Hi-res music streaming services compared: which should you sign up for?

[What Hi-Fi?]

As the battle to dominate hi-res music streaming intensifies, we tell you which platforms offer the most for your money...

Hi-res music streaming services compared: which should you sign up for? : Read more

 

[James Robinson]

The issue that I have found is not with sound quality, but with the quantity of music of particular genres on offer (and how it is presented in searches), which is entirely missed in this comparative review.

For classical (and, from what I have read, for jazz) Qobuz seems much better than any of the other options (although, to be fair, I have not tried Apple Music for a long time due to the lack of any hi-res files, which I understand is shortly to change).

 

[Isinor]

The issue that I have found is not with sound quality, but with the quantity of music of particular genres on offer (and how it is presented in searches), which is entirely missed in this comparative review.

I have been using Amazon (30 days free) compared to Tidal or Spotify it’s a complete disaster, the android app has so many frustrating usage issues, keep away is my recommendation. I’m happy to pay a little extra to get something that puts access to music as a priority. Maybe the lifetime membership of Roon is worth the cost.

 

[bristollinnet]

A stupidly timed article from What HiFi who just couldn't be patient until Apple's new service goes live. Future Media 'journalism' at its irresponsible worst.

Anybody who signs up this week for anything is an idiot.

 

[dlundh]

Apples lossless and dolby atmos is live now though. The Dolby Atmos stuff is great through the ATV to my receiver. I may stop buying multi-channel SACDs now...
Weird that MQA, a lossy compression, is touted as something to strive after though.

 

[djh1697]

I have both Qobuz and Tidal, simply because they support Roon, which is an excellent interface!

 

[DELBOY14]

I have been using Amazon for a year now and at £8.00 as a Prime member I think it provides a service that's above average, what's not to like at £8. plus 24bit/192khz FLAC, nobody else gets near it and the full version is very easy to find what you want to listen to, you just use the search engine like any other programme.

 

[davidc]

The issue that I have found is not with sound quality, but with the quantity of music of particular genres on offer (and how it is presented in searches), which is entirely missed in this comparative review.

For classical (and, from what I have read, for jazz) Qobuz seems much better than any of the other options (although, to be fair, I have not tried Apple Music for a long time due to the lack of any hi-res files, which I understand is shortly to change).

Not "entirely missed". Amazon pushes the Hi-Res stuff to you, and clearly labels every song.

 

[davidc]

I have been using Amazon (30 days free) compared to Tidal or Spotify it’s a complete disaster, the android app has so many frustrating usage issues, keep away is my recommendation. I’m happy to pay a little extra to get something that puts access to music as a priority. Maybe the lifetime membership of Roon is worth the cost.

I would agree that the Amazon app leaves a lot to be desired in terms of it's UI and ergonomics, but it is not a reason at all to stay away from it, unless you are the kind of person who can never figure out how to use your stereo/TV system because you have 2-3 remote controls.