[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!

[rastaman2000]

@Samppa3

I'm sorry for the delay! And, THANKS for the interesting comparison (https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/tidal-vs-deezer-vs-qobuz-vs-spotify-vs-ap...). They used an already abandoned, but still available SW (https://www.xivero.com/) - we should hurry up to download, whilst it is available.

As I understand it, the MusicScope analyzes the audio output, not the data (0s and 1s) directly. You may notice some differences between the audio (both, lossless and lossy) outputs of various services (Deezer, Qobuz, Tidal) - this indicates that at least some, if not all, of them apply some DSP, making the audio NON-bit-perfect.

Unfortunately, there is no comparison to an original file (such as CD).

Now, as we're on Spotify, notice its excessive HIGHS/TREBLE amplification (even reaching far beyond the Nyquist frequency https://www.musicproductionglossary.com/nyquist-frequency/)!

This confirms my "ringing sound" impression (that I mentioned earlier https://community.spotify.com/t5/Live-Ideas/Music-HiFi-Quality-Lossless-Streaming-16bit-44-1khz/idc-...). It may indicate some frequency correction (equalization), or - more likely - high frequency DISTORTION.

*

I wonder, whether could we COMPARE THE (AUDIO FILES') DATA DIRECTLY, not the audio output...

To illustrate, what I mean:

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

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

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

AUDIO-TARGETED file/data comparison tools:

https://wiki.audacityteam.org/wiki/Proposal_Audio_Diff

https://www.libinst.com/Audio%20DiffMaker.htm

Though these seem to be comparing the AUDIO OUTPUTS, not the files' data directly.

An OBSTACLE may occur - as the downloaded files (from the streaming services) are usually ENCRYPTED (AFAIK) - hence the proprietary players, APIs. So... hm. 🤔

*

To answer your question: Nope, I have not yet done any SERIOUS comparison between the services - understanding LISTENING TESTS. Though, as I mentioned earlier, I would prefer OBJECTIVE (DATA) COMPARISON - ideally including original CDs/DVDs...

What do you think?

PS: As I've been and will be for a little longer while "unterwegs", my access to IT, and audio resources is very restricted - thus will need more time to contribute more valuably into the debate.

[jonnycambs]

Hi, used to get 80 with an aerial pointed at the nearest three mast and
£250 modem, but then three put 5G in and everyone here, just south of
Cambridge, lost three completely for two months, so ended up with 30mbps
with Sky landline but at last we'll have fibre to the house in 7 or 8
months so I ordered the 600mbps package, will be a dramatic change!

[Samppa3]

@rastaman2000, I haven't also had too much time lately to do comparisons, but try to do some sampling between streaming-services and my own albums. Maybe there will be something or not too much to report.

Thanks for your replies and views on this matter, it's really good stuff and I think I should educate myself and be more familiar with all the technical terms and stuff associated with this thing.

This is after all not an easy task and sometimes listening to music is more for me like relaxing and taking easy, so I don't always like to do that by being too analytical and critical.

But Im anyways following this thread, matter and ongoing stuff between all the major services.

[MiyaHa]

As soon as possible, it should support 24bit/192khz like Amazon Music HD.

It is the best in every way, such as UI and recommendation,But only the sound quality is inferior to others.

Users pay well every month. So don't ignore our voice!!

Even if the monthly fee is doubled or more, I want to listen with the best sound quality.

In other words, with a completely uncompressed sound source.

Please listen to this request. It's 2020 now, let's avoid compression and degraded music.

This is machine translation. Sorry for the hard-to-read sentences...

thx.

[user-removed]

I am previous Spotify user who switched to Amazon HD last year. I decided to try Spotify again recently since I was offered three months for $9.99. I love Spotify's interface, playlists and discovery, as well as the podcasts! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE add a lossless CD quality or better option! Continuing only to offer compressed 320 Kbps as the highest quality will keep me from switching back -- Amazon just sounds better! Go for it -- many of us, including me, will gladly pay more for this service!!!!

[wbearden1237]

Spot on!

[user-removed]

Come on Spotify! I would like to leave Amazon Music HD, but I need you to go lossless. Since coming back under the three month period for $9.99, it's reminded me how much I love about how your software works -- I just need the higher sound quality! I am more than willing to pay more for it.

[nnvc_j8m-ej2q]

I would want to pay extra for this, especially if more money ends up with artists this way

[Jpfonseca]

Just came here to back this idea.

[Oskii98]

Dear Spotify Team,

We appereciate your work and that you implement some changes from time to time. 

The idea of Podcasts is great in my opinion. BUT please, give us any feedback about the idea of Lossless quality.

The moment I write this comment, there is 22, 549 votes for this idea.

324 pages concerning the lossless streaming, please Spotify, we need update.

You will be much more competitive when you implement this inside your application. 

This community wants to have choice and pay more for better sound quality.

I have been using Spotify Premium since 2016 and I will do, no matter what you are gonna do about this idea but I'm sure community will appereciate implemenitng Hi-Fi quality.