Are we not in the 21st century ? I am a HiFi+ Tidal subscriber . Whatever track I am streaming ,the bitrate is indicated on the display of my receiver. I don't have to wonder,guess, or question what is being streamed through my sound node. I guess Yamaha has been on to something for quite some time since my RX-Z9 is 20 years producing quality sound.
I have concluded that CD rate of 44.1 is a more preferred sound for me. The higher bitrates tend to produce too much separation of sound leaving an undesirable emptiness between vocals and instruments as the score progresses to fruition.
I did notice approximately 5-6 weeks ago that the overall sound quality being streamed seemingly has diminished. Not nearly as detailed, regardless of rate being streamed. Until today ,reading these posts , I had no idea that all of this was going on with this streaming service.
I am no expert. I'm 64 and have been rockin it out dating back to when my sister used to stack pennies on the tonearm to keep it in the groove. Still in the "groove" and enjoying every session.