Spotify Lossless Audio: A Long-Awaited arrival with Caveats
For audiophiles, the arrival of lossless audio on Spotify is a meaningful moment. It’s a feature many have anticipated for years, and its launch marks a turning point in the streaming landscape. However, the path too truly high-fidelity listening isn’t as straightforward as simply subscribing to Spotify Premium.
the promise of snapdragon Sound & Lossless bluetooth
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound technology aims to deliver a truly lossless audio experience over Bluetooth. This requires a complete ecosystem. You need a music source like Spotify Lossless, a compatible device (smartphone or portable player), and headphones or a wireless speaker that support the aptX Lossless codec.
Unfortunately, a major player is missing from this equation. Apple currently limits bluetooth support to AAC, foregoing support for aptX Lossless and other higher-quality codecs. This is a notable omission, considering Apple’s dominance in both the smartphone and headphone markets.
Wi-Fi as an Alternative for High-Res Audio
While Bluetooth presents limitations, Wi-Fi offers a viable solution for enjoying high-resolution audio at home. However, this doesn’t address the need for high-fidelity listening on the go. A potential workaround could be headphones with Wi-Fi dongle support, simplifying connections to networks beyond your own.
the Streaming Competition: A Look at Quality
Spotify’s lossless offering reaches 24-bit/44.1KHz. This is a good starting point, but several competitors already surpass it. Apple Music, Amazon Music, Qobuz, and Tidal all support up to 24-bit/192KHz FLAC files. Generally, higher numbers equate to better audio quality, giving thes services a distinct advantage.
It’s surprising that Spotify has allowed its rivals to establish a lead in audio quality. Many users may not perceive the difference in bitrates, but the gap provides a clear point of differentiation for competitors.
A Curious Journey to Lossless
The rollout of lossless audio on Spotify has been, to put it mildly, unusual. The timeline and certain decisions made along the way are difficult to understand. Despite the delays and complexities, lossless audio is now available on Spotify, offering a welcome upgrade for discerning listeners.
Ultimately, the arrival of Spotify Lossless is a positive step. It expands options for audiophiles and pushes the entire streaming industry forward. However, achieving the best possible listening experience requires understanding the nuances of codecs, devices, and the evolving landscape of high-resolution audio.
