Apple Music vs. Spotify: Which Streaming Service is Best for Sony WH-1000XM4 Users?
Choosing between Apple Music and Spotify can be tricky, especially when considering high-quality audio and headphone compatibility. This guide breaks down the key differences between the two leading music streaming services, with a focus on the experience for Sony WH-1000XM4 owners.
Understanding Lossless Audio
Lossless audio retains all the original audio data during compression, delivering a sound quality identical to the original recording. This contrasts with lossy formats like MP3, which discard some data to reduce file size. Apple Music and Spotify both offer lossless audio options, but the implementation and compatibility vary.
Sony WH-1000XM4 and Lossless Audio Support
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are capable of reproducing high-quality audio, but their ability to fully utilize lossless streams depends on how they are connected. When used wired with a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC), the WH-1000XM4 can support Apple Music’s Lossless and Hi-Res Lossless audio [1]. Although, when connected wirelessly via Bluetooth, the headphones will not transmit lossless audio due to the limitations of the Bluetooth codec.
Technical Specifications of Sony WH-1000XM4
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz-20,000 Hz (44.1 kHz Sampling) / 20 Hz-40,000 Hz (LDAC 96 kHz Sampling, 990 kbps)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, NFC
The WH-1000XM4 supports LDAC, a Bluetooth codec that can transmit higher-quality audio than standard SBC or AAC codecs, but still doesn’t reach true lossless levels.
Spotify vs. Apple Music: A Comparison
Both Spotify and Apple Music offer premium subscriptions with access to lossless audio. Here’s a breakdown:
| Feature | Spotify | Apple Music |
|---|---|---|
| Lossless Audio | Available with Premium subscription [2] | Available with no extra cost [2] |
| Pricing (Student Discount) | €4.99/month | €5.99/month |
| Sound Quality (Technical) | Up to 320kbps MP3 | Lossless up to 24-bit/192 kHz |
DSEE Extreme and Audio Enhancement
Sony’s DSEE Extreme technology uses AI to upscale compressed audio files, attempting to restore lost frequencies. Even as DSEE Extreme works with Spotify and Apple Music, the difference is often subtle, particularly with already high-quality sources [3].
Pairing with iPhone and Bluetooth Connectivity
The Sony WH-1000XM4 easily pairs with iPhones via Bluetooth. To initiate pairing, ensure the headphones are within 1 meter (3 feet) of the iPhone and that the headset is charged. Hold the power button for approximately 7 seconds until the indicator flashes blue twice [4].
Key Takeaways
- The Sony WH-1000XM4 can support lossless audio from Apple Music when connected wired with a DAC.
- Bluetooth connections, even with LDAC, do not transmit true lossless audio.
- Apple Music offers lossless audio at no extra cost, while Spotify includes it with its Premium subscription.
- DSEE Extreme can enhance compressed audio, but the improvement is often minimal.