Originally Posted by
jandl100
I've had subscriptions on several of the streaming services - Spotify Premium, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Idagio.
The tonal presentation is markedly different between them, I find, with Tidal being the brightest, Qobuz about in the middle and Spotify a little dull in comparison.
I suspect that is at least part of the reason why Spotify sound quality can sometimes be disappointing.
I find that I have to tweak the system (speaker positioning and orientation, cabling) a bit when changing between streaming services or the sound can be adversely affected by the tonal differences. Set it up for Spotify or Qobuz and Tidal can be too bright and tiring, for example. Go from Tidal or Qobuz to Spotify, and Spotify can be a bit drab and lacklustre.
Interesting, I am comparing Qobuz and Tidal via Audirvana currently and I can concur with your observations. I think it is the tonal differences that mark them all out and maybe why I find a difference between Spotify and YouTube?
Main system : VPI Scout 1.1 / JMW 9T / 2M Black / Croft 25R+ / Croft 7 / Heco Celan GT 702
Second System : Goldring Lenco GL75 / AT95EX / Pioneer SX590 / Spendor SP2