[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!

[1inked]

We've been waiting for Hi-Fi for 9 years and you guys announced it in 2021. Where is it?

[Lilac1]

Just cancelled my Premium membership. I'm out, until this company gets their **** together.

[tos82]

Deezer and Tidal 😍

[NirZak]

Years are passing by but still this feature remains a dream!

[Faintandfuzzy]

Same. I went to Tidal. Better sound quality.

[NirZak]

@Faintandfuzzy I am using Apple Music as they share almost the same catalog!

[rlowe]

Yup. Mostly use Apple. Would never use Spotify again.

[Faintandfuzzy]

True…catalog is virtually identical. Problem is that unless you are
connected via a cable to you DAC, you are likely using Airplay 2. Airplay
2 selects the compressed AAC 256 file instead of the high rez ALAC….leaving
one with nothing better than Spotify sound quality

[Dismiss]

This was a feature ten years ago. Now it’s standard for a premium subscription.

[NirZak]

Faintandfuzzy Nope that's why I always use cable on iphone. using their dongle to play on my headphone or speaker.