[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!

[PaulMac]

“We think that in terms of what consumers are looking for, it’s not something that’s really resonated.”

Given that this is the 2nd most popular thread in the history of this forum, that statement really is unforgivable. Two fingers to everyone who has taken the time and effort to post here.

[Tdiz1]

Yes. Unfathomable. What is Spotify thinking.

[hjleppink]

Bought myself a decent Conrad Johnson amplifier. The difference between
tidal/quboz vs Spotify is just stunning.....

[user-removed]

I have been trialing Spotify.

The apps and music discovery aspects are first rate, but the sound quality is the worst I have heard.

I have been very interested in the Spotify HiFi concept that has been rumored for years.

Now that I know it is not happening and the company has this complete and utter disregard for those users interested in sound quality, I can move on.

A stunning Blind Spot this VP has.

[abvolt]

I agree Spotify is excellent in everything except when it comes to Hi Res
I've moved to Qobuz months ago, if they ever get real Hi Res and a catalog
as big as Qobuz I'll come back fast..

[user-removed]

Lots of action lately in the hi-res streaming space:

• Amazon jumped into the game
• Qobuz ditched their MP3-quality plan and lowered prices
• Deezer added hi-res support to their mobile apps

It's not looking good Spotify…time to take this seriously or get left behind!

[Tdiz1]

Im currently doing a comparison of four services to determine which I will go with considering the HD streaming issue.

I set up a 1 month membership to:

1. Spotify
2. Amazon Unlimited HD
3. Tidal
4. Apple Music

I plan to do A-B testing of the four services to see if I can truly hear an audible improvement on the HD streams. (In this case, Amazon and Tidal) I remember being significantly impressed with Tidal's fidelity over Apples and Spotify's when I did a similar test years ago. Tidal is pretty pricey for my budget so I am hoping Amazon's quality is comparable for obvious economic reasons.

The other issues with these services are their user recommendations systems, ease and reliability of stream delivery, compatibility with my audio systems (Home Sonos, iPhone earphone listening, car system) and comfortableness of their UI/UX.

As Ive mentioned before, Spotify's lack of thumbnail art on their playlists drives me crazy. They havent fixed this shortcoming in years of me complaining about it. Ridiculous.

I will report back after I have done my listening tests with my findings.

Cheers.

[NicolasREV]

Come on, 2019 already and no word from this, we NEED this, I tried deezer, but it simply isn't as good as Spotify, but I keep it because the quality is awesome... Come on... 

[Tdiz1]

Update: 

Ive added Qobuz to my comparisons. 

Thoughts so far:

Tidal and Qobuz are significantly superior to Spotify and and weirdly, Amazon HD. Even though Amazon HD is pretty good in some regards, it lacks the startling quality of Tidal and Qobuz. And Apple Music sounds almost as good as Tidal. 
More info to come as I listen more... 

[gloptical]

I don't know if it's me or my hardware or what, but I find Tidal sounds way
better than Qobuz. It sounds to me like they're equally detailed, but Tidal
is more spatial. These days I've been listening again to Bulgarian choir
music and it almost feel like I can hear where each singer was while
recording... Deezer Hifi sounds like Qobuz, I find.