Sorry I don’t understand how to use the multi-quote thing.
Anyway, so Tidal is now $10/month for 320kps MP3 or $20/month for lossless? I thought that choice was still in the works and they had not yet rolled it out. I don’t really have issue with the cost $10 or $20 by itself anyway.
I don’t care about social media one iota. I don’t partake in it unless you count forums then I’m good for one. I also have no use for curated playlists. I do my own curation and discovery on my own rather well, thank you. (You don’t spend a few years in radio as library clerk, then move up to Music Director and Associate Producer and come out clueless). To those whom don’t DIY it in this regard, I can see the value of that.
As to the HiFi logo, the same can be said for Spotify Premium (which I currently subscribe to). Just because it says “premium” in the corner how do we now it isn’t 256kps or less? Anyway, it’s next to impossible to tell the difference between 256kps and 320kps with our ears. Once you have lost data, that’s it, it doesn’t matter the rate. (By the way, I used to subscribe to MOG and ran fast and far when Beats bought them. I saw the writing on the wall and I was right on that one).
Thanks for the link. I did not see that. I’ll try to find the time to read it. I also want to find the time to search the Tidal catalog and compare it to Spotify’s in depth.
The DAC comes in for me personally because my PCs both have sound issues. My desktop has a high-end internal soundcard that is not worth a crap because I mostly hear the hard drive, fans, etc. It is my understanding that an outboard DAC between the soundcard and speakers will solve that issue. My laptop’s soundcard…well, how good is a laptop soundcard? (Not very good). I also don’t like using my PCs as sources as there is too much going on in the background with various processes and such which I believe degrades the music.
The “free trial” for Tidal is not so good. Seven days is not enough time unless your home 24/7 and cancel it if you don’t want the service at least 3 to 4 days in advance so your card doesn’t get charged. That is unless they have changed their trial offer as well, I’d be curious to know. I’ll take a look when I get the chance to search their library, since I’ll be there anyway.
I am not doubting that Tidal sounds good, but I also don’t know where Tidal will be going since mister rapper dude bought them. I like to see where things will end up sort of before climbing on board. I only joined Spotify two years ago if that gives you any indication of how I go. The only real assumptions I feel I am really making is based on my personal usage habits of streaming audio and current ability to use it, not completely on sound quality. First of all I would not be able to tell the difference between the $10 version and the $20 version or between Spotify and HiFi Tidal without a good DAC. (I have discussed this with Tidal reps who told me that very thing). I do not have an outboard DAC and I don’t know when or if I will be able to afford one.
I also don’t really want to use streaming audio as a listening source. I use it strictly for discovery and research or occasionally for background (not paying much attention). I also don’t have a convenient way of listening to it as I won’t ever be able to afford a streaming device like those four digit jobs flying around here.
~Eric
