[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]

Why is everyone here droning on and on about HiFi quality music?

Spotify have very helpfully looked into this and it's clear there is simply no demand for it. I would like to thank Paul Vogel (Spotify VP) for all his dedicated research into the matter. He even took the time out to clarify things in his interview with Variety magazine saying “we think that in terms of what consumers are looking for, it’s not something that’s really resonated.”

So what on earth are you all complaining about? You're asking for something you don't actually want and this can't possibly be the single most popular live idea right now. Oh wait...

[HARCICSIGA]

Well, I am not complaining anymore, just canceled my Spotify Premium after 5 years of usage and TuneMyMusic is transfering more than 8000 selected songs from my library to Tidal and Deezer as well. I already have a Tidal HIFI subscription and next to that I am having my Deezer trial. I wrote them down after the cancellation all my problems... Maybe later I will switch back if they have a HIFI plan by then.

[suresh321]

Paul, you fail to realise that there is interest and desire from a large portion of listeners for better quality music.  You just have to look at the forums for proof of this.  Ok Spotify has the largest database of customers and would remain so even if all the listeners who desired hi fi quality streaming left for their rivals.  But I believe Spotify would not want to be left behind and will eventually offer lossless streaming. The question is how long will they take and how many customers are they prepared to lose.  Hopefully not too long.  The UI is superior, the catalog superior and connectivity is by far the best.  But..... music quality is, for me anyway, the single most important aspect.

[PaulMac]

Suresh thanks for your reply but I wasn't actually being serious in my post. Rather I wanted to highlight how ridiculous Paul Vogels statement is, that there is little demand amongst customers for HiFi quality streaming when infact it's the number one live idea!

[Topps]

No complaints, just a wish why I posted it. I’m sure Spotify will offer this service when beneficial for their business. Habits change over time and perhaps more people will pay extra for higher quality some day. In the meantime I have the Freedom to choose another provider and I may choose to do so in three months time.

[gloptical]

Hello, you re cordially invited to join this Facebook group to support Hi Res audio on Spotify - thanks! 🙂 https://www.facebook.com/groups/550783109079038/

[rastaman2000]

Why would you be BEGGING? There are so many alternatives out there!

https://www.amazon.com/music/unlimited

https://www.deezer.com/

https://www.qobuz.com/

https://tidal.com/

😉

[rastaman2000]

@suresh321

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irony

😉