How to Setup Lossless Audio on Mac Computer (settings and gear)
Today I want to talk about the never-ending debate between Apple Music and Spotify. I know this topic has caused heated discussions around Thanksgiving table for ages, but I want to focus specifically on Apple Music and its advantage in the lossless desktop niche.
Before we dive in, I want to clarify that this won’t be a highly technical review. This is just how to set it up, as I ran into lossless audio by mistake.
I’ll share my personal experience with the gear I already had. If the equipment I mention is out of your price range, don’t worry. I’ll provide alternative options in the description.
To get started, you’ll need a subscription to Apple Music. Once you have that, try playing Odessa’s “A Moment Apart.” Trust me, it’s one of the most perfect songs in the universe, at least in my opinion. This is where it all began for me, as I noticed a significant difference in the audio quality on Apple Music.
You see, Apple Music introduced lossless streaming a while ago. Typically, when a song is streamed, it undergoes compression, which can result in a loss of sound quality, including certain tones or pitches. However, if you’re using a laptop and connected to Wi-Fi, this compression isn’t a major concern.
Lossless audio, on the other hand, is an uncompressed format that Apple Music streams over its service. To fully experience lossless audio on Apple Music, you’ll need two essential pieces of hardware: a DAC (digital-to-analog converter) and a pair of headphones with a 3.5mm jack that can connect directly to the DAC. (Note, you can also just connect the 3.5mm jack to the computer to get similar results. DAC is just a bonus.)
Define DAC: A device that converts digital audio signal into an analog one so that one can play the sound over headphones or speakers.
Bluetooth and Lossless Audio
Now, here’s something I didn’t know when I started: you can’t listen to lossless audio with Bluetooth headphones. The power capacity of Bluetooth technology isn’t sufficient for that level of audio quality…yet.
For my setup, I chose the Scarlet 2i2 DAC. However, most people won’t require such a high-end option. I’ll provide two alternative DAC recommendations below, HIDIZS S3 PRO and Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen (1 Port), one of which is reasonably priced around $50.
As for headphones, I went with the Audio Technica ATH50s. These headphones are favored by many renowned musicians, including Beyoncé and Jay-Z, due to their flat sound signature that remains unaltered across frequencies. If you can’t afford this specific pair, just remember that having a direct connection to the DAC is crucial. The ATH40s, their less expensive counterparts, should provide a similar experience.
Apple Lossless Mac Settings
Once you have your DAC and headphones connected, there are a few settings you’ll need to adjust. Firstly, search for “MIDI” on your Mac and increase the output level to its maximum.
Next, switch to lossless audio in Apple Music settings and set the streaming quality to its highest level, but keep in mind this applies to streaming and not downloading.
Now that the setup and hardware adjustments are done, it’s time to revel in the fruits of your labor. Find an album you truly enjoy, making sure it features the Lossless Audio symbol, and just hit play. Sit back, embrace the silence, and immerse yourself in this new audio experience.
To wrap it up, I want to share some final thoughts. While I can’t say for certain if Apple Music is significantly better than Spotify at this point, it’s worth noting that many of us primarily listen to music in our cars. So, take that into consideration. That’s all from me today. If you enjoyed this blog, please watch the video! Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe. In addition, support me by using the affiliate link down below. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Were you as blown away as I was the first time?
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