TIDAL switches up their relationship with high-quality audio
TIDAL, once the audiophile’s top choice for high-quality music streaming, is changing it up.
TIDAL were once the kings of high-quality audio. The Jay-Z owned streaming service made a point about being more expensive for better audio and an artist-focus. Now, with competitors offering high-quality streaming TIDAL are changing their platform.
TIDAL are dropping support for the once highly-touted Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) audio. In 2017, TIDAL were the first to offer MQA audio which was presented as the highest quality around at the time. TIDAL will now simply be streaming FLAC audio files for high-quality listening.
The streaming service is also dropping 360 Reality Audio formatted audio. The format was launched by Sony, offering immersive music experiences that simulate the feeling of space within the sounds of music tracks. TIDAL will replace this outdated format with the more modern Dolby Atmos.
MQA was unique in that it offered high quality audio but without quite as large a file size as the beefy FLAC format. However, as the format’s popularity never grew, the hardware capable of supporting it has lagged behind.
Earlier this year, TIDAL simplified their music streaming options. They lowered their primary music plan to just $10.99 a month for high resolution audio and Dolby Atmos tracks. It follows competitors like Apple Music who have introduced high resolution music streaming at no extra cost. TIDAL couldn’t compete at a higher price for the same offering.
Meanwhile, Spotify have delayed the launch of high fidelity for years in the wake of numerous leaks suggesting it is on the way. The most recent leaks purport to have found code that suggests 24-bit audio has been built into the app with a hidden “Enhanced Listening” setting.
Spotify have focused on expanding their service with recent additions including audiobooks and podcasts. Since Apple Music launched high resolution streaming at no extra cost, Spotify seem to have avoided discussing the topic.