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Spotify sounds compressed

So now that I have more time to mess around with things like this, I started using Spotify and went premium right away. But it sounds compressed. I looked in the settings and the high quality streaming switch is on. When I switch it off, there is no change in sound.
I have my Samsung tablet hooked up to the preamp using it as the source while using my Asus notebook to manage things. The settings on the tablet are set to receive extreme quality signals. When I listen to Radio Tunes the signal sounds much better with extended highs and very deep lows. It just seems to me that the Spotify highs are compressed, not very extended. Is this the norm? I think Spotify is excellent for finding new music, but it doesn't sound the best.
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abucktwoeighty's avatar
abucktwoeighty OP
1,079 posts
 
Ghosthouse, all of the tracks sound compressed. I just loaded Tidal on the tablet, picked a couple favorites, checked all of the settings, and the quality blows Spotify away. Spotify is just sub-par. I thought I may be having trouble with my notebook so I updated the audio drivers to be sure they were working right. Had issues with setting up payment for Tidal, but after a while it finally took. I know using the headphone jack to the preamp isn't the best, but it sounds pretty fine for casual listening.
I believe I'll keep Spotify free just to search for new music and use Tidal as the player.
Thanks Mofi.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,937 posts
 
Abuck...glad to hear you went through with trying Tidal. I think you will really enjoy it.
ghosthouse's avatar
ghosthouse
4,287 posts
 
Glad you are enjoying the SQ on Tidal, A$280. Don't know your taste in music, but regardless of source, Rheomusi is a pretty nice recording.
abucktwoeighty's avatar
abucktwoeighty OP
1,079 posts
 
Thanks guys. I'll be sure to check out Rheomusi. Right now I'm looking at an inexpensive DAC for hooking up the notebook. Something like a Musical Fidelity V90 or a Music Hall dac15.2 which both cost the same at AA. Don't want to spend a lot at first. May upgrade later.
abucktwoeighty's avatar
abucktwoeighty OP
1,079 posts
 
Ghosthouse, Thanks for the tip. I like very much.
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