Tidal adds another reason why it’s a better Spotify alternative for audiophiles
In a latest Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything), Tidal CEO Jesse Dorogusker revealed the streaming platform will quickly be introducing hi-res FLAC audio to HiFi Plus members.
FLAC, or Free Lossless Audio Codec, is a digital audio format that may supply studio-quality sound with out requiring a complete lot of cupboard space. The small file dimension is essential as these platforms must have sufficient room for thousands and thousands of tracks. This specific format already exists on Tidal in the usual HiFi tier (opens in new tab) the place songs are stated to have CD-like high quality. Music on HiFi Plus, extra generally known as Tidal Masters, at present runs on MQA, a controversial format that seems to have been a hot topic in the AMA (opens in new tab).
MQA or Master Quality Authenticated is an audio format permitting studio-quality sound to exist on file sizes smaller than FLAC. The firm behind the digital music tech, MQA Ltd, lately introduced it was “entering into administration (opens in new tab)” which is the British model of Chapter 11 chapter within the US. This anxious TIDAL customers because it may’ve spelled the top of HiFi Plus. Fortunately, it’s not over.
Potential modifications
Switching over to a file format with a bigger dimension than MQA goes to alter a lot on the platform, however for now, issues will keep principally static. In a latest report from Digital Trends (opens in new tab), a firm spokesperson informed the publication the “existing MQA catalog will continue to be available on the platform” and that TIDAL is solely “adding hi-res FLAC” as an alternative. Dorogusker additionally stated within the AMA the service will present new “controls” over FLAC recordsdata; seemingly permitting a manner for customers to regulate their dimension.
Users’ response to this modification has been mostly positive (opens in new tab) from what we will inform. They appear to understand that TIDAL might be providing, what some would possibly think about, a true lossless audio format within the service’s highest tier.
You see, there’s been some controversy relating to the validity of MQA really being lossless. Some have gone so far as referring to it as snake oil (opens in new tab). A YouTuber by the identify of GoldenSound took the time to check the format. According to his findings, MQA wasn’t nearly as good as the corporate claimed it to be. So, there’s a good probability Tidal HiFi Plus will get an audio improve.
The way forward for MQA
Considering the latest chapter information, it’s potential MTQ Ltd might quickly cease supporting its personal format, leaving TIDAL with solely FLAC. Jesse Dorogusker did not say something about rising the TIDAL Masters catalog. It seems for the time being the platform is extra targeted on constructing a FLAC music library.
We reached out to TIDAL with a number of questions. Will the MQA tracks keep on the platform and for how lengthy? What precisely are the “controls” Dorogusker talked about within the AMA because it pertains to FLAC recordsdata? And is there a particular launch date in thoughts? This story might be up to date if we hear again.
Meanwhile, rival Spotify is content material with including a TikTok-like feed moderately than lastly including high-resolution audio. So in the event you’re considering of leaping ship to Tidal, now’s your probability.
And in the event you do, remember to try TechRadar’s lately up to date listing of the finest over-ear headphones for 2023. You’re going to wish a good pair to get probably the most out of FLAC audio.
