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All about streaming

I'm an audiophile who's been through album, cd, and mp3 formats. I currently have a laptop hardwired via usb to my audio system and usually listen to mp3's purchased through Itunes. I recently subscribed to Spotify premium which is connected to my wifi network. I've noticed that when listening to the same material, the mp3's sound much better than the Spotify version. Would I get better sound from streaming via ethernet?
audiophile92782
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,404 posts
 
I have ability to stream either from my computer or Android based TV, but I prefer just to buy CDs. I know there are more expensive streaming plans to receive CD quality (16/44.1) stream.
phcollie's avatar
phcollie
342 posts
 
Op, 
    Travelled this path a couple of years ago.  When I switched from Spotify to Qobuz there was a noticeable improvement in SQ. When I upgraded my laptop, & installed Audirvana SQ went to an entirely new level. I usually listen to 24/96 or 24/192 High Rez.  Not available on Spotify and the FLAC format is preferred to the lossy files from Spotify.  
Hardwired to a quality DAC and use battery instead of Power Supply on the Laptop. Good Luck. 

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,502 posts
 
There is no higher bitrate than Spotify premium, 320 kbps. AAC claims to be better. Don’t care. There is no substitute for lossless.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,404 posts
 
They were open to this option in 2017, but looks like it is still not available.  Tidal has HiFi option for "Master Quality" uncompressed music, but it doesn't cover all albums - only “Master Quality Authenticated Albums”.
audiophile92782 OP
2 posts
 
Thank you all for your feedback. I'm not big on specs (bitrate, etc.). I go by how it sounds. I will continue to use hardwired playing of music files to be my preferred method of listening. I'll use Spotify just to discover new music.I think the audiophile community is just trying to sell more boxes.
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