Music streaming services have not traditionally focused on audio quality. Spotify and Google Play Music have a maximum bit rate of 320 Kbps, while Apple Music reaches 256 Kbps.
This may seem like a lot, and for most users, it's enough. However, when you compare the quality of most streaming services to CDs, which typically offer 1,411 Kbps, there's no contest.
If you are an audiophile Are you an audiophile? These 10 questions reveal the truth Are you an audiophile? These 10 Questions Reveal the Truth You might think you're an audiophile, but in reality very few music lovers meet all the necessary requirements. Are you really an audiophile? Or are you just a great suitor? Read More You don't want poor quality audio tainting your expensive Hi-Fi system. Because you demand the clearest, most refined music available. As such, your options are quite limited. Fortunately, there are a few options available to you.
Tidal is the most popular high-definition music streaming service today.
Operated by global rap star Jay-Z, the service's entire reputation has been built on its high-quality audio offerings Tidal Ups the Ante to Appeal to Audiophiles Tidal Ups the Ante to Appeal to Audiophiles is now adding what it's called "master quality recordings". But will this be enough to entice people to subscribe to Tidal? Read More ).
Tidal offers users two different plans. the Cousins the plan costs $9.99 per month and provides 320Kbps music bitrate. If you are an audiophile, you need to focus on the HiFi package. It offers lossless, CD-quality music at 1,411 Kbps for a monthly fee of $19.99. Both packages have family plans available.
And only because Tidal doesn't have the same appeal as the big three:Spotify, Apple Music, and Google Play Music. Spotify vs. Apple Music vs. Google Play Music:Which is the best? Spotify vs. Apple Music vs. Google Play Music:Which is the best? While there are a plethora of music streaming services out there, there are three main ones that stand out above the rest:Spotify, Apple Music, and Google Play Music. But which one is better? Read More At the time of writing, Tidal boasts 48.5 million songs and 175,000 music videos.
Qobuz is often overlooked in the search for a high definition streaming service. Qobuz is based in France, and entrepreneur Yves Riesel launched the service in 2007. In addition to streaming services, it also offers music downloads.
Unfortunately, the app doesn't have the international reach of some of its competitors. While Tidal is currently available in 52 countries around the world, Qobuz operates in just nine:France, Germany, UK, Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Austria. In addition, Italy, Spain and Poland are expected to connect by the end of 2017.
In terms of subscription plans, four levels are available. Audiophiles can skip over the $9.99 per month, 320Kbps base package and focus on the other three. What are they:
If you live outside of the countries that support Qobuz but don't want to subscribe to Tidal, Deezer may be exactly what you're looking for.
The second French company on this list is a relative newcomer to the world of HD streaming. The $14.99 per month Elite the plan only went live in September 2014 thanks to the company's collaboration with speaker maker Sonos.
Due to its connection to Sonos, the $14.99 Elite package is only available to users with a Sonos speaker. Offers 16-bit, 1,411 Kbps audio.
If you have a Sonos system and live in the US, this is a great option. Deezer has been available in the country since mid-2013. In fact, at the time of writing, Deezer is available in 187 countries around the world.
Beatport is the first non-streaming service on the list. The site, which is primarily focused on selling dance tracks and DJ mixes, allows users to download content in three formats.
It's free to sign up for Beatport and browse the site, but you have to pay for downloads. MP3 versions of most tracks are no more than a couple of bucks. However, if you want an AIFF or WAV version, you'll have to pay a little more.
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The company does not allow any MP3 files on its service. If you are an artist who wants to upload your work, you can only add AIFF, WAV or FLAC files. The good news is that as a user you know that you will get higher quality audio when you hit the Buy button.
Like Beatport, Bandcamp isn't designed to be a streaming service, though you can use it to listen to some tracks for free.
Because Bandcamp has a mobile app, it's one of the best ways to listen to HD audio on the go. You can stream all the music you have purchased through the site.
Primephonic recently launched its new streaming service for fans of classical music. Primephonic Review:The Spotify for Classical Music. Primephonic Review:The Spotify for Classical Music. What does it offer? And how does it compare to Spotify? Read more . A good splash has been made. Users have praised the app for its fresh approach to track cataloging, impressive artist bios, and ease of use.
Audiophiles who love classical music will be pleased to know that Primephonic streams all of its content in 16-bit CD quality at 1,411 Kbps. The service will set you back $14.99 per month. No other plan available.
Primephonic also allows you to buy music. Once again, all of your purchases will be downloaded in high definition audio.
Using FLAC audio for classical music makes sense. It's the music genre that has the most to gain from high-definition audio. After all, you don't want your Mozart masterpieces to sound like something your school orchestra threw together.
We finish the list with HDtracks. If you're not willing to subscribe to an expensive streaming service, check out HDtracks.
As the name suggests, the online store focuses exclusively on HD content. In fact, it boasts the largest library of studio-quality hi-res downloadable music anywhere on the web.
It covers the full range of musical genres. So you'll find everything from the latest music release The 8 Best Websites To Check Out New Music Releases First The 8 Best Websites To Check Out New Music Releases First There are plenty of ways to keep up with your favorite artists. . Here are eight websites to check out new music releases as they happen. Read More
When you click on an album, you'll see its audio quality at the top of the page. Make sure it meets your needs before confirming your purchase.
Finally, Spotify is also worth mentioning. In early 2017, news broke that the world's most popular streaming service was planning to enter the world of high-definition audio streaming.
Qualified as Spotify Hi-Fi , The company is A/B testing the price on users around the world. Some are asked to pay an additional $5 per month, while others are asked to pay an additional $10 per month.
You may have noticed throughout this article that streaming services currently offering high-quality audio typically charge around $20 per month. If Spotify enters the fray at $15 a month, it could be a serious player in the world of high definition streaming.
These seven music sites should be more than enough to keep all but the most discriminating audiophile going. Whether you prefer to stream music or download it to your hard drive, you'll be able to find something to suit your needs.
If you're an audiophile, we'd love to gather your input. What sites do you visit when you want to listen to something beyond the 320 Kbps standard? Do you subscribe to Tidal or one of the other streaming services that offer HD audio?
As always, you can leave your comments and suggestions below. Or, why not share this article with the audiophile in your life to see what they think?
