The tunes sound harsh and far too loud. I know that they have to watermark the music. If that's the reason I quit listening to this overcompressed and below 10Khz broadcasted shit.

 

Google probably making it shitty on purpose to actively harm listeners and/or cause discomfort or displeasure. These people are evil.

 

I have not noticed anything. Have your settings changed maybe? You can set the quality, normalization and limiter gain (desktop app).



Edit: I just noticed that the quality settings in the phone app are unavailable. That could be it...

 

Last edited: Jan 27, 2021

People today want to have everything cheap (preferably for free).
Spotify fulfill them the wish.
For cheap, they get cheap, everything is fine!

 

Tidal premium account only way to go if you have a decent set of speakers. Not cheap but sounds so much better.

 

I am a paying Spotify customer, I do not experience any audio quality issue with it. The free version might be different I guess.

I stopped using 48Khz/24bit FLACs a long time ago because no matter the quality of my audio gear, I just can't distinguish it compared with HQ Spotify audio setting.

 

What is your audiophile reference? Apple Airpods?

 

Shure SE846 in-ear, Shure SRH1540 headphones and HEDD 07 studio monitors.

I have extensively blind tested my 48Khz/24-bit FLACs to MP3 encoded versions (with Foobar and the ABX plugin). I was able to distinguish up to 192kbs MP3. Anything higher and I was unable to tell the difference.

I could not believe it at first, but facts are facts, so I dumped my FLACs and I lived happily ever after

I am sure there are people who can distinguish 320kbs MP3 in a volume matched blind test, but that doesn't change my personal conclusion.

 

Last edited: Jan 27, 2021

I use Tidal. It shits on Spotify and pays the artist more. Win/win situation for me.

 

that happens when people are not able to do the mastering properly.

as much as this autolimiting shit sucks, but it is known what these platforms do and you have to prepare your files accordingly, then all is good.

i´ve heard they will soon switch to ITU standards, then it wil become a bit easier.

 

Add Roon and you are all set.

 

I haven't noticed anything particularly offensive with Spotify streaming.

Tidal is definitely better quality but I like to listen to music "like a commoner" as that's who I'm primarily making music for.

 

have you tested amazon music? I was testing for the 3 free months and couldn't stand it for a single day. The sound is the worst ever.

 

dear god no, even using amazon prime video or whatever is awful.

I think amazon music solely exists for people to go "Alexa! Play relaxing music!" and then it plays like low tempo jazz playlists.

 

I'm angry too with Spotify! We all deserve high-quality audiophile grade pirated stuff!

Spoiler: Spotify but Not Spotify

*spam* Spotify Converter

 

I thought it was me... Spotify and Amazon suck. Haven't tried Anal, I mean, Tidal, though.