Spotify or Tidal?

[GFOviedo]

So, I've been testing Pandora Premium, Deezer Premium, Spotify Premium, Tidal HiFi and Amazon Music.

In all honesty, they all sound about the same streaming via my patio set up Denon HEOS Link G1 + Denon AVR 1707 + pair Polk Audio Atrium 5's and garage set up BlueSound PowerNode G1 + pair Pioneer SP-BS22.

I can hear a difference in sound with my main HT Denon X4200, pair Chane A5rx-c's + Power Sound Audio PSA-XV15 sub.

So my question is, which music streaming service do you use?

I'm going back to school, so I'll be able to get a discount from Spotify and Tidal at $4.99 for Premium And $9.99 for Tidal HiFi.

 

[JBrax]

I'm a big fan of Tidal plus I get the discount for being a veteran. I'd say it's the way to go at that discounted price.

 

[Todd Anderson]

I subscribe to Tidal HiFi... but I'm not sure I use it enough on a good system to reap the benefits of a $20 per month premium. It almost seems like the cheaper alternatives are a great option (and just buy a CD or download Hi-Res) if there's an album or artist you want to hear with better quality?

 

[GFOviedo]

I subscribe to Tidal HiFi... but I'm not sure I use it enough on a good system to reap the benefits of a $20 per month premium. It almost seems like the cheaper alternatives are a great option (and just buy a CD or download Hi-Res) if there's an album or artist you want to hear with better quality?

That's why I've been testing all of the music streaming providers Premium plans. I did noticed a sound difference with Tidal HiFi, buy only in my main HT set up. I heard no sound difference with my garage and patio set up.

I think Spotify has a bigger music library as well. I would pay $60 for the year with Spotify premium compared to $120 for Tidal HiFi.

So after much consideration, testing and cost in thinking of going with Spotify.

 

[Todd Anderson]

Solid choice with good reasoning behind it. I think you'll be happy!

 

[JBrax]

That's why I've been testing all of the music streaming providers Premium plans. I did noticed a sound difference with Tidal HiFi, buy only in my main HT set up. I heard no sound difference with my garage and patio set up.

I think Spotify has a bigger music library as well. I would pay $60 for the year with Spotify premium compared to $120 for Tidal HiFi.

So after much consideration, testing and cost in thinking of going with Spotify.

So you did hear a difference but are choosing the cheaper option at a savings of $60/year? Most of us have invested thousands of dollars in our gear so paying that difference seems like a no brainer to me. I'll always pay for superior source material. That is if you did hear a difference and will use the service in your main room.

 

[GFOviedo]

So you did hear a difference but are choosing the cheaper option at a savings of $60/year? Most of us have invested thousands of dollars in our gear so paying that difference seems like a no brainer to me. I'll always pay for superior source material. That is if you did hear a difference and will use the service in your main room.

The HT gets used mainly for movies. I'm usually in my garage woodworking and breaking things lol.

If I had a better 2 channel system then I would go with Tidal. One year of Tidal gets me two years with Spotify.

 

[ShpongleDMT]

I'm a big fan of Tidal plus I get the discount for being a veteran. I'd say it's the way to go at that discounted price.

Same here. I pay for Tidal HiFi and get a good discount for being military.

 

[GFOviedo]

Same here. I pay for Tidal HiFi and get a good discount for being military.

The military discount is nice. I think it should be the same or more as the student discount.

 

[JBrax]

The military discount is nice. I think it should be the same or more as the student discount.

I thought it was the same? $11.99/month right?

 

[GFOviedo]

I thought it was the same? $11.99/month right?

No students pay $4.99 for premium and $9.99 for HiFi.

 

[GFOviedo]

Then if you pay 6 month in advance you get another $1.50 discount.

 

[Todd Anderson]

$9.99 for the HiFi version is a steal (if you can make good use of it). I've found one of the HiFi negatives to be song start time while driving around. It's variable, depending on location (but can take up to 15-20 seconds in cell dead spots).

 

[JBrax]

No students pay $4.99 for premium and $9.99 for HiFi.

Come to think of it I do remember students having a better monthly subscription rate. I'd still prefer the veteran rate because it's long term whereas that student rate will end at some point.

 

[JBrax]

$9.99 for the HiFi version is a steal (if you can make good use of it). I've found one of the HiFi negatives to be song start time while driving around. It's variable, depending on location (but can take up to 15-20 seconds in cell dead spots).

Todd, I'm going to assume your mobile data plan must be unlimited? No way I could afford streaming with my Verizon data plan.

 

[GFOviedo]

$9.99 for the HiFi version is a steal (if you can make good use of it). I've found one of the HiFi negatives to be song start time while driving around. It's variable, depending on location (but can take up to 15-20 seconds in cell dead spots).

Well I was able to get the student discount and since I paid 6 months in advanced I got another discount. Not bad less than $60 dollars for 6 months do HiFi and I also have unlimited data with Verizon

 

[JBrax]

Well I was able to get the student discount and since I paid 6 months in advanced I got another discount. Not bad less than $60 dollars for 6 months do HiFi and I also have unlimited data with Verizon

You'll enjoy Tidal. It's a great service with a very impressive library. If your internet is fast the videos are also great looking.

 

[GFOviedo]

You'll enjoy Tidal. It's a great service with a very impressive library. If your internet is fast the videos are also great looking.

My home internet speed is 250 Mbps download and 12 Mbps upload. I think it should work fine.

 

[Sonnie]

I'm still learning... does that count for the student discount?

I just can't pay 20 bucks per month... too much for me.

 

[GFOviedo]

I'm still learning... does that count for the student discount?

I just can't pay 20 bucks per month... too much for me.

Negatory. You have to be an active student.

 

[Sonnie]

I am active... very active.

 

[JBrax]

I'm still learning... does that count for the student discount?

I just can't pay 20 bucks per month... too much for me.

REALLY?

 

[Sonnie]

REALLY?

Hey... I live in L.A. for a reason! Cost of living down here is purty cheap.

 

[JBrax]

Hey... I live in L.A. for a reason! Cost of living down here is purty cheap.

Uh huh…I've seen the parade of gear circulating through the Sonnie homestead. Something tells me you could splurge for that Tidal cost. Although I know you're not a fan of the streaming services because you really never own the music. I get that but it's just so convenient.

 

[GFOviedo]

So, my 9 day old son Vicente and my 3 yr old Jovani are both asleep listening to music via Tidal with my main HT. I can definitely hear the difference in quality between the Tidal HiFi and everyone else's premium plans.

My Jovani fell in love with Keisza when he saw her walking / dancing in her music video Hideaway. Jovani asked me, "Dad who's that?" and he got upset when I paused it lol.