Tidal HiFi and Tidal Master are two different audio quality tiers offered by the Tidal streaming service. Tidal HiFi offers lossless audio streaming at CD quality (16-bit/44.1kHz) using the FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) format. Tidal Master offers high-resolution audio streaming at up to 24-bit/192kHz using the MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) format.
Which tier is better?
It depends on your needs and preferences. If you have a high-end audio system and you are an audiophile, then Tidal Master may be worth it for you. Tidal Master offers the best possible sound quality on Tidal.
However, if you are a casual listener or you do not have a high-end audio system, then Tidal HiFi may be a better choice for you. Tidal HiFi still offers excellent sound quality, and it is more affordable than Tidal Master.
Here is a table that compares Tidal HiFi and Tidal Master in more detail:
| Feature | Tidal HiFi | Tidal Master |
|---|---|---|
| Audio quality | Lossless CD quality (16-bit/44.1kHz) | High-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192kHz |
| Audio format | FLAC | MQA |
| Exclusive content | None | Yes |
| Price | $9.99/month | $19.99/month |
Which tier should you choose?
If you are unsure which tier is right for you, I recommend trying the free trial of Tidal HiFi. This will give you a chance to try out Tidal’s lossless audio streaming and see if you can hear the difference.
If you are happy with the sound quality of Tidal HiFi, then there is no need to upgrade to Tidal Master. However, if you are looking for the best possible sound quality and you are willing to pay a little more, then Tidal Master may be worth it for you.
Ultimately, the decision of which tier is right for you is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer.
Here are some additional things to consider when choosing between Tidal HiFi and Tidal Master:
- What kind of music do you listen to? Some genres of music, such as classical music and jazz, can benefit from the increased detail and clarity offered by high-resolution audio. However, other genres of music, such as pop music and rock music, may not benefit as much from high-resolution audio.
- How do you listen to your music? If you listen to your music on a high-end audio system, you may be able to hear the difference between Tidal HiFi and Tidal Master. However, if you listen to your music on a smartphone or a laptop, you may not be able to hear the difference.
- How much money are you willing to spend? Tidal Master is more expensive than Tidal HiFi. If you are on a budget, Tidal HiFi may be a better choice for you.
