Which audio streaming service offers an Honest Audiophile experience?

Summary

In this audio comparison, the host evaluates various streaming services like Amazon Music HD, Apple Music, Deezer, Kobas, Spotify, and YouTube Music. After extensive listening, Tidal is rated the best for sound quality, but the host decides to switch to Amazon HD for its cost-effectiveness and similarity in sound, using streaming services primarily for portable use.

Takeaways

• 🎧 The speaker has been using Tidal for four years due to its sound accuracy and truthfulness.
• 🔊 Tidal's ability to listen to MQA releases was not a deciding factor for the speaker, as they rarely seek out MQA files.
• 🎵 The speaker subscribed to Amazon Music HD, Apple Music, Deezer, Kobas, Spotify, and YouTube Music to compare them with Tidal.
• 📊 The comparison was subjective, based solely on the speaker's ears and listening experience, without objective testing or measurements.
• 🎵 Amazon Music HD was described as hard-hitting and accurate, scoring a 9 out of 10.
• 🎶 Apple Music was noted for pushing upper mids and lower treble forward, scoring an 8 out of 10.
• 🎵 Deezer was found lacking in technical areas but had a smooth presentation, scoring a 6.5 out of 10.
• 🎶 Kobas was praised for its bright, lean sound and good spacing, scoring an 8.5 out of 10.
• 🎵 Spotify was considered basic with okay details and resolution, scoring a 7 out of 10.
• 🏆 Tidal was rated a perfect 10 out of 10 for its natural, accurate tone and timbre, and excellent clarity.
• 📉 YouTube Music was described as full and warm but lacking in clarity, scoring a 6 out of 10.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is comparing various audio streaming services to determine which offers the most honest audiophile experience.

Which audio streaming services are mentioned in the script?

The audio streaming services mentioned in the script are Amazon Music HD, Apple Music, Deezer, Kobas (possibly a typo for Qobuz), Spotify, Tidal, and YouTube Music.

What is the author's primary criterion for choosing an audio streaming service?

The author's primary criterion for choosing an audio streaming service is the sound quality, specifically how accurate and true it sounds to their ears.

What does the author claim about their experience with Tidal?

The author claims that Tidal has been their preferred service for four years due to its sound quality, which they find to be the most accurate and true.

What is the author's stance on MQA files?

The author does not prioritize MQA files; they listen to them if available but do not actively seek them out, focusing more on the overall sound accuracy and truthfulness.

What method did the author use to compare the streaming services?

The author used a subjective listening test over 30 days with their reference gear, comparing the streaming services based on their ears without any objective testing or measurements.

What was the author's conclusion about Tidal after comparing it with other services?

After comparing Tidal with other services, the author still found it to have the best overall sound quality, scoring it a 10 out of 10.

What score did the author give to Amazon Music HD and why?

The author gave Amazon Music HD a score of 9 out of 10 because it has a similar sound to Tidal but is not quite on the same level.

What did the author decide to do after the comparison test?

The author decided to switch from Tidal to Amazon Music HD for its similar sound quality and lower cost, using streaming services only for portable use and personal time.

What advice does the author give to the audience regarding audio streaming services?

The author advises the audience to trust their ears and use the gear and streaming service that sounds best to them with their music.