Comparison of streaming services

[sstoma]

Dear all,

I know that people ask this question pretty often, but the situation is changing very fast. I would like to know the answer for the April 2015.

1. In your opinion, is it worth to use Tidal or Qobuz given that I use Macbook hooked via optical cable to Marantz 510 and Q2010i speakers? Currently I use Deezer with HQ. Will I hear difference? My room is not really optimal (about 70 sq. m.). How about good quality headphones either from Macbook or Marantz?

2. Will the answer to this question change if I will be streaming audio via Airplay? Is it possible to hear the difference between Tidal and Deezer in this context?

Thank you a lot!

 

[chebby]

AirPlay will carry up to ALAC quality. (In other words, CD quality.)

 

[iancass]

Only you can tell if you will hear a difference in sound SQ. I have pretty much used all the streaming services out there, although Dezzer had the best music cat for me it had the worst sound for me. Regarding Tidal & Quboz I am/was more than happy with the sound quality but lacks the music I like personally (that said with the Jay Z take over that might change in time as I am more into electronic music) Why don't you get a trial from both, I think they are 7 days free with Tidal and see how you get on with it. I can't coment on the second point as I naver have streamed via Airplay.

 

[iMark]

We have been subscribers to Spotify for a couple of years now. The SQ is OK but it could be better. Currently we stream Spotify to the stereo via an Airport Express + DAC and that works. I wouldn't mind if Spotify would upgrade to CD quality but we also wouldn't mind a different service.

The thing is that I know that Spotify has a great and expanding catalogue and I don't know if this is the same for other services. Does anyone know about a catalogue comparison?