Spotify fails to deliver Hi-Fi, again

[Coy Ramsey]

It is Jan 2, 2022 and no Spotify Hi-Fi music. I got tired of Spotify's 5 yr promises to deliver lossless music and moved from Spotify (free) to Amazon Music HD. A few observations from a non-audiophile: 1) on my primary amp/speakers AMHD is a noticeable improvement, 2) on my distributed audio via Yam MusicCast into ceiling speakers, no significant background music improvement, 3) Spotify integrates into MusicCast much better than AMHD, & 4) while the UI's differ there isn't a particular advantage either way. Bottom line - I have discovered a new pleasure on listening to lossless music on my amp/speakers via AMHD !!!

 

[Max Rockbin]

I would love lossless on Spotify too. But if you were just using the free option, you were getting lower bit rates. You can get up to 320kbps through spotify apps and 256 with the web player - if you pay. AV NIRVANA isn't letting me put in the URL, but google for "Spotify has a range of audio quality options to suit your device, plan, and preferences" and you will find their page that explains it all.

With Free Spotify you get between 24(!!!) and 160kbps depending on your network connection and their mood. With free, quality is always on "auto."

 

[Coy Ramsey]

My first priority was to get away from Spotify's intrusive ads (more so than Pandora), so I had accepted the monthly fee and with Amazon & Apple offering better quality for less/equal money decided to go with AMHD. I didn't have much time invested with Spotify so I could leave and not be inconvenienced by much. Spot's 320 kbps serves them well today but, evenually, they'll have to make good on their promise to provide Hi-Fi and, by then, that may not be good enuf (spatial audio & better hardware ...).

 

[-Jim-]

I got Spotify last year. I too waited all year long for Spotify HD, and was disappointed when if failed to show up even though they said it would be rolled out by year end 2021. I listen to Spotify almost daily when I make dinner, and I too was looking forward to the boost in quality. I don't need Atmos (Like Apple and Amazon can provide for some tunes) as I use headphones so I don't bother the Family. (I'm in my own Rock 'n Roll bubble if you will!)

I'm on the Family Plan, so dumping Spotify wouldn't be well received by others who aren't necessarily as keen about the quality as I am. But I still think it's crappy that Spotify would announce a rollout and then fail to deliver. What a Bait & Switch tactic. Annoying...

 

[htcampbell]

Check out Qobuz. Less than 150/yr, hi-res and tons of music.

 

[Sal1950]

I'd been with Spotify like forever, IMO they have the best UI and largest catalog of any streamer.
But for the same money I can get Apple 4k with tons of Atmos and other multich immersive codec's.
Plus you don't get that MQA crap constantly shoved down my throat like you at Tidal.
,

 

[Todd Anderson]

I've been stuck with Spotify because my two daughters prefer it (they share playlists with friends). I agree with the assessment that their UI is top notch - it really is!

@Qobuz is a good alternative, for sure.

 

[HugoInParis]

I've been using iTunes for 20 years, but when Spotify came in, I jumped in. Apple has tried to lure me in coming back with free trials but really, Spotify is so much better, in UI and recommendation engine.
You generally will need a lot of upgrading in your gear before you notice the quality loss from the 320 kbps option from Spotify.

 

[Coy Ramsey]

A few recent observations. I have come from Pandora (free), to Spotify (free), to AMHD, to Spotify (Prem). AMHD is clearly the value (Prime member) and sound quality leader (on my <$1000 HT system). AMHD, for me was a bit easier to navigate and get help for and I have found Spot Prem difficult to navigate and very difficult to get help. So why did I end up with Spot Prem ? Primarily because it integrates better with Yamaha MusicCast for distributed audio which is how I listen to music and I do like the Spotify Connect feature. For distributed audio, I can't tell the difference in 320 ov and lossless (again, significant difference on HT system). Also, full disclosure, at 77 my grasp on hi-tech is marginal so might explain difficulties (several) with Spotify support.

 

[-Jim-]

I recently read an article where the Spotify CEO mentioned in his address to investors, that their issue relates to licensing agreements to move HiFi (as they are calling this product) forward. He gave no indication as to when any resolution would be coming, and therefore no date for a "real" rollout of lossless content. I was shocked that others (Apple & Amazon) seemed to have no issues here, while the largest player in this market just can't (or won't?) get it done.

It may take a serious loss of subscribers, or major growth be competitors in the lossless arena, for Spotify to finally move this forward. Whatever it takes, I'm hoping they move off the dime soon.