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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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Showing 7 responses by abucktwoeighty

abucktwoeighty's avatar
abucktwoeighty OP
1,079 posts
 
Mofi, I think I remember reading about Spotify having less quality than others.

Arh, If something else is wrong, I don't know what it could be. Radio Tunes sounds excellent, Spotify not so good. I don't have the capability to hook the Asus up to the system. I'd have to buy another cable, and I just purchased the interconnect, an Audioquest Big Sur 3.5mm to rca, for using the tablet. I guess I'll look into an adapter for giving it a try.

I'm also going to look into Tidal to compare the two. I have time since I've just started using Spotify on a trial basis.

Thanks.
abucktwoeighty's avatar
abucktwoeighty OP
1,079 posts
 
I started to load the app on my tablet, but decided against it. Since there is no connect feature I won't be able to use the notebook to navigate, plus a lot of the reviews tell of many problems. No a very good rating. I believe it does sound a heck of a lot better than Spotify, but with all of the negative reviews and twice the cost, no connect option, etc., I think I'll pass.
Will see about connecting the Asus up to verify it's not the tablet, but Spotify.
The only reason I started with this was because the station I was listening to was starting to get repetitive. Can always change the channel for a while. This only costs $4.99/mo. for the premium service.
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.
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.
abucktwoeighty's avatar
abucktwoeighty OP
1,079 posts
 
Just got the dac hooked back up. Will look into Linn Radio.
abucktwoeighty's avatar
abucktwoeighty OP
1,079 posts
 
Torxx, thanks for the Linn radio suggestion. 320kbs sounds pretty fine, plus I like the variety.
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