[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!

[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?

[user-removed]

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. 

[bart1981]

Where the **bleep** is HIFI?

[bart1981]

Spotify, it is time to release HIFI. NOW.

[Herbaceous]

Apparently the issue is that Spotify was going to cash in on hifi audio by charging users more for it. 

Competitors got the jump on Spotify and released lossless free of charge.

Spotify has been trying to work out how to monetise it ever since. This involves making another subscription tier with lossless and other “features” that they can charge a premium for. My guess is they’re trying to work out what “features” they can charge for that won’t **bleep** people off. 

They’re trying desperately to claw back what they assumed was going to be a lot of revenue.

They should just release it because I can’t imagine what further features they can add that will make people feel like they’re actually getting value for money.