Spotify announced earlier today its new audiophile streaming tier that will be available in select markets later this year. Joining the ranks of streaming services like TIDAL and Qobuz, which pioneered hi-res streaming, and the more recent late comer Amazon Music HD. I’m going to go ahead and claim this as the biggest news in hi-fi for 2021.
Yeah, I know. Mainstream acceptance, always late to the game. But with welcoming arms, we’re ready to embrace the new blood. Currently Spotify Hifi no pricing has been released for the “music in CD-quality lossless audio format” streaming tier. A far cry up from the current 320kbps.
I’m going to turn it over to Billie and Finneas to explain the benefits of Spotify Hifi (and hi-fi stereo systems) as it concerns the artists’ intent for presenting the music the way it was meant to be heard.
Excellent news that Spotify finally comes to the HiFi party and recognizes the importance of full bandwidth audio! Their UX has always been the best and this upgrade will cement them as the streaming leader for audiophiles as well as the white headphones brigade.