Apple Music Streaming service > Spotify in the W221
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 345
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2005 SL500
Apple Music Streaming service > Spotify in the W221
Hopped on board the Apple Music streaming service, in use with a Tune2Air, 2012 S550. Finally, everything works, even with the phone paired!!! Previous track functionality, CORRECT song titles/artists, automatic startup when I hop into the car and start her up......annoyances that I had with Spotify (and Tidal/Amazon for that matter)!
Apple Music usability isn't on par with Spotify, but I expect that to change as they improve the UI and add additional features. Quality wise it doesn't sound any different, but then again I'm restricted to 320kbps on bluetooth anyways (I think Apple is streaming 256kbps files?). I'd have to go wired to go true lossless, but I prefer the convenience of Bluetooth and portability.
Apple Music usability isn't on par with Spotify, but I expect that to change as they improve the UI and add additional features. Quality wise it doesn't sound any different, but then again I'm restricted to 320kbps on bluetooth anyways (I think Apple is streaming 256kbps files?). I'd have to go wired to go true lossless, but I prefer the convenience of Bluetooth and portability.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
Yeah, Apple already had a good streaming service with ITunes Radio. Same ability to seed a station with a song or artist, and the commercial free high quality stream was free with an ICloud account. Quality is 256 VBR AAC, better than Pandoras 192kbs and less than Spotifys 320kbs.
One big advantage to Apples internal player is the ability to apply EQ to the stream. Bass Booster in the S550 with the HK sound seems to be optimal. It tames the middle and puts more low end into the door and rear deck subs.
One big advantage to Apples internal player is the ability to apply EQ to the stream. Bass Booster in the S550 with the HK sound seems to be optimal. It tames the middle and puts more low end into the door and rear deck subs.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,430
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From: USA
W140 Mercedes S350, W221 S550 sport
I've found that the EQ in the iphone seems to lessen the volume. Years ago, when you applied eq settings on the iphone volume would increase on most of them. I don't know why that doesn't happen anymore.
