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Spotify vs other streaming services

I stream through Spotify because I like it’s nearly comprehensive classical catalog. Also, it’s cheaper than the others. 
I can also access Tidal if I want to pay for it. 
My DAC doesn’t handle hi-res formats.
 My question is, am I getting the best non hi-res sound quality with Spotify?
Or is Tidal or anyone else better.

rvpiano

Showing 5 responses by uberwaltz

uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
??$9.99 a month on Tidal gives you the 16/44 redbook quality streaming, same on Deezer for same price.Well above 320kb service level.
But I guess Quboz will be here very soon so some will see how that works out for them.I ran it on a trial but their rock catalogue is very limited compared to Tidal so I will be sticking with Tidal HiFi for now.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Bob
I too have issues with Deezer and have given up with trying to get Deezer customer support to even fully understand the problem never mind offer a solution.
The issue I have is seemingly complete random.
I can start an album, it will play first track in full then just 30 seconds of the next tracks. They did say it might be cache but clearing it makes no difference and tidal does not behave this way. It may not do this for days, then it may do it 3 times in a day!
I got 3 month trial of Deezer for $0.99 a month but when it is over I will be cancelling Deezer service.
Shame really.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
@rvpiano. 
Congratulations and shows the value of asking for members opinions here. I used to think Tidal and my CD replay were near identical with on some cuts Tidal having the edge. However I since acquired an older model Pioneer SACD player and this turns the corner with most CD/SACD now having the slight edge over Tidal streaming but it is a very close call and as you have found not even close to Spotify.
I think you will be happy with Quboz when it finally arrives as it is supposed to have a very well sorted classical and jazz catalog.
For now ENJOY!
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
@mahler123.
We have been waiting for Quboz for a LONG time now. Still no actual firm launch date here in USA
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Both Tidal and Deezer blow Spotify out of the water on sq, even their basic services are 16/44 at $9.99 a month.

Tbh I do not listen to classical so I cannot comment on how good or bad their catalog is for those works.
For my genre I have zero complaints on breadth and depth of music available to me. MANY title and artists I would never have listened to if not for streaming. It opened my eyes a couple years back.
More to discover