TIDAL offers two main audio quality options: HiFi (Lossless) and Master (Hi-Res) . These options allow you to enjoy high-quality audio, but the choice depends on your equipment and needs:
- HiFi (Lossless) : CD quality (16 bit/44.1 kHz), no special equipment required, suitable for everyday use.
- Master (Hi-Res) : Studio quality (24-bit/96 kHz and above), requires MQA compatible equipment, intended for audiophiles.
Quick overview:
- HiFi : Lower data usage, compatible with most devices, suitable for everyday use.
- Master : Highest quality, requires special equipment, intended for professionals or enthusiasts.
In Lithuania, HiFi is often a more practical choice due to lower internet and data requirements. If you have the right equipment and are looking for the best quality, Master mode may be the right solution.
1. HiFi (Lossless)
TIDAL HiFi is the platform's primary audio quality level, which uses the FLAC format and offers 16-bit/44.1 kHz quality (CD standard) . [2] [3] Unlike other streaming services that use compressed formats such as AAC or Ogg Vorbis, HiFi preserves the full spectrum of the original audio without any loss of data.
Audio accuracy
HiFi-level specifications allow you to enjoy flawless sound. With a data rate of up to 1,411 kbps, HiFi quality is far superior to Spotify 's 320 kbps [6] [3] . This ensures clearer vocals, more precise instrument separation and a richer soundstage, without the usual audio artifacts.
This quality is particularly noticeable when listening to classical music, jazz, or acoustic pieces. For example, orchestral recordings reveal the nuances of individual instruments, while acoustic pieces have a natural sense of space and reverberation. [3]
Data usage
TIDAL HiFi uses approximately 5.5 MB per minute [6] , so listening for an hour will require approximately 330 MB of data. Lithuanian users are advised to use a Wi-Fi connection to avoid high mobile data charges.
For stable HiFi quality streaming, an internet speed of at least 1.5–2 Mbps is required [6] . Given that internet speeds are generally high in Lithuania, most users should not encounter any problems. It is also important to ensure that the equipment used is compatible with HiFi to ensure maximum sound quality.
Device compatibility
One of the advantages of HiFi is its compatibility with a wide range of devices. [6] Unlike Master Quality, which requires support for MQA technology, HiFi works with most smartphones, computers, and standard audio equipment.
The right equipment ensures that HiFi quality is fully realized. It is important to note that you do not need specialized equipment to enjoy HiFi - quality headphones or speakers will do just fine [6] . Each component contributes to the overall audio experience.
Listening environments
HiFi quality is best experienced with high-end audio equipment [3] . When listening at home with quality headphones or a sound system, the difference between HiFi and standard formats is obvious.
However, in everyday situations, such as when traveling on public transport or using simple headphones, the advantage of HiFi may not be so pronounced. For Lithuanian consumers who value sound quality and have the right equipment, HiFi is an excellent choice, allowing you to enjoy music as it was created in the studio [2] [3] .
Additionally, HiFi provides access to the entire TIDAL library of over 110 million tracks, uncompressed [6] , ensuring that every user can enjoy high quality music, regardless of genre or artist.
2. Master (Hi-Res)
TIDAL Master uses Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) technology, which allows you to enjoy studio-quality sound at 24-bit/96 kHz, and in some cases even up to 384 kHz. The data rate reaches up to 9,216 kbps [6] . This allows you to listen to music with a quality that is as close as possible to the original studio recording. Let's take a look at how these technical advantages are reflected in the everyday experience.
Audio accuracy
Master quality provides more detail, depth, and space, allowing you to hear the finest details that are often lost in lower-quality formats. [6] For example, when listening to a symphony orchestra, you can more clearly feel the spatial distribution of sounds and natural reverberation - features that are difficult to convey in traditional formats. However, the MQA format has also received criticism; some audiophiles question whether it is superior to the standard 24-bit/96 kHz FLAC format. [4]
Data usage
Streaming Master quality music uses about 7.5 MB per minute, and one hour of listening can use about 450 MB. [6] So it's important to be mindful of your data usage, especially if you're on a limited mobile data plan or listening over Wi-Fi.
Device compatibility
Unlike HiFi, Master quality playback requires specialized equipment, such as an MQA-compatible DAC, high-end headphones, or speakers. [6] To achieve the best quality, it is necessary to use devices that support MQA decoding. Using standard devices may not support the full MQA format, which will limit the quality of the reproduced sound.
AUTOGARSAS.LT offers consultations and a wide selection of MQA compatible equipment to help integrate Master quality playback into your home or car audio systems.
Listening environments
The benefits of Master quality are best seen in quiet, controlled environments using high-quality equipment [6] . For example, dedicated listening rooms or professional studios can reveal dynamic range and subtle details. However, in everyday situations, such as travelling on public transport or listening to music through standard equipment, the difference between Master and HiFi quality may be less noticeable. For many listeners, HiFi may be sufficient in such environments.
The TIDAL Master library offers millions of tracks, but its size is smaller than the HiFi catalog, which has over 110 million tracks. [6] Before listening, it is worth checking whether the albums or tracks you want are available in Master quality.
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Advantages and disadvantages
The table below will help you understand the main differences between HiFi and Master audio quality formats so you can choose the best one for your needs.
| Criterion | HiFi (Lossless) | Master (Hi-Res) |
|---|---|---|
| Sound quality | CD quality (16-bit/44.1 kHz), audio without compression artifacts [2] [3] | Studio quality (24-bit/96 kHz or higher), more detail and surround sound [2] [3] |
| Data usage | Medium (600-1,411 kbps), suitable for mobile data plans [3] | High (over 2,000 kbps), uses up data quickly [3] |
| Catalog coverage | Almost all works | Limited selection of works |
| Equipment requirements | Standard DAC and headphones | MQA compatible DAC, high-end equipment [2] [3] |
| Internet speed | Average throughput | Requires high and stable connection |
| Price | Lower subscription price | Higher subscription price (around €6.50 more per month) [5] |
We will further examine how these differences are reflected in everyday music listening in Lithuania.
Practical aspects
HiFi is perfect for everyday use – whether you’re listening to music in your car, on public transport or through standard devices. Master quality, on the other hand, is best experienced in special circumstances, such as for audiophiles or music professionals who have the right equipment that supports MQA. It’s important to note that without the right equipment, the benefits of Master quality may not be noticeable.
Lithuanian context
In Lithuania, where mobile data plans and internet speeds often limit options, HiFi is becoming a more practical choice for everyday use. This format ensures stable music streaming even in areas where the internet connection is not very fast, and also helps to avoid additional data costs.
AUTOGARSAS.LT experts advise starting with HiFi quality, and choosing Master mode only if you have the right equipment and are looking for the highest quality audio experience.
Conclusions
TIDAL's audio quality depends heavily on your equipment and listening habits. The HiFi format offers CD-quality sound that is suitable for almost all situations and works with any equipment. Meanwhile, Master quality (24-bit/96 kHz and above) requires MQA-compatible equipment, but can reveal more sonic detail and a wider soundstage.
These differences are especially relevant in Lithuania, where internet speeds and data plans sometimes limit options. In such situations, HiFi becomes the most practical choice for everyday use. However, if you are an audiophile and have high-quality audio equipment, the Master format will allow you to exploit the full potential of TIDAL.
The final choice between HiFi and Master quality depends on the capabilities of your equipment and your listening environment. If you want to make the most of the possibilities offered by TIDAL, AUTOGARSAS.LT specialists can help you. With over 27 years of experience in the Hi-Fi field, they offer professional audio equipment – from amplifiers to headphones – that will help you reveal the true potential of high-quality sound.
"Our consultants will help you choose a solution that meets your needs, budget and expectations." [1]
If you want to hear the difference and get professional advice, visit the AUTOGARSAS.LT showroom in Kaunas, Armatūrinininkų g. 1. They will help you adjust the TIDAL settings to your existing equipment.
FAQs
What is the difference between TIDAL HiFi and Master sound quality settings?
TIDAL offers two main audio quality options – HiFi and Master . HiFi provides lossless audio quality that meets CD standards. This means that music sounds exceptionally clear and natural. Meanwhile, Master quality, also known as MQA (Master Quality Authenticated), allows you to immerse yourself in even more detailed and dynamic sound, accurately conveying what the artists created in the recording studio.
When choosing between these two quality levels, it is important to consider your existing audio equipment and listening habits. If you use high-end headphones, amplifiers or speakers, Master quality will allow you to experience the full potential of your equipment. However, if you enjoy listening to music through a portable device or standard equipment, HiFi quality will already provide excellent sound that will satisfy most needs.
To take advantage of all the sound quality options offered by TIDAL, visit AUTOGARSAS.LT . Here you will find a wide selection of high-quality audio equipment, suitable for both HiFi and Master quality. In addition, our experts will be happy to help you choose the best solution for your needs.
Can I use TIDAL Master quality with regular devices, or do I need special equipment?
To fully enjoy the sound quality of TIDAL Master , specialized equipment that supports this format is often required. Conventional devices are not always able to convey all the nuances of the sound, so it is worth choosing high-quality headphones, amplifiers or sound systems to reveal all the subtleties.
AUTOGARSAS.LT offers a wide selection of audio equipment that will help you unleash the true potential of TIDAL Master and enjoy flawless, detailed sound.
How to choose the right TIDAL sound quality setting based on your internet speed and data plan in Lithuania?
To choose the right TIDAL audio quality setting, it’s worth considering your internet speed and data plan limits. The HiFi and Master quality settings allow you to enjoy the highest quality sound, but they use more data. If your internet connection is slow or you have limited data, it’s a good idea to choose Standard or lower quality to avoid buffering and save data.
To get the best possible sound from TIDAL, consider high-quality audio equipment. At AUTOGARSAS.LT you will find a wide selection: from high-end headphones and speakers to amplifiers that will allow you to enjoy music with extreme detail and clarity.
