4 reasons why Hi-Fi audio is not necessary

While many music streaming services offer "high-fidelity" options, Spotify has long been an exception. 

Can you tell the difference between regular sound and Hi-Fi sound?

4 reasons why Hi-Fi audio is not necessary Picture 1

It's easy to see the difference between a low bitrate file and a higher bitrate file, but the difference between a high fidelity file and a high quality file isn't so obvious.

There are a number of A/B/X tests on the web, such as NPR's, that you can use to evaluate the perceived quality of different audio files. Try them out and see if investing in a high-quality audio streaming package is right for you!

Do you have high-quality audio equipment?

If you're subscribed to the high fidelity audio option, do you have a device that can take advantage of it? The audio market is no longer what it was during its peak in the 1970s and 1980s.

Many people listen to music with headphones. While headphones may sound great, most people prioritize compactness and portability over sound quality. And while you can still buy a stereo system with loud speakers, dedicated audio seems to be rarer. Most manufacturers seem to focus on home theaters rather than dedicated stereo systems.

If you subscribe to a high-quality streaming platform, you need high-end audio equipment, such as amplifiers, speakers, and headphones, to take advantage of it. For some people, this is an investment that helps them enjoy their favorite music more.

How much attention can you devote to a piece of music?

4 reasons why Hi-Fi audio is not necessary Picture 2

For many people, music is more like something to play in the background than something to devote their full attention to. This means any advantage of high-fidelity streaming can be lost if you don't pay much attention to the music while you're working, surfing the web, cooking, or cleaning the house.

High fidelity audio is ideal when you really want to relax and enjoy the music. Even in today's fast-paced society, there are still people who want to do the same. Maybe that's why the vinyl record market has been revived, even though it seemed to disappear in the early 90s.

It's difficult to replicate the immersive experience on a smartphone or tablet, although Spotify has experimented with its lyrics screen and Canvas.

If you really want an immersive experience with high-quality sound, a good pair of headphones will be the way to go. Wired headphones will provide higher quality than Bluetooth, although you may need a dongle if the device doesn't have a headphone jack.

How much background noise is in your environment?

Background noise can make it difficult to concentrate on the music. It's hard to listen to music while leaf blowers, lawnmowers, and hammer drills are blaring. Or maybe you're on a crowded flight with jet engines revving. This may make you regret your investment in high-quality audio.

Again, a good pair of headphones will help, as will using them properly. For sounds like jet engines, active noise-canceling headphones are especially useful so you can focus on the music.

Since you may be surrounded by distractions and may not want to be tied to devices that can only stay in one place, a better choice may be to opt for acceptable sound quality. that you can use on all your devices.

Either way, investing in a good pair of headphones is always helpful when you want to immerse yourself in music.

David Pac

Update 14 August 2024