Music Streaming - HighRes (Tidal) vs. Convenience (Spotify)

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jeckyll
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Music Streaming - HighRes (Tidal) vs. Convenience (Spotify)

Post by jeckyll » Sun Dec 22, 2019 11:30 am

I'm currently trying Tidal alongside Spotify. Both in the highest res option, so CD quality on Tidal (with the occasional master) and 320k on Spotify.

I wanted to see what you guys have found to be the differences and what you think is the best setup.

What I'm finding so far:
- No difference while commuting (there is simply too much background noise)
- Spotify app is noticeably better and more convenient. Controlling devices from anywhere, easier streaming to my Yamaha receiver with Spotify Connect, easier to use app (not by much and probably because I have had Spotify for years)
- On the right equipment, superior sound quality on Tidal.
- Availability is a tie, I'm finding what I want to listen to on both apps.
- Cost: I have the family plan on Spotify, so Michelle and I both have our own accounts but adding her only costs $5 / month more.

I've got till mid-January to make up my mind on which to keep (Tidal is a trial). I don't really want to give up either, but am not willing to pay for both :doh:

So, have you tried both? What's your current method / quality?


Quick background note on what I'm testing on:
Home: Yamaha VX585 with 5.1 setup. Wharfedale Diamond 10's (3 way full size fronts, small rears and an energy sub) - the Yamaha streams direct to the unit for both Spotify and Tidal, so no bluetooth / chromecase the muddy things up
Desktop - Fiio E10 driving Audioengine A2's - Note: I don't really notice a difference with that setup
Laptop - Dragonfly Black (v1.2) running different headphones (HE400's, NAD HP50's, Grado 80's)
On the go - oneplus 6 with Brainwavz B400's most of the time
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matt.wu
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Music Streaming - HighRes (Tidal) vs. Convenience (Spotify)

Post by matt.wu » Mon Dec 23, 2019 3:39 pm

Not caring that much about hifi audio personally and reading your pro/con list, Spotify seems like a no-brainer.
:htfu:

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apnk
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Re: Music Streaming - HighRes (Tidal) vs. Convenience (Spotify)

Post by apnk » Mon Dec 23, 2019 3:52 pm

Spotify. Then buy vinyl or CDs for your high end gear listening.

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Re: Music Streaming - HighRes (Tidal) vs. Convenience (Spotify)

Post by Captdave » Mon Dec 23, 2019 6:10 pm

Just started using amazon music over Sonos. So far so good.


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Re: Music Streaming - HighRes (Tidal) vs. Convenience (Spotify)

Post by dukerules » Mon Dec 23, 2019 6:46 pm

I like Amazon hi fi sound quality, but Spotify is so much more robust in terms of playlists and curated content. Also, it’s a lot snappier off wi fi. I’m not sure Tidal would be much better than Amazon. For now, I’m using both Spotify and Amazon.

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jeckyll
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Re: Music Streaming - HighRes (Tidal) vs. Convenience (Spotify)

Post by jeckyll » Mon Dec 23, 2019 6:52 pm

I tried amazon music for a few days, but the interfaces is meh at best and in Canada it`s not high def at this point.

So who knows, if they change that, I could be tempted. Until then not so much :)
We all have the same enemy. The enemy is the tyranny of the dull mind. - - Tom Robbins

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Re: Music Streaming - HighRes (Tidal) vs. Convenience (Spotify)

Post by Captdave » Mon Dec 23, 2019 7:14 pm

jeckyll wrote:I tried amazon music for a few days, but the interfaces is meh at best and in Canada it`s not high def at this point.

So who knows, if they change that, I could be tempted. Until then not so much :)
I haven’t had any complaints yet but just started amazon music the other day. Got a free 90 day individual account for ordering something or another.


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Re: Music Streaming - HighRes (Tidal) vs. Convenience (Spotify)

Post by Joeprez » Mon Dec 23, 2019 7:24 pm

apnk wrote:
Mon Dec 23, 2019 3:52 pm
Spotify. Then buy vinyl or CDs for your high end gear listening.
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Re: Music Streaming - HighRes (Tidal) vs. Convenience (Spotify)

Post by BlueSky » Mon Dec 23, 2019 7:37 pm

Just be aware with Amazon UHD, none of their devices are capable of 24/96, 16/48 only. You read that correctly.

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Re: Music Streaming - HighRes (Tidal) vs. Convenience (Spotify)

Post by Captdave » Mon Dec 23, 2019 8:02 pm

BlueSky wrote:Just be aware with Amazon UHD, none of their devices are capable of 24/96, 16/48 only. You read that correctly.
Thanks. Wasn’t aware of that.


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Re: Music Streaming - HighRes (Tidal) vs. Convenience (Spotify)

Post by hoppyjr » Mon Dec 23, 2019 8:15 pm

matt.wu wrote:Not caring that much about hifi audio personally and reading your pro/con list, Spotify seems like a no-brainer.
^ I agree.

While I have some Amazon music with the Prime membership, we use an Apple Music family plan and love it. I’ve got my son and parents on it and I like the convenience and selection.

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Re: Music Streaming - HighRes (Tidal) vs. Convenience (Spotify)

Post by dukerules » Tue Dec 24, 2019 3:42 am

BlueSky wrote:Just be aware with Amazon UHD, none of their devices are capable of 24/96, 16/48 only. You read that correctly.
Whose devices? I’m pretty sure I’m doing better than that with my MBP and iPhone unless the app is lying about the quality.

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Re: Music Streaming - HighRes (Tidal) vs. Convenience (Spotify)

Post by BlueSky » Tue Dec 24, 2019 3:56 am

Amazon devices.

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