Tidal claims to offer lossless audio streaming, but there is some debate about whether this is actually the case.
Tidal’s HiFi tier streams music in CD quality (16-bit/44.1kHz) using the FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) format. FLAC is a lossless audio compression format that preserves all of the original audio information.
However, Tidal’s HiFi Plus tier, which streams music in high-resolution (Hi-Res) audio (up to 24-bit/192kHz), uses a proprietary codec called MQA (Master Quality Authenticated). MQA is a lossy audio codec that reduces the file size of the audio file without sacrificing too much sound quality.
Some people argue that Tidal’s HiFi Plus tier is not truly lossless because it uses a lossy audio codec. However, Tidal claims that MQA is a transparent codec that preserves all of the original audio information.
Ultimately, whether or not Tidal’s HiFi Plus tier is truly lossless is a matter of opinion. If you are an audiophile and you are looking for the best possible sound quality, you may want to consider another streaming service that offers lossless audio streaming using a codec such as FLAC or ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec).
However, if you are a casual listener or you do not have a high-end audio system, you may be just as happy with Tidal’s HiFi Plus tier. Tidal’s HiFi Plus tier offers excellent sound quality, and it is compatible with a wide range of devices.
Here are some other streaming services that offer lossless audio streaming:
- Amazon Music HD
- Apple Music
- Qobuz
- Deezer HiFi
If you are unsure which streaming service is right for you, you can try a free trial to see which one you prefer.