. Premium user since 2012, but now only use it with a family subscription because my teenager wants to use it because of her friends. 

https://youtu.be/0inUSlM8pI8

I once listened to the difference between Spotify and Apple Music on my Sonos speakers. I would never have thought that the difference would be so big.

Furthermore, Spotify only ever makes promises, but even after many years they are not kept. Spotify is more expensive than most of its competitors, but offers the worst service, pays artists some of the worst and the app just sucks because it's way too cluttered and infested with podcasts.

I'm going to cancel my Family Account this month and switch to Apple Music completely. Let my teenager either come with me or pay for Spotify herself from her pocket money.

[Clément21lj]

It could be very interesting to have HIFI (high fidelity) audio quality with a format like FLAC. Deezer currently offers this and I'm thinking of switching to them for this reason, but I really hope Spotify can implement it, it would make it the best audio streaming app!