I've used all the major streaming services. Currently I'm using Tidal because I like the lossless stream tier they offer. However, the only way to really appreciate the lossless audio, IMO, is with a proper set of audiophile-grade headphones or IEM's. Apple's AirPod's are a wonderful thing and I like them a lot. But they aren't designed for that audiophile level of listening. I think a person would be hard pressed to distinguish the difference between lossless and lossy audio with them. In fact, a lot of people even with a proper setup can't tell the difference between FLAC and AAC. It really depends on the person.
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Which Music Streaming is the best in between Tidal, Spotify & Apple Music
- Thread starter Andrewtst
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Yeah that’s what I was thinking, SandboxGeneral. Thanks for the quick reply.
I’m really hoping Airpods 2 raise the bar for Bluetooth audio quality, but I won’t get my hopes up, seeing as Apple only support lossy formats (or at least I think they still do?)
Yes, Apple Music is lossy with the AAC format. Though, depending on ones ears, AAC sounds pretty good to most people. It's the discerning ear that can really detect a lossless bit stream. If I were listening to Tidal primarily with AirPods I wouldn't pay for the lossless tier because I'd be wasting my money on it. Check out this thread and the audio test from NPR. How well can you hear audio quality?
Yeah my ears are pretty good at detecting deferences in audio quality (thankfully). ACC does sound better to me than Spotify’s codec, even through the Airpods. It’s very slight, but I can hear it.
I’m going through a similar situation in selecting which HD movie streaming service I should opt for - Apple TV 4K or other local options...audio is a big thing to me when it comes to films. Music on the go - not so much, but when it comes to films (even streaming rentals, as I treat them as a try before I buy the Blu-Ray) audio sits above picture quality for me.
Thanks.
Another option to consider now: Qobuz, a streaming service based in France, has finally pulled the trigger on its long-rumored entry into the US market (it has been present in Europe for about a dozen years). They will offer US customers various tiers, including compressed music to compete with the likes of Apple Music and Spotify, CD-quality 16/44.1 FLAC streams at the same pricing as Tidal's HiFi tier, and more expensive "Hi-Rez" tiers offering higher-resolution streams, which they define as anything 24/44.1 or higher. One interesting feature they have over Tidal--they've integrated a storefront for purchasing and downloading hi-rez digital files.
They offer a free trial period, so may be worth checking out. My take: this will appeal primarily to audiophiles interested in the highest-quality streams, and their success in competing with Tidal for this segment will depend on the catalog they offer in the US (they are said to be stronger than Tidal in Jazz and Classical, weaker in certain other genres) as well as how well they are integrated into audiophile-centric hardware and software (e.g., network music players, Roon, etc.). Nevertheless, it is good to finally see some competition for Tidal in this space.
They offer a free trial period, so may be worth checking out. My take: this will appeal primarily to audiophiles interested in the highest-quality streams, and their success in competing with Tidal for this segment will depend on the catalog they offer in the US (they are said to be stronger than Tidal in Jazz and Classical, weaker in certain other genres) as well as how well they are integrated into audiophile-centric hardware and software (e.g., network music players, Roon, etc.). Nevertheless, it is good to finally see some competition for Tidal in this space.