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

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!

Updated on 2025-09-10

I'm delighted to say Lossless is now rolling out. It will happen gradually, to more than 50 markets through October. Premium subscribers in Australia, Austria, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, the US, and the UK have already started to get access.

Top Answer
MattSuda

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

Comments
aaronnoraa

Still waiting for HIFI

sighkate

Any updates to this? The spotify audio quality is really bad compared to other competitors (like apple) 

PaulMac

Why do Spotify keep dropping hints that HiFi is just around the corner? Just another short wait and then it'll be here in its full glory. And the wait goes on and on..

 

Its now more than 2.5 years since the big announcement at the Feb 2021 Stream On event, with the statement that premium subscribers would later this year (2021) be able to "listen to their favourite songs the way artists intended"


Meanwhile Apple Music were busy working quietly in the background and completed the whole project within a few months. With none of the high profile razzamatazz. And no price increase. What a contrast!


Spotify just don't seem to learn - they're still at it, dropping little hints that now it's REALLY close to release. And to prove it they've even gone as far as giving it a new (ridiculous) name - SUPREMIUM.

MY GOD, that'll keep the customers happy! The name itself is actually better suited to a new line of unleaded petrol coming onto the market.


The whole thing is actually embarrassing and has been handled so badly by the company who used to set the standards for other platforms to follow. Very sad indeed.

Samppa3

When Spotify does things badly, it knows how to do them exemplarily badly. Sometimes I wonder how it can still be the same company. Did they have different goals or something else different, or was the achievement of market leader status just luck? You could write a book about some of Spotify's worst tunings. Really embarrassing and poorly managed things and decisions made.

amazedbunion
There hasn't been a mention of it since. did you guys announce it then quietly cancel it?

It's crazy there is still no lossless audio available.

 

I wonder what the actual reason is. Marketing, product, technical?

jhucx1
You guys should just switch to another provider. Moved my family to Tidal
and haven't looked back. Don't miss Spotify at all.

Oh and Tidal actually shares their roadmap. What a crazy concept to tell
users what new features are coming out and when. 🤣🤣
Blueshound24

I SECOND THIS! 

 

"jhucx1

Casual Listener
6 hours ago
 
You guys should just switch to another provider. Moved my family to Tidal
and haven't looked back. Don't miss Spotify at all" 
Faintandfuzzy
I would actually have some respect for Spotify if they just came out and
said we’ve had huge technical issues that we didn’t foresee…or something
like that. And maybe give us a timeline instead of vague hints and
promises. But hey, that’s the difference between a well run business and
one operated by incompetent clowns.

donvandy

The streaming rate can have noticeable affect on music. I would be great to provide an option to stream at 24 bit up to 192 kHz for the best sound experience even if it would cost a few more dollars per month. Can you please do that? If so, many of us would be grateful.