Why do alot of songs sound completely different on streaming services vs CD version

[Homey the clown]

I don't know if it's just me but I've noticed quite a few songs that I have on CD or download off Limewire back in the day sound a little different on Streaming services such as Spotify or Apple Music then they sound on CD. For example I was listening to Hate Me now by Nas the other day on Apple Music and it sounded completely different then I remembered it sounding. So I ordered Nas I Am off of Ebay just to see if I was tripping and the CD version of Hate Me now sounds completely different then one you hear on streaming services.So why do quite a few songs sound different from what you hear from the CD vs streaming. Is it because of technology, are the songs remixed a little , is it remastering or is it something else.

 

[Fukwatutalkinwatisaylaw]

In a good or bad way?..they loose quality due to streaming

 

[I'm Blackman]

It's not just you. I think they compress the sound or some shyt.

Southernplayalisticadillacmusic sounds great on Google Play.

But I got a cd in the whip and that shyt sound like.

 

[FunkDoc1112]

They master it differently from format to format. When it comes to CD's engineers usually go full retard and try to make everything as loud as possible at the sacrifice of clarity. On the other hand, most streaming services put a cap on how loud things are, so they master the audio accordingly. Same with Vinyl, although those are physical limitations.

 

[FunkDoc1112]

Also in the case of Hate Me Now the reason that specifically sounds different is because they changed the sample due to rights issues. A lot of songs have sample clearance problems so they have to alter them in later releases. Streaming services use the most up to date releases as opposed to a CD or a file rip based on an older version of the release.

Ready to Die, for example, had a couple of samples removed in the 2004 re-release and that's the version that's on streaming services.

 

[Playaz Eyez]

CD quality is the best quality out. As much as I love streaming the last two years, nothing (apparently) will ever replace CD quality.

 

[cheek100]

CD quality is the best quality out. As much as I love streaming the last two years, nothing (apparently) will ever replace CD quality.

Vinyl

 

[Methodical]

That's why I always prefer CD over streaming

 

[Playaz Eyez]

Vinyl

ehhhhhhhh I don't know about that lol

 

[Cloud McFly]

TIDAL has Master quality recordings

 

[FunkDoc1112]

ehhhhhhhh I don't know about that lol

Nah a lot of CD quality is actually ass, it's just loud as fukk and most people think loudness = clarity. Vinyl usually has the best quality because engineers actually work within the limitations.

 

[Methodical]

Vinyl

Interesting. I'm going with CD. People who choose Vinyl over CD was because of nostalgia but CD is way better for sure.

 

[BK The Great]

CD Quality >

 

[Rev]

This is so FUKKING ANNOYING about streaming services like Spotify. It’s not just you. It’s very noticeable, and makes the shyt seem very cheap.

 

[Playaz Eyez]

Nah a lot of CD quality is actually ass, it's just loud as fukk and most people think loudness = clarity. Vinyl usually has the best quality because engineers actually work within the limitations.

This is simply not true, and I'm puzzled as to why you'd even think this. CD has the clearest quality of any platform. I can put on either Reasonable Doubt from '96 or the Game's Documentary 2 and both would be crystal clear. You're telling me that if I put on Thriller in an original record player (both of which I actually have), the sound quality would be better??? That is a flat out lie you may as well say a cassette player has better quality too