Tidal Hi-Fi or Hi-Fi Plus? It's an EASY choice

[@DarkoAudio]

**CORRECTION** The Tidal Hifi and Hifi Plus pricing mentioned in this video isn't German 🇩🇪. It's Portuguese 🇵🇹.

[@bauxi11]

In Austria Hifi is 47% more expensive. 🤔

[@SimonPepper]

Why does Tidal offer different prices for exactly the same services in different EU countries? I pay €19.99/month for HiFi+ in Ireland, which is the same as in Germany, France, etc. The level of tax applied is the same in Portugal as Ireland. There are no physical, i.e. people elements in the delivery of the services in the other regions, so why different. This breaks the EU rules. So you take the Portuguese prices for HiFi+ as at €13.99/month you are getting it cheaper then nearly anywhere else.

[@simonfrost7561]

Hifi plus is £19.99 in the UK no real reason for the twice as expensive as Portugal's price that I can see any ideas?

[@jonthompson8807]

I still don't get why everyone is allergic to Amazon music HD. Why am I the dumb one?

[@ValdemarDeMatos]

In Spain is also HiFi: 10,99€ and HiFi Plus: 19,99€ 😳

[@richiereyn]

You hit the nail on the head. I find that it's the master they use that makes much more noticeable difference to the quality of reproduction. When there is the opportunity to stream the original 16bit or the hi-res "remaster," a lot of the time I find the 16bit version to be miuch more dynamic which is what I much prefer. I am glad I bought my CD's years ago before all this remastering, brick wall limiting and compression took place. This is where, in my opinion, streaming services fall down. You can in most cases, only stream the version that is currently allowed by the record label. Whilst they can claim to remaster in hi-res, there is nothing hi-res about a recording that has been butchered for the sake of making it as loud as can be. Another thing that has been highlighted by "Wings Of Pegasus" channel on KZbin, they are now taking it upon themselves to autotune the vocals when they remaster, which is a total tragedy. So you're not even hearing the singers natural voice anymore. When will this madness end?

[@RapIsLife2000]

Tidal has been the best for me at discovering new music. Spotify feels like I'm paying to be bombarded with ads of whatever music has released and has paid Spotify.

[@666dualsport]

ive never had a ad in 5 years

[@BobbyBass-x6i]

I tried Tidal along with Qobuz, Spotify and Amazon music along with Apple Music. I Chose Qobuz. It had the best combination of sound quality, selection, price and ease of use IMO. Thanks for the video. Peace, love and music!

[@GinoColombi]

I'm an audiophile, apart from DJ and music producer and I've been using Tidal HiFi Plus for almost 4 years, definitely recommend it

[@johnnypiper1717]

I been looking to swap fron youtube music to either Apple music or tidal I don't have any I phone accessories and heard both was good quality music. I don't pay for youtube music so hopefully tidal or apple is better quality if I buy the monthly rate

[@hawgwild5456]

Totally agree with your thoughts and the lack of value of Hi-Fi Plus.

[@octaviangrigorovici9812]

For some people having surround systems at home, there's also Dolby Atmos, which you get in the Plus tier. Yes, I know. Lossy. But trust me, a lot of people new in the hobby who have Atmos systems at home whose stereo resolve isn't the most convincing, will get a thrill out of those Armos tracks. In my view, that counts for something.

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

The main reason why i subscribed Tidal (instead of its competitors) is it is the streaming platform that pays artists the best/ most.

[@RitmoMusiquero]

but tidal only has 11% of the digital market. In the end, the one that pays the most is Spotify, which is why it reaches close to 60% of the digital public. You earn more money because there are more people.

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

@@RitmoMusiquero i don't mean globally of course. of course if you have more customers, in the global scheme you pay more. (and earn much more also) i mean per stream. big artists earn more because they get a big part of the cake without even being listened to. of course that part of the cake comes at the cost of smaller artists that earn less and less. spotify is the worst in this context. of course the app itself, layout, algorythm etc. is a completely different story.

[@smirkingguru]

Tidal sounds awesome. To top it off Tidal gives 50% discount to military active duty and veterans. Approx. $12US. Great deal!

[@joecampos66]

Veterans discount will keep me at Tidal for HiFi Plus.

[@bingobongo8309]

I changed last month from spotify to Qobuz...AMAZING!!! I was not sure, what to choose...Tidal/Qobuz. After some reviews I choose Qobuz, because it gots all I need and it got a clear communication in a each song, if I hear "CD" or "HiRes" quality.

[@astronav24]

Thanks John, a very helpful video; I've decided to step down to HiFi after seeing this. A saving almost as large as my annual Roon subscription.

[@amosh3119]

I’d like to point out, at least in UK the Tidal app on Fire TV, Android TV and the Samsung TV app are NOT restricted to videos only. All your audio and video stuff is there under My Collection and the audio only content is also available either by search or by scrolling further down the Home Screen. As a long time Tidal user and Roon user I have to say I’m now using Tidal connect 90% of the time. It is just so convenient. Auto scrolling lyrics on your iOS device while Tidal connect plays via your hifi is a neat feature. Finally I’ll add that Tidal does eventually learn your listening preferences and the resulting custom mixes and recommendations are now great.

[@uglybob7505]

Had Tidal for a while and when I started getting into hi-res audio I upgraded to the max package and have NOT regretted it one moment. I listen to it via a WiiM Mini hooked up via toslink to a Fosi DAC. Through my beyterdynamic DT770 Pro cans it sounds out of this world.

[@jacquesduplessis6175]

Back when I was a young boy, we got lossless audio in boxes, cd boxes, and it lasted the lifetime of your listening attention. Some would even dare to say the music was better back then👀😲

[@Phil_f8andbethere]

For me Tidal Hi-Fi is all I need. I use it to try out new (to me) music, and if I like it I buy it on CD. Problem with any streaming service, is that they often only have the latest re-mastered albums on there. In a lot of cases Remastered = Louder and Harsher, so I prefer the original mastered versions on CD. Also, if some artist has a row with the record company or streaming service, my music collection isn't going to disappear overnight.

[@KCYT2010]

I compared Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz in my treated room with my all Benchmark Media system and Paradigm signature speakers. Qobuz was so much better, no matter what resolution. Tidal was just all over the place, horrible clipping and distortion. Spotify sounded the radio in my car. I couldn't care less about what apps they offer if a service sounds bad.

[@klaverro]

Same here. Ditched Tidal after finding out at a demo that Qobuz offers a more natural sounding quality. In my room Qobuz (and Roon) sometimes even matches the SQ of my cd’s (using Hegel amp+cd and Dynaudio Confidence setup).

[@Audiodreamer192-24]

Tidal hifi plus is great! It has most music in HI-RES. I’ve been using Tidal almost since its very beginning. It uses full sized flac files now on connect but also retains the MQA Which there are a lot of haters, I however am not . I like the MQA’s and in some cases even more than the HI-RES flac . Despite the uncalled for hate MQA is the only format that considers the time domain throughout the entire delivery. I used to have Spotify as well but have long since cancelled it as there was no point paying for something I didn’t use anymore.

[@benm3152]

I used tidal for years. I now subscribe to qobus for the following reasons, no bill creap and most importantly it sounds better less compression and more natural sound. Tidal interference and algorithm is superior to qobus but for me the sound will always take priority.

[@Pirxel]

Thanks, your video made them merge both tiers for the price of the cheaper one :D

[@klaverro]

This video seems to be about selling Tidal, not about which streaming platform offers the best sound quality for your system. That SQ depends on many things (and everyone should mainly trust their own ears...). I stopped using Tidal last year because Qobuz's sound quality is better IMO. Who wants to use Tidal Connect at home or outside when you have Roon and Roon ARC? Roon radio also does well with Qobuz and Qobuz offers 100 million songs in 100% CD quality. They even have 240,000 albums in high resolution. For some gaps in their catalog I use Spotify or my CD collection.

[@l67swap1]

Im a hifi plus subscriber , works great with my mola mola tambaqui DAC and also my other devices ... I love it 😊

[@woody7232]

I'm not normally a fan of algorithms but those suggesting similar music to the one currently playing have introduced me to some wonderful new music. I don't know how the Roon algorithm compares but Tidal's New Arrivals, Daily Discovery and suggested new tracks (along with of course some great suggestions from one notable YT reviewer who introduced me to Alva Noto) have in the electronic music area introduced me to Craven Faults from Yorkshire, Föllakzoid from Chile and Svaneborg Kardyb from Denmark just in the last week.

[@iamkailong]

It simply doesn’t matter. No matter what you choose you are not getting the ‘lossless’ experience they promised. Their flac are still convert from the lossy mqa file they once used. So no matter which you get you not getting the best music wuality anyways. Just choose the cheaper one if you really want to saty in Tidal.

[@giovannialfano5979]

I tried a couple of times to switch back to Spotify, but my ears advised me to come back to Tidal. Believe it or not, it's like night and day. Obviously it depends on the quality of your gears also.

[@NIAtoolkit]

The main sell for Tidal HiFi Plus is Dolby Atmos Music, that’s how they got me. This may sound sacrilege but I’m fully embracing surround sound

[@delvalle9256]

It’s even an easier choice now …. Come April 10, in the US at least, Tidal Hifi Plus will be $10.99 … tidal cd quality and hi res will be combined into one price / tier 😂 Spotify HIFI no more

[@jeb1225]

Same for me in the UK too, result!

[@Rumeel12708]

No way! Will this be for everyone? I just signed up for the 60 day trial for $2 for the Hi-Fi. Wooooo well that's great news, I am still keeping my YT music for those unofficial tracks!!!!!

[@colefreddy1]

I stopped using Tidal for a while now. Back to playing cd's and personal rips. Done with all those terrible remasters which are brickwalled like crazy. Hunting down for OG or repressings of cd's is quite fun

[@johnpajestka5022]

I started with Tidal hi-fi because USB Audio Pro used it. Got a Wiim Pro with Tidal connect as well. It sounds great to me and never felt the need to upgrade. I buy the hi-res or sometimes CD if I find it super cheap used. Some albums I just want to own.

[@benjaminjwilson6694]

the music I listen to was made in the 80s and 90s, cd quality is the best I can get for this. the built in music player in my pixel 8 pro does a wonderful job playing this quality of music.

[@MLantier]

I'm currently using TIDAL and Qobuz. I like that TIDAL doubles the royalty that it pays the artists over everyone else. I also enjoy the music that TIDAL picks for me when I choose "go to track radio". Occasionally, I've noticed that Qobuz might have an old esoteric album that I want to hear. Occasionally, Qobuz might offer a better version of the recording. But, if I can only choose one, I choose TIDAL.

[@MSGjk8]

Thoroughly enjoy the standard hi fi tier with a nice 40% military discount. Sounds wonderful on my vintage gear thru Topping e30 dac. None of the other services offers this discount.

[@kjbiz]

Gave up Tidal for Qobuz. Pretty happy and transfer from Qobuz to Apple music for in car play. Roon at home…and vinyl 😊

[@jonaspetersen7327]

Also consider how you are listening. If you mostly listen on wireless headphones without LDAC codec or similar, you dont really need anything better than mp3 320 kbit

[@mehmetcamat4458]

I fully agree with you with your 3 points on tidal and also regarding the hifi plus I also think its not worth the money for just few hires flac files which is a very small percent. I also use Qobuz only under Roon. It has more hires files than tidal.

[@DarkoAudio]

I don't suppose you have a source for the number of hi-res files on Qobuz? I think many of us would like to see that. 🙂

[@mehmetcamat4458]

No unfortunately I don’t but I converted a tidal playlist to a Qobuz playlist and many songs after being converted into Qobuz were in hires. When I looked at the same playlist with hifi plus subscription that particular playlist had very few hires files In tidal. I don’t know may be it was due to a transition time from mqa to hires

[@slatersolomon431]

Thanks for this content, saved me some cash! I was on the hifi plus family at $30 and now $17!

[@kierand9410]

Well articulated. Once you've accounted for the negligible difference in sound quality and limited library, I'm happy to stay a Hifi subscribers.

[@Karhallarn]

Thank you for saving me 14€ on my Tidal Family subscription! Great information as always!

[@gregoryeiding5395]

One thing you didn’t address is whether or not paying for the hi res tier pays the artists more. I love that tidal is somewhat transparent with which artists are receiving the money from me each month. As you’ve noted before $20/month is dirt cheap when you think about what someone paid in the 90s. So if the artist is getting more and I’m getting maybe a few extra streams in high res I think it’s a win win.

[@davidnunn1306]

Yep, easy choice, it's Qobuz Sublime for me.

[@jakobgooijer]

If I have to choose between Tidal hifi or + I choose Qobuz

[@Rudi-Mhz]

I use Tidal for classic and new Music. The HIFI only Tidal is my Choice, the reasons are exactly told in the vlog.

[@larryh9525]

Here's the easiest way to get a Roon-like transition from your mobile phone to your home stereo system without using Roon. You will need a Wiim (Mini, Pro, or Plus) and MConnect on your mobile device. MConnect will play locally on the device, then when you wish to connect to your home system, choose "Play to" and make a UPNP connection to the Wiim and you're done. Very similar to what you're doing with the FiiO. All without the monthly cost for Roon and $1,000 for the FiiO. This only works with Tidal and Qobuz, but since the video was about Tidal, I figured it was worth passing along.

[@CeeJay591]

Thank you for this info - very much appreciated

[@jesperhaastrup]

try JPLAY, same concept just more streamlined

[@AuggieG]

I’ve used Tidal Hi-Fi tier for over a year now after I switched from Spotify. And I went for the Hi-Fi tier for the reasons you mentioned in this video.

[@Randomizer92mx]

It's great that you can manage your Tidal library with a free account so you can move stuff from Spotify or Apple Music to Tidal at your own pace.

[@alch3mi5t.]

I'm from the future as I post, but in the past when you read it. Stupid time. Now it is all plus. On my 2 months trial. defo keeping it. Not sure I can cancel my youtube sub, but feeling okay with the new Tidal pricing. Shaking up the game.

[@emmgeevideo]

I learned about Roon a couple of years ago from this channel. I was already a Tidal subscriber. I LOVE these two together. Roon Radio is the best for the reasons you describe.

[@TorToroPorco]

On my smartphones and tablets I tend to download the songs I like best onto my device so I’m not streaming them over the internet when I listen just to remove that variable from the listening experience and to avoid cellular costs or poor wifi connections.

[@timec818]

Thanks for that good podcast with Peter👍🙏

[@marijuscibulskis1936]

The podcast with Peter Comeau was shockingly educational and interesting 🎉 Enjoyed and learned a lot. Thanks John.

[@AndreasNeubauer-c9p]

While I struggle for a year and can’t decide for tidal, tidal plus or qobuz, WiiM mini through a descent DAC and Amazon HD do the job for me. This is tidal connect-ish. Somehow to me. Can’t afford roon in money and time, tried trial periods on all mentioned plus apple and Spotify. Didn’t like last both for the Interface, which is almost as important as the sound quality to me. Qobuz is my favorite for the app design or tidal non-plus. Yes, video helped me to exclude one more from my list. Thanks, John!

[@medonk12rs]

Qobuz try you must. Better it is.

[@yegscaper6444]

Pet Shop Boys 🤩. A man after my own heart.

[@gregbailer8701]

After 40 years of re-purchasing my favorite music about every 10 years from (70 Vinyl), (80 tapes), (90 CD), (00 MP3) I am NOT going to buy my music (yet again) in Hi-Res format! Fool me (4) times...that's enough.

[@TimvanderLeeuw]

I love streaming music services, am perfectly happy with CD quality audio so I'll pay for that rate, but that collection of CDs will stay with me for at least it is actually mine! What's on a streaming service can be taken off the service just like that and disappear, tough luck on you. So hang on to your collection!

[@arslanmalik151]

For years Spotify promised a high res option was coming. Well it's 2024 and still haven't released a higher quality version.

[@alfredbrown7608]

Yeah that sucks I've been waiting for it for the longest don't seems it's going to happen

[@Agu2art]

For me, Tidal was the only streaming app that works just fine on my main setup (android tv> reciver). The key difference for me is the availability of Dolby Atmos on some albums. One thing I would chance on Tidal is it's Tidal Connect, as it won't pass HiRess nor Atmos, only "HiFi", and that's why I mainly use it directly from the native app on the tv (or Google TV Chromecast)

[@jamiejade1971]

Sure it does. I have a Wiim Plus pro and it plays all my Hi-Res from Tidal.

[@Agu2art]

@@jamiejade1971 well, from my phone direct to the streaming box (o Chromecast w/GoogleTV) it only works on "HiFi" quality. But, if I open the native app on Google TV, it does play everything and every format.

[@swissgator6312]

Thanks so much John. I was on the Plus plan and I can't stream Hi Res material anyway! Just saved me a bundle! 👍

[@alanjerram9258]

A completely fair and honest take about Tidal +. You probably talked a lot of people into realizing Plus offers no real additional value and did them a favor.

[@mattybryan2011]

Ooh, Whipping Boy *AND* Secret Machines? Ah yes, a man of class...

[@michaelmueller3228]

Darko, you recommended Tidal years ago and I love it. I use hifi because my system isn’t resolving enough and it works well with Volumio.

[@RogerBergqvist]

Qobuz. Tidal was good when it was Norwegian. When Jay-Z became a partner, everything went south. I had Spotify almost from the time they were formed, but the sound never evolved. Qobuz is a fabulously good streaming service.

[@bergennorway]

WIMP 😚 Tidal Jay-Z 😒

[@NazriB]

Lies again? Teddy Bear AMWF Car

[@NosEL34]

I'm a Quboz man myself but I think it's funny you blame Jay-Z for whatever Tidal's problems are 😂

[@sad99q]

Thanks. Very helpful. And another vote for a review of the Goldenear speakers.

[@TimvanderLeeuw]

I subscribe to both Tidal and Qobuz, because Tidal has the better interface and collection but Qobuz sounds better to me, even with my very modest gear. That might be due to the way the respective apps interact with the audio APIs of the OS on which they run, but even with very modest gear I can hear the difference. I just want to have the fuller library of song radio of Tidal but also want to sometimes enjoy the higher quality of Qobuz.

[@sunewjenkuzo2835]

I might use Tidal since they support artists more fairly with pay. YT music dosen't pay anyone well and Spotify is choking out its indie artists rather quickly now. Deezer is my next choice but they have a limit on how many artists I can follow.

[@csgband]

Excellent breakdown. I am looking forward to the playlist. Those alone are worth joining the Patreon. Thanks

[@BogdanGrigore]

I use Tidal for Sony 360 Audio tracks that you can have only on the hi-fi plus tier. I play them on Sony HT A9 and sound impressive.

[@boubakane]

Monsieur Darko you are the boss! Just what I needed to chose vs qobuz finally 👏🏾

[@josephramos7979]

I suspected as much with HI-FI plus and I thank you for the analysis and answering an on going question I've had with my subscription. With my mid-fi equipment I think I'll downgrade and try the service with CD quality and see if I notice. Thanks!

[@D1N02]

I went for Qobuz. It's European, no MQA. cheaper than Tidal in the Netherlands. Qobuz is slowly getting better. Recently added song radio and recommendations are getting better. Qobuz will come with a connect function eventually. You didn't mention Amazon.

[@marcfoss7687]

Thanks John, an interesting analysis and perspective.

[@RickRolling-tc7vb]

Thanks John, it helps us to know what we're getting for our money when we're first approaching these platforms. I think they're great for discovery , and to give a little bit to the artist when we play their songs, but my curated collection of music will always be offline and local: I can't abide the arbitrary substitions and deletions that come with the cloud.

[@perling9]

In germany tidal hifi goes for 10,99€ and hifi plus for 19,99

[@allanwhittle3041]

Really really good stuff , expertly presented ..What Darko a star you are 👍🥂

[@citytianyu]

Looking forward to NAD m66 review!

[@avyaktangel]

If I'm right, The high Fi plus tier also gives more money to artists (or it used to) which I think is worth mentioning, as a lot of audio fans are aware of the issues surrounding pay for musicians/bands on streaming services. It would be interesting to know how that works and how much actually goes to artists.

[@DarkoAudio]

Nope. That 'pay more to artists' feature was axed last year.

[@avyaktangel]

Ah shame! @@DarkoAudio

[@stevecohen11]

I use Qobuz over Tidal, prefer the sound quality versus Tidal. Plus paying monthly subscription fee of $12.99 Seems like a good deal to me.

[@MrRAW1968]

In the Netherlands the prices are much higher, 10,99 versus 19,99. The choice is even easier then.

[@JohnWickFour]

Great content and many considerations at play. For me I'm loving Amazon Music's massive collection of native Dolby Atmos- Inxs Kick 30 = wow 👌

[@60zeller]

Ex Tidal user. Dont like the MQA crap but manly there support sucks. Been with Qbuz for 2 years. Much prefer

[@francoisdunord7169]

my easy choice is Qobuz ❤, great sound, great interface 🇳🇱

[@venvedam]

HiRes is emperor's new clothes for me. I have been in this game for long now. CD any day for me 💪

[@ProfessorHamer]

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again, AirPlay does indeed have a handoff/connect feature, but it requires either an Apple TV or HomePod/homepod mini. HomePod is the simplest to use in this way, you can just tap the HomePod mini, tap the popup, then tap the AirPlay menu when it starts to move the sound to your hi-fi AirPlay end point, then remove the HomePod from the list, voila.

[@ahhhdeosmile]

Good analysis. I question how the high rez, for example 24/96 and 24/192 are created. Are they simply over sampled or somehow rezzed up from the cd base quality? What information exists to know this ? How much normalization is applied?

[@GoufinAround_]

You can't add data to make a cd-quality lossless file a hi-res lossless file.

[@ericjenkins2737]

I sure wish we could hang out and pick each other’s brains concerning 90s electronica and ambient. I was fortunate enough to hang out with Namlook and record a bit of noise with him on Namlook X - Monolith.

[@stevebenson3283]

I noticed an NAD M66 in the background. Is there a review of that coming soon?

[@Milo_Molnar]

Amazon music unlimited - great sound quality.

[@TheWeardale1]

it's what i use, but the functionality via the Bluos is horrendous!

[@Milo_Molnar]

@@TheWeardale1 I agree.

[@KS-yy2fu]

​@TheWeardale1 it is and they never changes though getting complain eversince

[@DakTirCue]

@@TheWeardale1 I use HEOS instead of Bluos (Marantz streamer).. and the UI with that was bad as well. ... but the latest upgrade has some improvements. Amazon has ultra hi def and also atmos (if you are into that for 2 channel listening). Since I have amazon prime..its a no-brainer today slightly more for their unlimited hi def audio. But yes ...baby steps with the HEOS integration...likely the same type issues as Bluos.

[@crh4878]

Secret Machines were great! First Wave Intact is one of the best opening songs to any debut album ever. RIP Benjamin Curtis

[@Leon-lg7zm]

Qobuz is the best for sound quality

[@Wuppie62]

Yes, but in 2024 they really should provide a 'connect' or other wireless remote control option. To have to get up from of my lounge chair to manually select another track is just soooo 70's vinyl-like. :)

[@toddsullivan3234]

Not sure what your situation is, but the Qobuz app allows me to control everything via iphone or ipad, music search/selections and volume levels. @@Wuppie62

[@ericjensen9091]

I'm new at this. I bought a Bluesound Node X and use Qobuz. I use the Qobuz app on my Android phone. I had to set up it up initially with my laptop. I use my integrated amplifier remote for volume control, never seem to need the Node's supplied remote. For song/album selection I simply use my smartphone. I never need to get up for any reason, never bother with the Node. But it looks cool with the lighted controls on top. I don't understand why anyone needs Tidal "connect", or Roon. This is too complicated for my caveman brain I guess.

[@pinkyfloydyfan1]

I don't think so.

[@lowkey3820]

i just use KZbin music sure its probably not the best sound quality but it sounds good to me i use Bluetooth headphones airpod pros or apple car play the audio is fine. Not to mention i have yet to be able to not find a song on it Literally has everything even the guy with 2 views that started making music yesterday lol. I like youtube premium so way pay extra for music when its included with my KZbin subscription.

[@NakeanWickliff]

One thing to remember is if you have an Apple TV you can do the same thing and pass off the streaming service to your Apple TV from your phone instead of streaming through AirPlay. This is extremely beneficial if you have surroundsound, and would like to access your Atmos content over the HDMI.

[@1337sim1]

Great video thanks Darko!

[@brianfernandes2382]

For around the last 7 years, I have really gotten used to using tidal having had a corporate account. It has just recently ended due to Tidal changing their structure. I miss having it.

[@RectifiedMetals]

Yeah I no longer push Tidal selling hifi equipment because they ended the corporate feature. MQA is not as important anymore since over half the equipment doesn’t support it.

[@The-gametime]

today tidal give to all hires music... realy love it!

[@dangrass]

So, I just ended my 2 months trial with Tidal hi-fi Plus. While I guess it may be worth the additional money for the Plus tier, there's a bigger issue with Tidal. While Apple and Spotify (other's I've used) have been pretty much agnostic on the content they provide, Tidal is to a great extent a vehicle for Jay Z, Beyonce, Doja Cat, and various others who make "music" in this genre, to push their new releases. It's actually pretty extreme. While I had no issues with the technical quality of what Tidal was offering, the constant use of this paid service as an advertising medium for a small group of "artists" was really not ok. I'm currently trialing Apple music and find the quality to be more than acceptable, but without the persistent bias that Tidal had. Spotify might be another good choice, but from what I understand the technical quality of their platform is not up to the level of Apple or Tidal.

[@metalmaggot673]

im paying 5 bucks for the student plan which is tidals hi-fi plus =) getting all the hi-res for cheap ahaha

[@jdmInteriors]

Awesome Equipment. Im so jealous.😁 And love the video too

[@jedknutson8373]

I tried Qobuz trial period and just couldn't commit as it doesn't do two things Tidal does...1) doesn't have the artist's top tracks as an option, and 2) doesn't have similar artist radio which I think is great. you can only select albums from the artists which I thought sucked....also a biggie for me is if you have a student in college it's only 10.00/month for hi-fi-plus

[@jazzboy]

Great point on mastering. Been talking to many folks about this issue present in a lot of remastered streaming content. While 192/24 does sound more "relaxed", artists like Lauffey, while not 96 or 192, sound spectacular due to exemplary recording and mastering. Where all things come together is the version of Miles Davis' Kind of Blue at 192/24, which is breathtaking! Still listen to a lot of vinyl simply because the mastering is better, but Hi Res and well mastered digital simply can't be beat and that's coming from a guy that builds turntables haha!

[@fjosh6]

You forgot to mention that hifi plus also pays 10% of your monthly subscription fee to your most listened to artist each month. While not a benefit for the end user and most aren't going to care, some of us do.

[@DarkoAudio]

I didn't forget to mention it. That 10% payout programme was discontinued last year.

[@mayssebmasenya9132]

Oh. That’s a shame. That was one of the reasons I chose Hi-Fi Plus.

[@fjosh6]

@@DarkoAudio That was the only reason I was subscribed. I'm switching down a tier today, I appreciate you. Maybe I'll even just switch to KZbin to get rid of the KZbin ads.

[@ulrikmortensen9426]

Tried Tidal a couple of years ago. Did not like the sound, kind of to edgy and”white”. Now on Qobuz and the sound is very natural and organic. I stream through Volumio

[@qboogie]

I have noticed this also, when streaming from my android phone via USB into my DAC/amp. I have no explanation for it, however

[@TheIpadfanatic]

I am an avid Roon user. Probably a little obsessed is a more apt description. I had both Tidal & Qobuz integrated for a couple of years. At the height of Tidal and their MQA marketing. For me, I found about half a dozen artists on Tidal that Qobuz skipped for whatever reason. That half dozen wasn't worth carrying both services. And I could get as far away from the Tidal MQA BS. Qobuz Hi-Res library is good enough when I want to dip my toe in those waters. My 2 cents worth.