Streaming: Presto vs Idagio vs Naxos Music Library

[ando]

I often forget that I subscribe to Naxos Music Library (through my local library, of course) until I go combing through my phone apps to clear space or the like. Their app doesn't have the shuffle entire library (or, at least, all likes) feature that I enjoy on Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube Music, though the desktop version does (odd). For closer listens, particularly to full works, nothing beats a good lp or cd sitting room session. On the go, however, I like random movements from random works.

I will say the liner notes feature and "Premium" sound setting (320 kbt/s) are a boon on Naxos and surpasses all other platforms that I've enjoyed.

With their sky high individual subscriptions (as someone previously mentioned) I wouldn't go near it if my library didn't offer it, though.

[ChamberNut]

The results are in: *Drumroll* 🥁

After going on both Presto and Idagio free trial runs, I have decided to go with Presto.

I just found it a little better organized with their search engine. And although Presto is currently lacking a "playlist" function (they are developing one), it isn't a function I currently use.

Just want to say that Idagio is a great product as well.

[DavidW]

Now you just need to sample between Spotify, Amazon, Apple, YT, Deezer, Tidal, and Qobuz for completeness!

[ChamberNut]

Now you just need to sample between Spotify, Amazon, Apple, YT, Deezer, Tidal, and Qobuz for completeness!

 

Well, I certainly will if I feel dissatisfied with Presto.

[Number Six]

The results are in: *Drumroll* 🥁

After going on both Presto and Idagio free trial runs, I have decided to go with Presto.

I just found it a little better organized with their search engine. And although Presto is currently lacking a "playlist" function (they are developing one), it isn't a function I currently use.

Just want to say that Idagio is a great product as well.

Now you just need to sample between Spotify, Amazon, Apple, YT, Deezer, Tidal, and Qobuz for completeness!

I am a bit of a hyperactive and indecisive streaming service tryer-outer. I have used them all, and they all work well enough IMO for classical. It just depends on what you like best.

Your comments reminded me to check my Presto account. I thought my one-year prepaid membership expired this month, but it turns out I have until May 19 before deciding if I want to pay again. I'll have to give it some more use for the next two months. 

[DavidW]

I am a bit of a hyperactive and indecisive streaming service tryer-outer. I have used them all, and they all work well enough IMO for classical. It just depends on what you like best.

It seems that music has done much better than any other media for digital. We have DRM-free downloads, and every streaming platform has everything or just about. Contrast that with playing the game of what streaming service is this TV show or movie on?

[Brian]

My Qobuz subscription renews in a month and I am contemplating switching to Presto for three reasons: (a) I haven't really used non-classical sections at all, (b) Presto is so much better at search and organization of albums, (c) it's nice to support a smaller business that is more in the classical community. However, it looks like there is a smaller catalog available - specifically it looks like Qobuz includes Hyperion but Presto does not? And there may be out of print old 70s-80s stuff not digitized on Presto. I'll have to research further - and reread this thread!

[ChamberNut]

My Qobuz subscription renews in a month and I am contemplating switching to Presto for three reasons: (a) I haven't really used non-classical sections at all, (b) Presto is so much better at search and organization of albums, (c) it's nice to support a smaller business that is more in the classical community. However, it looks like there is a smaller catalog available - specifically it looks like Qobuz includes Hyperion but Presto does not? And there may be out of print old 70s-80s stuff not digitized on Presto. I'll have to research further - and reread this thread!

Hmm, Brian.... Hyperion is on Presto.

[Brian]

Hmm, Brian.... Hyperion is on Presto.

Ok... I'll look in more detail some time soon (maybe if watching boring TV). By random chance the album I looked up, Stephen Hough's string quartet, did not appear, but I know not every Hyperion album has been uploaded to the streaming services yet.

[ChamberNut]

Ok... I'll look in more detail some time soon (maybe if watching boring TV). By random chance the album I looked up, Stephen Hough's string quartet, did not appear, but I know not every Hyperion album has been uploaded to the streaming services yet.

You're right, that particular one isn't there.

[AnotherSpin]

Ok... I'll look in more detail some time soon (maybe if watching boring TV). By random chance the album I looked up, Stephen Hough's string quartet, did not appear, but I know not every Hyperion album has been uploaded to the streaming services yet.

Qobuz has the Hyperion-released album Ravel, Dutilleux & Hough: String Quartets by the Takács Quartet, but I'm not sure if that's the one you're looking for.

Regarding the topic at hand, I'd like to emphasize once again that, in addition to the search function and library of a streaming service, integration with quality audio equipment is also crucial, beyond just using it on a regular computer or smartphone. This is especially important if, in the future, you decide to upgrade to audio set with higher-quality sound. Typically, specialized streamers support Tidal, Qobuz, and Spotify. No matter how well-organized the search or libraries of Presto or Idagio may be, they lack this capability.

[Madiel]

I just AirPlay Idagio from my phone to my system (which is a hybrid CD player/streamer). Doing it right now as it happens...

This thread also reminded me why I didn't fall in love with Presto - the fact that everything is organised by and plays by album. More than 90% of my Idagio searching and listening is to a work, not an album, so I love how well Idagio handles that.

The metadata isn't perfect, but mostly I can work around it. A notable recent exception is when I told them they'd said that a piece composed by Carl August Nielsen was instead composed by the oboist Bjorn Carl Nielsen. They've promptly fixed it.

[AnotherSpin]

I'm currently listening to a Mozart album on Qobuz, streaming from my MacBook through a HomePod speaker. But that's not what I meant at all.

[Madiel]

But that's not what I meant at all.

No. But you also said that Idagio doesn't support any streamers, and Idagio itself says otherwise. I can't vouch for that information as I don't own a streamer, but they specifically list one called Eversolo. They also have instructions for some specific kinds of equipment, whether these qualify as "streamers" or not I don't know.

EDIT: And my CD player is not equivalent to a HomePod speaker anyway. I have that kind of portable speaker, and it's not remotely the same sound quality as my CD player. And my CD player directly supports Spotify in the way you're talking about.

[AnotherSpin]

No. But you also said that Idagio doesn't support any streamers, and Idagio itself says otherwise. I can't vouch for that information as I don't own a streamer, but they specifically list one called Eversolo. They also have instructions for some specific kinds of equipment, whether these qualify as "streamers" or not I don't know.

EDIT: And my CD player is not equivalent to a HomePod speaker anyway. I have that kind of portable speaker, and it's not remotely the same sound quality as my CD player. And my CD player directly supports Spotify in the way you're talking about.

I was a subscriber to Idagio about 5 or 7 years ago. Overall, I liked the service. But then I ran into the issue that it didn't fully integrate with high-quality audio equipment (Naim in my case). At the time, Qobuz and Tidal did, so my choice for a new streaming service was between them. I went with Qobuz, though the difference wasn't significant.

I haven't opened Idagio in a long time, though I probably still have an account and the option to renew my subscription. It's quite possible that they've come up with something for better integration and high-rez streaming in recent years. But Qobuz suits me just fine, and in any case, Idagio is far behind Qobuz in terms of variety across different music genres.

As for the HomePod, I wouldn't compare it to a typical mini speaker—there are plenty of those on the market. Apple has once again pulled off its magic trick and created something truly remarkable. I'm very pleased with the sound, and it's a great alternative audio system for outside the main home rig.

[DavidW]

Typically, specialized streamers support Tidal, Qobuz, and Spotify. No matter how well-organized the search or libraries of Presto or Idagio may be, they lack this capability.

Idagio has native support on the Bluesound app, which represents the majority of streamers by market share. I seem to remember that Cambridge Audio supported Idagio. As Madiel noted, the rest of the streamers can do it through Airplay.

[AnotherSpin]

Idagio has native support on the Bluesound app, which represents the majority of streamers by market share. I seem to remember that Cambridge Audio supported Idagio. As Madiel noted, the rest of the streamers can do it through Airplay.

It seems that AirPlay has its limitations. I get the impression that the same streamer can deliver noticeably different sound depending on how the signal is transmitted. Likewise, my B&W Bluetooth headphones can also connect via a digital cable, and the difference in SQ is quite pronounced.

Of course, we adapt. These days, I listen to music on a much simpler setup than I did 20 years ago, back when I had tube gear and full-sized speakers with ribbon drivers. Sure, something's been lost, but I still enjoy the music. The reverse seems easier — when music has always been heard in modest quality, there's no need to wonder how it might sound on high-end equipment.

Edied: How does the Bluesound app work? I looked for it in the App Store but couldn't find it. When I open the Naim app on my computer or smartphone to control my Naim streamer, I can choose from three streaming services — Tidal, Qobuz, or Spotify — for setup and connection. There don't seem to be any other options.

[DavidW]

Edied: How does the Bluesound app work? I looked for it in the App Store but couldn't find it. When I open the Naim app on my computer or smartphone to control my Naim streamer, I can choose from three streaming services — Tidal, Qobuz, or Spotify — for setup and connection. There don't seem to be any other options.

The app is called BluOS and while Bluesound devices use it, so do any partners on streamers or speakers. See here: https://bluos.io/partners/ In the app the list of streaming services it supports natively is extensive. I think more and more companies will partner with them because these dedicated audiophile companies struggle to offer the same polished and complete experience with their own app.

[AnotherSpin]

The app is called BluOS and while Bluesound devices use it, so do any partners on streamers or speakers. See here: https://bluos.io/partners/ In the app the list of streaming services it supports natively is extensive. I think more and more companies will partner with them because these dedicated audiophile companies struggle to offer the same polished and complete experience with their own app.

Now I see, thanks. 5 or 6 brands besides Bluesound can use this app, which is undoubtedly a drop in the ocean. A pity, Idagio is a decent service.

[DavidW]

Now I see, thanks. 5 or 6 brands besides Bluesound can use this app, which is undoubtedly a drop in the ocean. A pity, Idagio is a decent service.

I still strongly disagree. Look here: https://support.idagio.com/en/articles/388939-connecting-idagio-to-your-sound-system. It is fairly well supported by multiple device ecosystems, as well as Chromecast, Apple Play, and Bluetooth.

I don't even know why you consider half a dozen a drop in the ocean. There are not that many audiophile companies making streamers. One to two dozen at most, not thousands. And most fit under the umbrella of offering support for Idagio. Just because it is not supported by your dinosaur streamer doesn't mean much.