[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!

[Cooper19]

Spotify needs to implement hi res files like Dolby atmos and lossless I’m thinking of canceling my subscription and moving to Apple Music or tidal for the higher quality if Spotify really wants to make themselves the #1 music streaming service they need this stuff we need this!

[PaulMac]

Updated on 2022-01-07

Hey folks,

We know that HiFi quality audio is important to you. We feel the same, and we’re excited to deliver a Spotify HiFi experience to Premium users in the future. But we don’t have timing details to share yet.

Spotify - you've been excited about this for years.

Maybe its time to stop talking **bleep** and actually do something about it?

[tts42572]

This completely boggles my mind.

How hard could it be to just offer what many other services are already offering?

This would be like a car maker still using roll down windows when everyone else has electric windows.

And yet Spotify somehow continues to have the biggest market share of streaming when they're basically the lowest quality offering in the market and more expensive than others.  

It really makes little sense to me.  At some point it just has to catch up to them.

[Joegod]

Almost 11 years after the first post…🤦‍♂️

[petsy48]

You are sooooooo right. They are just laughing at us all the way to the
bank. If we won't bite the hook there's a lot of other fish in the tank
that will gladly gobble it up. They can't see the green grass on the
other side of the fence. Lol

[pediacax]

You raise an interesting point about the potential for Spotify to implement lossless streaming and high-res audio. Services like Qobuz and Tidal have already demonstrated that there is demand for higher-quality audio, especially among audiophiles and music enthusiasts. Here’s how Spotify might address this and what it means for the streaming landscape:

1. Technical Feasibility
   Spotify indeed has access to the same sources as Qobuz or Tidal, as they negotiate with the same record labels and distributors. The challenge isn’t sourcing but rather infrastructure and cost management. Lossless streaming requires more bandwidth and storage, both of which come with increased costs, particularly at Spotify's scale.

2. Competitive Pressure
   As Apple Music introduced Lossless and Spatial Audio at no additional cost, Spotify is under pressure to match or exceed those offerings. This is especially true for retaining audiophile users and preventing them from switching to competitors like Qobuz, Tidal, or Apple Music.

3. Pricing Strategy
   Spotify’s potential "HiFi" tier could provide lossless streaming at a premium price point. The question remains whether users would be willing to pay extra for this feature, especially when Apple has made it part of their standard subscription.

4. Catalog vs. Quality
   While Spotify has the edge in catalog size, it risks losing niche user bases who prioritize sound quality over variety. Classical music listeners, for example, often lean toward platforms like Qobuz because of its high-res offerings and metadata tailored to classical music.

5. Future Predictions
   If Spotify delays too long, they may lose market share to platforms that are investing in high-quality streaming now. Apple Music, with its resources and ecosystem, could easily dominate this premium audio space. For Spotify, launching a HiFi tier sooner rather than later will be crucial to maintaining their market position.

In summary, lossless and high-res streaming represent a natural evolution of music consumption. Spotify has the opportunity to lead this transformation, but if they don’t move quickly, they risk being overtaken by competitors who are already delivering on audiophile expectations.

[Visionary1]

Excellent analysis. I think the tipping point is now:  Darko Audio YT/blog/podcast channel announced his leaving Spotify after 10yrs.  John Darko’s patience has run out.  

Many audiophiles and other channels will heed his advice. 

Hmmn, why do have the feeling Spotify will be acquired by Apple?  

[Yasoleon]

John Darko just drop a bomb. 

https://youtu.be/0inUSlM8pI8?si=-ox7eyDdT089uT5d

[petsy48]

I've given up on Spotify long ago and went over to Amazon HD. After there a year I gave up with all the problems with their Android app. I've been with Qobuz for about 18 months, but got a 3 month trial from Amazon HD. I thought let's give it a try for free. Wow! They've cleaned up their Android App, Android Auto and there connection in the BluOS app. Theirs a lot to love in Qobuz but I'm having trouble with a sluggish response in BluOs. I've contacted both BluOs and Qobuz and although it's improved, Amazon HD blows it away. I've noticed that nobody even mentions Amazon HD.  I'm thinking about switching back. Anyone else tried Amazon HD lately?

[Contz]

Do they have that annoying library limit?