I’ve done the test with multiple headphones including planar magnetic models connected to high-end external headphone amps. If you want to hear 320kbps, you’ll need to do the MP3 test. One of the test tracks (A and B) will be compressed (in the format delineated by the test name) and the other will be lossless. The short version of the test instructions is that you must choose which audio track (A or B) is the same as the X track. If you check out that link ( here it is again), you’ll find an A/B/X test site for trying out different compression codecs. Sure, if you are streaming the low bitrate files off of Spotify’s free version, you probably could tell the difference. Without going down the rabbit hole and offending audiophiles, I can say (with confidence) that most people even with the best AV gear won’t be able to tell the difference between Spotify Premium and Tidal HiFi in an A/B/X comparison. There is a lot of debate on how much difference you can hear between lossy and lossless music. While that seems like a no-brainer in terms of quality, it’s not a slam dunk, as the numbers indicate. By comparison, Tidal HiFi is 1411kbps and uses the FLAC lossless format. Spotify Premium (their top tier) is 320kbps and uses the AAC lossy format for their music. Spotify has a free version that has much lower bitrates and commercials. Note: I am comparing the paid version of both apps. Offering both music and podcasts, Spotify is a great way to get all your content in one place. Spotify is almost synonymous with music streaming. Offering an extensive catalog of music and artists and lossless playback, they have found a place in the hearts of many AV enthusiasts. In recent years, Tidal has risen in popularity. While I love the nostalgia of CDs, they are not great at playlists. If you are like me, you have playlists for every mood. Streaming services are convenient, and they give you access to a catalog of millions of songs and artists across every genre.
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