Classic FM is now available in 'HD sound' on iOS and Android apps

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Latest app update brings the option of better quality sound when listening to Classic FM on a smartphone or tablet.

Listeners to Classic FM can now enjoy their favourite classical music in HD sound on iOS and Android devices. Once you've updated the app, a simple HD audio toggle switch appears on the homepage.

To take advantage of the better quality sound, you will first have to register yourself on the Classic FM website, or link your account via Twitter or Facebook. After that just slide the HD Audio button to on and away you go.

We have asked Classic FM for details of the audio quality being used on the HD Audio stream, and are waiting for a response. We'll update this story as soon as we get it.

Given that the station normally streams online at 128kbps, we are hoping the new service ups the ante to at least 320kbps, which is what the BBC does for its HD Audio streams on BBC iPlayer.

For example, BBC Radio 3 HD Sound uses the AAC-LC codec at 320kbps and has no audio signal processing applied.

MORE: BBC Proms 2015 broadcast in HD Sound

Andy Clough
Andy Clough

Andy is Global Brand Director of What Hi-Fi? and has been a technology journalist for 30 years. During that time he has covered everything from VHS and Betamax, MiniDisc and DCC to CDi, Laserdisc and 3D TV, and any number of other formats that have come and gone. He loves nothing better than a good old format war. Andy edited several hi-fi and home cinema magazines before relaunching whathifi.com in 2008 and helping turn it into the global success it is today. When not listening to music or watching TV, he spends far too much of his time reading about cars he can't afford to buy.