TagalogON t1_ja8086k wrote on February 27, 2023 at 3:07 PM

Don't worry too much about the artist payout and just pick whichever is more convenient or has particular features that you like. For some people Spotify's discovery of new stuff is essential, etc. Don't forget about Deezer, Qobuz, and so on for lossless/etc.

For the lossless/etc. part, a lot of people cannot really tell, so just pick whichever is cheapest or sounds best to you, see this recent thread for more experiences about those streaming services: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/11akj4c/having_a_hard_time_differentiating_between/

Since you're on Windows and Android, don't forget parametric EQ too. Sometimes those apps for EQ on Android don't work for certain streaming services though.

Try parametric EQ for more sound changes.

See here for more info about Qudelix 5K, parametric EQ, squig.link comparison graphs, AutoEQ, et cetera: https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/109meb5/eq/j40cy1n/ and https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/11ahxu1/just_picked_up_the_dt990s_250ohm_for_my_pc_sound/j9s5sht/

Look up oratory1990 (check the subreddit, /r/oratory1990, don't forget the preset parametric EQ list (mainly for headphones but there's some IEMs there): https://www.reddit.com/r/oratory1990/wiki/index/list_of_presets) and crinacle's articles on what amps/DACs/etc. are and what they do.

You can do (parametric) EQ with $8 Neutron Music Player or UAPP on Android. If on PC, the free (Peace) Equalizer APO. There are free apps on Android(/Apple) that can also do a good enough job, but most of them have those graphics sliders instead of parametric or just plug the numbers in EQ. EQ can also be used to help with channel or ear imbalances.

There's also the free Wavelet app that has the AutoEQ available now. And other free apps for more simple graphic sliders EQ, etc.

Pauoolk t1_ja8c87d wrote on February 27, 2023 at 4:29 PM

« Dont worry too much about artists payout » well I guess it’s a personal important part of the choice for some people though x)

TagalogON t1_ja8o0pw wrote on February 27, 2023 at 5:44 PM

Oh yes that's true but in reality if people are on a budget it's not really that worth it. Like IIRC a lot artists these days have merchandise and those have better support options to the artist.

In the Kpop/Jpop(/Cpop/etc.) world, some of us also just buy CDs, exclusive socialization access, sponsored brands, etc. for our favorite idols. There's also the option to meet them through the staff members, fan meeting, et cetera.

Or like these days some of them are in New York, Milan, Paris, etc. doing Prada, Gucci, Chanel, etc. promotions as the local/global ambassadors for the brands. And so some fans just show support on the actual IRL sidelines by hyping the idol up when they're on the way to the event/show. Sometimes in those western fashion events, the idols take so much time interacting with the fans or signing stuff that they get told to hurry up by the event people, lol.

I forgot exactly what the ratio was, but IIRC, touring or concert sales are one of the biggest ways to support artists aside from merchandise. Otherwise streaming or spreading the word is also good enough.