Streaming: Presto vs Idagio vs Naxos Music Library

[ChamberNut]

I have been wanting to subscribe to a streaming service for quite some time now, but I never got around to doing so. I suppose, I can do trial periods for all three of these to see which one I'm more comfortable with.

I still plan on purchasing CDs on occasion, but it will be a lot less now. The price of CDs now, compared to even two years ago, is quite staggering. Plus, so many "older" recordings are harder to find. I will keep CD purchases to box sets that I really want, but I feel for the most part I already have most of what I need and want in this regard. The supply and demand has gotten too out of whack for CDs. Long gone are the $6.99 Naxos days.  Plus, I feel I already have too many CDs and it would likely take three years or more of listening to get to each disc I already have in my collection, with more that is incoming. And that is only listening to a CD once. 

I'm only interested in classical music. No other genres. The only three platforms for streaming that I am interested and will potentially consider exploring at this juncture are: Presto, Idagio and Naxos Music Library.

Considerations:

I have always been fond of Presto's website in general and fits my way of searching for recordings. Plus, I've ordered many, many discs from there. There is a great familiarity that I have with their site, and I've also found their customer service to be most helpful and very prompt. They are already my first choice as far as a "trial run". I'm constantly on their website.

Naxos Music Library - even in the early days of exploration (going back almost 20 years), I found Naxos terrific for sampling music on their website. So, again, familiarity. I see they have added many recordings to their streaming service from various other labels. They might be my second option for "trial" run.

Idagio intrigues me, as I have heard a lot of good things about it. However, I am completely unfamiliar with it, so that is the main drawback for me to begin this one as a "trial". They might have the largest library of the three, but that really isn't much of a factor for me.

If anyone has any feedback regarding one or all of these three platforms (please, only the three I mentioned), then that would be helpful.

NB - My music listening habits or behaviours are: I'm not a downloader or ripper. Not what I am interested in. I listen to CDs, my local classical radio station, or stream clips on Presto, Naxos or on YouTube. Thus, in utilizing a streaming service, it really would strictly be for streaming. I'm also not concerned (in this regard) to albums or items from a catalogue disappearing. If there is something I really, really want, and worried it will disappear on the streaming platform or quickly go out of print, I'll just simply buy the CD. I'm also not an audiophile, so although sound is important, I don't get technical about it or bogged down in the weeds. Just interested in generally good sound.

NB part II - I'm a pretty easy going guy. I realize no platform is perfect, and all of these have their pros and cons. I'll be more than happy with something that meets 80% of my needs. Not looking for perfection.

[Karl Henning]

Long gone are the $6.99 Naxos days.

Did I dream those days?...

[Brian]

It sounds to me like you should go with Presto, since you already know the interface and the searching functionality. The top classical streaming platforms are not so substantially different that you might reap new rewards for learning a new system, in my opinion. Although I have heard that Idagio offers access to some live concerts from European orchestras?

Naxos Music Library was the platform I used until about 2020. The search, artist and composer drilldowns, and complete composer works indexes are extremely well-kept and well-maintained. (If you remember how ArkivMusic used to be organized, that's somewhat similar.) The new releases were also very easy to find as they're all dutifully catalogued together every month on a page. I used to simply go down the page listening to them all systematically. The player was occasionally wonky and NML does server maintenance a few times a year, but the "library" aspect of it is truly unparalleled. I miss the ability to click a composer and find all the recordings of a work, or find all the arrangements and transcriptions of a work for different ensembles. NML also had an extraordinary selection - if a label is in the collection, they are making every effort to have every recording from that label available. One specific label family that seems to be missing from rival services, but IS on NML, is the Exton/Triton group from Japan. There also used to be a stats panel where you could look at the history of your listening.

However, NML is very high priced to match its scope and customer service standard. I made the move to a service you do not want to hear about for that reason, the Service That Shall Not Be Named* is also made by classical enthusiasts but it is $150/yr rather than $310/yr for the top sound quality option. I've enjoyed that one too and am listening to it right this second. But the design is different: compared to Presto or NML, you spend more time in the search bar, not drilling down by artist or composer. It has more "designed features" (a magazine, curated recommendations, etc.) rather than being like walking through a library, pulling things off the shelves.

In future if I won the lotto I might go back to NML but I don't see a convincing argument against Presto, because they've built a good interface, they have great service, and you already know and love it. So why not! 

*but starts with Q

[ChamberNut]

(If you remember how ArkivMusic used to be organized, that's somewhat similar.)

*but starts with Q

Thanks for your insights and feedback Brian. Oh, how could I forget the once great ArkivMusic. Boy do I miss them before their failure of an upgrade (massive failure, if you ask me). Pre-failure upgrade, if ArkivMusic had come up with a streaming platform 4 years ago or so, that is probably who I would have gone with. Basically, Presto became my ArkivMusik.

And thank you for adhering to not mentioning any other platforms.  Ie. "Q".

[Number Six]

I have extensively used Idagio and Presto, and both are quite good. Easily recommendable.

Presto has hi-res, if you're interested in that. It's not an issue for me, based on my equipment and listening habits. Plus, they have jazz. And you can choose to buy tracks if you want, at a slight member discount.

The main things that Idagio has going for it are on the user interface IMO:

1. Lots of ways to filter searches. With Presto, it's just a single search box.

2. The ability to play a single piece. In Presto, it's like it's one big CD. Say you have a Beethoven cycle box, and you just want to play the Eroica. You can start it there, just like a CD. But if you don't come along and turn it off, Presto will keep playing the 4th and 5th and so on. Not really a major issue unless you're listening to box sets.

3. Playlists. Maybe that's not an issue for you, but it comes in handy from time to time. (example: Maybe you want to build a custom Mahler cycle from different recordings) No option at all on Presto for anything but starting an album and playing it.

That said, neither service will hurt your feelings, in my experience. Presto is simpler to master, perhaps, but both apps will take good care of you.

[Brian]

2. The ability to play a single piece. In Presto, it's like it's one big CD. Say you have a Beethoven cycle box, and you just want to play the Eroica. You can start it there, just like a CD. But if you don't come along and turn it off, Presto will keep playing the 4th and 5th and so on. Not really a major issue unless you're listening to box sets.

3. Playlists. Maybe that's not an issue for you, but it comes in handy from time to time. (example: Maybe you want to build a custom Mahler cycle from different recordings) No option at all on Presto for anything but starting an album and playing it.

Oh, thank you for this. Service Q doesn't have the ability to play a single piece like that, so you have to tap the pause key on your computer quickly. It also defaults to play a completely different album you didn't ask for at the end of the album you did ask for, although luckily you can turn that setting off.

Q does allow for playlists so I have built quite a few. That seems like a no-brainer for Presto to consider!

[Number Six]

Oh, thank you for this. Service Q doesn't have the ability to play a single piece like that, so you have to tap the pause key on your computer quickly. It also defaults to play a completely different album you didn't ask for at the end of the album you did ask for, although luckily you can turn that setting off.

Q does allow for playlists so I have built quite a few. That seems like a no-brainer for Presto to consider!

The ability to que up a single piece (or save it to a playlist) is the gamechanger for me. Only Idagio and Apple Classical have it (and Apple's metadata is sometimes wonky, so all the movements won't show up as a single piece). With other service, you can choose individual tracks for the que or playlist - which is fine,  but it's a little more effort required. (As you know, from your other service.)

Presto has none of this. It's the main reason I continue to use other services even though I still have a few months left on a prepaid Presto annual. But I do use Presto sometimes because it's nice, and I like supporting it.


ETA: Maybe Naxos has the ability to play a single piece, too. But I have never used the service.

[ChamberNut]

Thank you @Number Six for the feedback.

@Brian Oh man....really liking the looks and features of the Naxos Music Library. I went through almost one hour tutorial of the site, and it is really tempting. However, it is definitely much MUCH pricier.

By the way Brian, since you were a member, do you know the NML difference between a standard membership versus premium membership? They don't go over that, or at least I couldn't find that info. All I saw was the price difference between the two. Naxos is significantly more $ than Presto. But likely a lot more functionality and special features.

Think what I'll end up doing is starting with Presto and their trial first. If I'm satisfied, I'll just keep going until I'm not. 

[ChamberNut]

The ability to que up a single piece (or save it to a playlist) is the gamechanger for me. Only Idagio and Apple Classical have it

NML does as well.

[Number Six]

NML does as well.

Good to know. I have never used it. 

The learning curve on Presto is probably as easy as any streaming service, so that's something.

[ChamberNut]

Good to know. I have never used it. 

The learning curve on Presto is probably as easy as any streaming service, so that's something.

I just know form the tutorial I just listened to (regarding NML). 

[Brian]

Thank you @Number Six for the feedback.

@Brian Oh man....really liking the looks and features of the Naxos Music Library. I went through almost one hour tutorial of the site, and it is really tempting. However, it is definitely much MUCH pricier.

By the way Brian, since you were a member, do you know the NML difference between a standard membership versus premium membership? They don't go over that, or at least I couldn't find that info. All I saw was the price difference between the two. Naxos is significantly more $ than Presto. But likely a lot more functionality and special features.

As I recall at least back then, standard was 128kbps and premium was 320 - no lossless option. I used to use it only on headphones at work, so I couldn't tell the difference between 320 and lossless, but if you have extra high trained ears you might have different feelings!

[hopefullytrusting]

As I recall at least back then, standard was 128kbps and premium was 320 - no lossless option. I used to use it only on headphones at work, so I couldn't tell the difference between 320 and lossless, but if you have extra high trained ears you might have different feelings!

Yeah, I also wish I could contribute to these threads, but I'm a neanderthal - 360p/480p is more than good enough for me (maybe even 144p/240p, but I don't even know if they offer that anymore). I've tried all the options above 128, and I am convinced that the difference heard by those who claim to hear is a "collective delusion" (lol).

[Number Six]

Yeah, I also wish I could contribute to these threads, but I'm a neanderthal - 360p/480p is more than good enough for me (maybe even 144p/240p, but I don't even know if they offer that anymore). I've tried all the options above 128, and I am convinced that the difference heard by those who claim to hear is a "collective delusion" (lol).

Your way is my way. 

My ears/equipment can't really tell the difference as long as the lossy-file is decently made. I am so grateful for that fact.

[ChamberNut]

I'm now going to have a closer in depth look at Idagio.

[Brian]

Yeah, I also wish I could contribute to these threads, but I'm a neanderthal - 360p/480p is more than good enough for me (maybe even 144p/240p, but I don't even know if they offer that anymore). I've tried all the options above 128, and I am convinced that the difference heard by those who claim to hear is a "collective delusion" (lol).

Saves us money!

[Duke Bluebeard]

I own too many CDs to ever consider streaming. Unless, one day, I lose all of them in some kind of unforeseen incident.

[Daverz]

Did I dream those days?...

I used to get Naxoi for $5 each at Lou's Records and Tapes in Encinitas, CA.  That must have been mid-2000s or so.  At those prices I would just grab anything of interest.   

Lou's is still there, which amazes me:

https://www.lousrecords.com/

As for streaming, I have a Qobuz subscription, but I'm becoming increasingly frustrated with their "New Releases" page, which does not show all new releases available.  Nor is there a way to search on release date.  I've stuck with Qobuz so far because it works well with Lyrion Music Server (previously known as Logitech Media Server.) 

[AnotherSpin]

I used Idagio for a while and liked the service, except for the fact that my interests aren't limited to classical music only. The main reason I switched to another service, one of those that should not be named, is that it offers integration with high-quality standalone music streamers, whereas Idagio lacks this functionality. So, for those considering an upgrade to more serious, high-quality audio set, it's unlikely they'll settle for just the three named options. If you're only listening on a computer, then it's fine.

Also, the service that must not be named is integrated into the audio system in my car. I listen to music while driving, selecting an album either through the car's interface or from my smartphone, which is also integrated. Very convenient.

[ChamberNut]

Alright, thanks for everyone's feedback. It's appreciated!

My final plan is:

A - Do the Presto 30 day trial.
B - Do the Idagio 14 day trial.
C - Decide amongst the two, unless I do find both unsatisfactory. Not likely due to my needs, criteria and easy to please nature.

I'm not considering *Naxos Music Library, even though it definitely looked like a great service. However, when considering exchange rate, it is 3 times the cost of both Presto and Idagio. Due to not having a professional athlete's salary, I will pass.

*Plus, Naxos trial period is 15 minutes. 😐