the ecoustics podcast All I Want to Do is Listen! Why is Streaming Audio So Complicated?
Aug 9, 2024
Dive into the complexities of streaming audio as the hosts unravel the tangled web of formats like Dolby Atmos and the challenges of lossless sound. Explore the evolution of audio quality in streaming services and learn why achieving immersive sound can be a puzzle. Discover the stark differences in subscription models and how they affect access to high-definition audio. Plus, find out what it really takes to enjoy the finest listening experiences at home. It's a soundscape that music lovers can't afford to ignore!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Spotify's Compression Rationale
- Spotify's 320 kbps compression rate, about one-fifth of a CD's quality, is often undetectable due to listening devices and convenience.
- This aligns with Bluetooth's capabilities, the primary music listening method for most people.
Upgrade Your Audio
- Upgrade to lossless, hi-res, and immersive audio formats.
- Consider Tidal, Qobuz, or Amazon Music for higher quality than Spotify's compressed audio.
Headphone vs. Speaker Realism
- Headphones process multi-channel immersive audio into two-channel stereo via binauralization.
- While convenient, binauralized audio is less realistic than true multi-speaker setups, as the brain distinguishes between real and simulated directional sounds.