[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]

Yes, they changed it around a bit. So, the basic Hifi (cd/lossless) is the same it has been (without Master) but now with competing lower price.

Now all of these services Apple Music, Amazon (not available in Finland yet), Tidal and Deezer each has lossless quality on normal price competing against Spotify.

[bzero]

Spotify please bring lossless for X-MAS!

[adam2434]

This is great news from Tidal!

I just downgraded to HiFi for $10/month, since 16/44.1 FLAC is all I need/want.  Cut my Tidal cost in half by doing this.

My gripe with Tidal is that their Connect feature is not available on mainstream gear like my Marantz A/V processor.  They really need to expand Connect to mainstream gear from Denon, Marantz, Sony, Yamaha, Onkyo, etc.

Spotify HiFi...who knows if this will ever happen.  Spotify's lack of communication on status and timing is pretty pathetic, IMO.

[hans-jürgen]

Also interesting that Tidal offers a free ad-supported access to their catalogue now with 160kbps, I wonder in which format, maybe AAC? And will HiFi Plus still use MQA which got a lot of hate recently? Interesting times now...

OK, checked their home page, and the free tier is indeed 160kbps AAC, great. I wonder if Spotify Free still offers Ogg Vorbis at 160kbps in the desktop app, but it might sound a little bit worse. The Spotify web player  streams at 128kbps AAC for some time already.

Tidal HiFi is using FLAC with CD specs, and HiFi Plus can be anything from CD specs, MQA, Dolby Atmos and Sony RA 360.

[user-removed]

Please vote for the below to have all 'liked songs' Artists shown in a users library, not just 'followed' Artists! 

https://community.spotify.com/t5/Live-Ideas/Your-Library-Show-all-Artists-in-Library-not-just-follow...

[robigouk]

25k voters here holding there breathe........ soon Spotify?

[tofalck]

Sofar we still have the SLADN format only - Spotify Lossless Audio Delivered Nowhere. 

I have a new streaming device on order and when it arrives I'll have Tidal connectivity and will be switching.

If you decide to get your act together and make good on your promise to deliver lossless I'll consider onboarding again, but for now I've simply lost patience with you and the utter silence on this matter. 

Why you don't take your customers seriously is beyond me...

[huck50]

Nevermind with  bringing the lyrics back,how about some action on the audio upgrade?!

[robigouk]

they said later this year... well not much of this year left.... let's see if they can keep their promise!

[lappymusicman]

Tidal do HiFi quality now for £9.99 a month (so lower than their HiFi plus at £19.99). It streams at 1411 kbps so if nothing changes with Spotify by January I think I’ll give it a try.