iOS: Bitrates when using multiple devices to stream

[floris]

Hi,

I have a Pandora Plus subscription, and I understand that the bitrate depends on both the device and the subscription.  However, I'm still pretty confused about the relationship between the different subscription plans, the devices that are used to receive the stream, and the bitrate of the stream.

I run the Pandora app on my iPhone (an iOS device) and then use AirPlay to send the output to my Yamaha RX-A730.  What is the bitrate that Pandora sends under this circumstance?  What about when I connect to my Sony earbuds?

Will I get better audio quality if I upgrade to Pandora Premium?  Is the audio quality better with Pandora Plus if I use the Yamaha Music Cast app on my iPhone to listen on the receiver instead of the Pandora app?

[AlyssaPandora · Accepted solution]

Hi there, @floris. 👋

Nice to see you around the community space. 

Yamaha devices will get 128 kbps MP3 regardless of subscription tier. Using AirPlay should provide slightly higher audio quality. 

Pandora Premium Subscribers have 3 different audio quality options when streaming from a mobile device only:

• Low: 32 kbps AAC+
• Standard: 64 kbps AAC+
• High: 192 kbps mp3

To adjust your audio quality settings:

• Open Pandora and select Profile.
• Tap the Settings gear in the top right corner of your screen.
• Select Advanced. 
• Select Audio Quality and Downloads, then choose which level of audio quality you'd prefer to listen to.

Premium subscribers have additional options for listening on a cell network, Wi-Fi, or downloads. 🎧