1. Project Overview

Title: An Investigation into the Impact of Audio Quality on Music Enjoyment
This thesis investigates how variations in audio quality, across formats like Spotify streaming, CD quality, and high-resolution formats, influence listeners' music enjoyment. The study combines user-centered design principles with empirical research methods to assess how well participants can discern differences in audio quality and how it affects their emotional engagement.

2. Problem Statement

This research addresses whether listeners can detect differences in music quality and whether higher audio fidelity enhances music enjoyment. It also explores how these perceptions vary across different musical genres and listener backgrounds. The problem arises from the growing availability of high-quality streaming options and the debate over whether casual listeners benefit from such services.

3. Research Questions

• Can listeners discern differences between standard streaming, CD quality, and high-resolution formats?

• How does the ability to perceive audio quality impact music enjoyment?

• Does music genre affect the ability to discern quality differences?

• Is it worth investing in premium audio services for the average listener?

4. Methodology

A comparative user study was conducted with 10 participants who listened to selected music samples in varying audio qualities—Spotify (OGG Vorbis), CD quality, and high-resolution WAV. Both quantitative (ranking systems) and qualitative data (user interviews) were gathered. Participants indicated when they noticed differences in quality by raising their hands, and their feedback was meticulously recorded to gain insights into both technical and emotional reactions.

5. Findings

The study found that while many participants could discern significant differences between streaming and high-quality audio formats, fewer could detect distinctions between CD and high-resolution audio. Genre-specific factors, such as production style, also influenced listeners' perceptions. For example, genres with more complex production (like classical) tended to reveal more noticeable differences in quality than simpler genres like pop.

6. Conclusion

The thesis concludes that audio quality does influence music enjoyment for those who can perceive the difference. However, casual listeners may not find it necessary to invest in premium services unless they are equipped with high-quality playback equipment. This research adds to the growing understanding of user-centered audio experience design, indicating that the relationship between audio quality and enjoyment is subjective and deeply personal.

7. Challenges & Solutions

One of the main challenges was ensuring that participants' experiences were consistent and unbiased. The study tackled this by using blind testing and carefully controlled listening environments. Additionally, participants had varying degrees of familiarity with high-end audio systems, which influenced their ability to detect differences.