After a nearly four-year wait since its initial announcement, Spotify is reportedly gearing up to launch its lossless audio streaming tier, dubbed “Music Pro,” in 2025, according to Bloomberg.
The new tier could cost subscribers an additional $5 to $6 per month, aligning with estimates Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Daniel Ek shared last year.
This premium pricing comes as Spotify’s standard Premium tier sits at $11.99 per month, following two price increases in as many years.
A similar deal was struck with Universal Music Group in late January, with Universal Music Group (UMG) explicitly mentioning HiFi streaming and hinting at features for a “superfan” music service.
UMG’s suggestions included priority access to deluxe content, early music releases, exclusive listening party invites, and artist Q&A sessions.
What is Hi-fi?
Hi-fi, short for high fidelity, refers to audio that’s reproduced with a high degree of accuracy, closely resembling the original recording.
Think of it as experiencing music as close to a live performance as possible in your home.
Key elements of hi-fi audio include:
Minimal noise and distortion: The audio should be clean and clear, free from unwanted sounds.
Wide and spacious sound: The music should feel immersive and expansive, not confined to a single point.
Instrument separation: You should be able to clearly distinguish individual instruments and vocals.
Balanced tonal range: The bass, midrange, and treble frequencies should be in harmony, creating a natural sound.
Personal taste: Ultimately, hi-fi is subjective. It’s about what sounds best to you.
Hi-fi systems typically consist of various components like:
Source: Where the audio originates, such as a turntable, CD player, or streaming device.
Amplifier: Boosts the audio signal to power the speakers.
Speakers: Convert the electrical signal into sound waves.
