[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!

[timiambeing]

Good news!

Lossless audio quality is finally starting to roll out to Spotify Premium users! 🔊

Check out this post for more info:

➜ Spotify Premium: Now Streaming in Lossless Quality

[StevenSGT98]

I’m fine with data no problem. It seems like the Spotify accountants are steering the boat though.

[user-removed]

You can always download music and listen 

[PaulMac]

• Recent article on techradar. Not much new info apart from "We know for sure that it’s going to be more expensive than Spotify Premium – which already costs $9.99 per month – so between $14.99 and $19.99 feels like a safe bet." 

[user-removed]

I also got the impression it will not be hi -res , nothing above 16/44. If that’s the case , Apple Music will certainly sound better . 

[user-removed]

don't think it will be more expensive. maybe it was planned but after Apple and Amazon and Deezer i don't think they will make it more than 9,99

[lejakou]

7 month later still nothing ... 

Was it just an tell to not loose your customers *????

I am fed up to wait 

[user-removed]

Spotify is embarrassing themselves with such a delay . In the meantime , Apple bought Primephonic and will be making further improvements mid-September. 

[user-removed]

Apple Music alllllll the way!! Stuff Spotify, they clearly don’t listen to their customers. ALSO Apple Music DIDN’T charge their customers extra OR change their pricing when they introduced LOSSLESS streaming…

[user-removed]

Where Spotify ? Apple eating their lunch. Mid September they go all lossless. If Apple comes up with a Spotify Connect feature , Spotify is toast 

[PaulMac]

I got so fed up waiting on Spotify that I took out a free trial with Qobuz. The jump in audio quality through a Bluesound node is pretty amazing. It'll be interesting to see how Spotify HiFi compares if they ever get round to it. As it stands Qobuz are already slightly cheaper for their family plan that includes CD quality and FLAC 24-Bit up to 192 kHz.