T+A is a German high-end audio equipment manufacturer known for producing premium quality amplifiers, speakers, and digital audio players.

PS 3000 HV


In recent times, the landscape of music streaming services has become a battleground for audio quality. With Spotify's rumored "Supremium" tier, a volley has been fired that adds a complex layer to the ongoing conversations about sound quality, value, and the features that users genuinely desire.

## The Value of Quality: Spotify vs. Competitors

Deezer offers Redbook quality FLAC at $11 a month. Meanwhile, Apple Music is comparably priced and boasts hi-res audio. Users often argue that the quality of Apple Music far exceeds that of Spotify, even in standard AAC formats. However, others appreciate Spotify's robust feature set, particularly its music discovery algorithms.

### AAC vs. OGG Vorbis

The encoding format also plays a significant role in audio quality. While Spotify uses a mix of OGG Vorbis and AAC across platforms, many audiophiles believe AAC provides superior quality over MP3. The effectiveness of OGG Vorbis is debatable, especially on Android devices where AAC hasn't been implemented well.

## What's in a Price? 

The proposed price for Spotify's "Supremium" tier is causing a stir. While some users think $20 a month isn't unreasonable, others find it steep, especially when compared to offerings from Deezer, Apple Music, and Amazon. What complicates matters is Spotify's attempt to justify the higher price by bundling in additional features like audiobooks, which don't appeal to everyone.

### The Playlist Limit Woes

Deezer also comes under scrutiny for its playlist limitations. In contrast, Spotify offers greater flexibility, allowing users to create extensive playlists with thousands of songs.

## The Algorithm Game

Where Spotify often wins is in its sophisticated algorithms for music discovery. The platform introduces users to a wide range of new music, which is seen as one of its strongest points. However, some users argue that the algorithms have become less effective, circling back to music they've already listened to.

### The Convenience Factor

When it comes to multi-room and multi-device experiences, Spotify tends to win out. The convenience of Spotify Connect, which seamlessly finds speakers on your network, often trumps the audio quality debate for casual listening scenarios.

## Can You Even Tell the Difference?

Many are skeptical about the perceptible differences between high-res audio and Spotify's current maximum of 320 kbps. While the debate rages on, even among audiophiles, it remains a critical point for potential subscribers. Can most people discern the difference, and even if they can, is it worth the additional cost?

## Conclusion

The forthcoming Spotify "Supremium" tier is bound to shake up the existing landscape of music streaming services. However, whether it will fulfill the audiophile's dream or become a jack-of-all-trades offering that dilutes the brand's musical focus remains to be seen. In the end, the choice may boil down to what users prioritize most: is it audio quality, algorithmic discovery, convenience, or price?

As the world of streaming services continues to evolve, users are left to navigate this complex landscape, weighing the pros and cons to find their ideal musical home.

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A Look at Spotify's "Supremium" Tier

Explore the nuances of the music streaming wars as Spotify introduces its "Supremium" tier. Learn how it stacks up against competitors like Apple Music and Deezer in audio quality, features, and pricing. Is the higher cost justified by its offerings? Dive in to find out.

HARMAN Professional Solutions has completed its acquisition of FLUX SOFTWARE ENGINEERING, a notable event that's stirring discussions and positive reactions in the audio technology community. This strategic move is being lauded as a significant enhancement to HARMAN's capabilities, particularly in the realms of immersive audio solutions, processing, and analysis across various domains including live production, installation sound, content creation, and post-production.

Professionals and enthusiasts in the audio industry view this acquisition as a synergistic union that combines FLUX's innovative software technology with HARMAN’s extensive hardware and software engineering resources. There's a palpable excitement about the potential for new, culturally significant audio experiences and advancements in technology resulting from this collaboration.

Brian Divine, President of HARMAN Professional Solutions, and Gaël Martinet, Founder and CEO of FLUX SOFTWARE ENGINEERING, both expressed their enthusiasm and optimism for the future, highlighting the prospects of empowering artists, designers, and engineers with comprehensive and innovative product offerings. The general consensus is that this move sets the stage for future innovations, bringing together the passion and expertise of both teams to create groundbreaking audio solutions.

This acquisition is seen as a strategic investment by HARMAN, aiming to bring outstanding immersive experiences to live and recorded productions, and is anticipated to make a significant impact on the audio industry, elevating the standards for audio experiences and technological developments.

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HARMAN Acquires FLUX: Ushering in Advanced Immersive Audio Solutions

Innovative audio solutions on the horizon as HARMAN acquires FLUX SOFTWARE, aiming to redefine immersive sound experiences.


In the world of high-end audio, innovation is a continuous journey. The latest milestone in this journey is the introduction of the HiFi Rose RS130, a network audio player that has been creating waves among audio enthusiasts and industry experts alike. This flagship product from the Korean high-end audio manufacturer HiFi Rose represents a significant leap forward in network audio technology, combining cutting-edge features with luxurious design.

**Unrivaled Technological Excellence**

The RS130 stands out with its impressive array of technological advancements. Key among these is the use of Fiber Optic Ethernet and USB connections, which effectively isolate network digital noise. This ensures that the sound reaching the DAC is flawless, devoid of any interference typically caused by network equipment. Additionally, the player boasts an ultra-high-precision OCXO (Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillators) clock, which guarantees an exceptionally precise digital audio signal across all digital outputs.

An overbuilt linear power supply featuring high capacity supercapacitors, coupled with a specially processed all-aluminum chassis, virtually eliminates all vibrations. The player also includes an internal NVMe SSD memory caching system for stable playback, mitigating issues associated with network instabilities.

**A Blend of Luxury and User-Friendly Design**

Aesthetically, the RS130 is a masterpiece. It features a 15.4-inch wide full-color touchscreen, offering a high-resolution interface that runs the entire width of the front panel. Its user-friendly interface, based on a heavily customized Android 7.1 OS, allows for easy navigation and control. The streaming protocols supported include AirPlay, DNLA, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, and Roon Ready. Furthermore, the player is equipped with onboard apps such as Apple Music, Tidal, Qobuz, and Spotify, all accessible via the ROSE Connect controller app.

**Enhancing the Audiophile Experience**

The RS130 is not just about technological prowess; it's about enhancing the overall listening experience. Its design and features reflect a deep understanding of audiophiles' needs. From its Fiber Optic Ethernet that blocks physical noise sources, to the specialized all-aluminum chassis that eliminates vibrations, every aspect of the RS130 is crafted to deliver pure, unadulterated sound.

**Setting New Standards**

The HiFi Rose RS130 is more than just a network player; it's a statement of luxury, innovation, and unparalleled audio performance. With its introduction, HiFi Rose has set a new benchmark in the world of high-end audio, offering an experience that transcends the ordinary. As the brand continues to refine its products and push the boundaries of audio technology, the RS130 stands as a testament to what can be achieved when luxury meets technological innovation.

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 HiFi Rose RS130: A New Benchmark in Network Audio Players

Explore the HiFi Rose RS130: a luxurious, high-end network audio player with advanced Fiber Optic tech, precision OCXO clock, and a user-friendly interface

PS 3000 HV

by T+A

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Interesting articles

A Look at Spotify's "Supremium" Tier

HARMAN Acquires FLUX: Ushering in Advanced Immersive Audio Solutions

HiFi Rose RS130: A New Benchmark in Network Audio Players