Hi ruben1975

The Essence MK2 does not support Spotify Lossless - which means that it can not fetch a lossless stream from the Spotify server using Spotify Connect.
The Spotify app knows that, when you try to stream to it…and sends the highest lossy quality = 320 kbps OGG Vobis

If you try to airplay from the Spotify app, you can start with a lossless stream - however this stream travels from your device to the Essence MK2 over your internal network.
Since the AirPlay protocol (in this case AirPlay 2) sends all sound in a lossy format (256 kbps AAC ), it arrives as lossy stream at your Essence MK2.

This means either way you do it, the result will be lossy….at around the same quality.

The never B&O devices - those on the Mozart platform - do have support for lossless Spotify Connect.
If you initiate lossless Spotify via Connect to these, it arrives at the devices as a lossless stream.

Even though the SQ is approximately the same, there are some differences.
For example - if that is important to you - the stream will be gapless (means no gaps between tracks in an album, if they are not there originally), when you use Spotify Connect.
This is not guaranteed with AirPlay 2.

Anyway - enjoy what you are listening to….regardless of bitrate.
Remember, the most important factors are the quality of the recording, your speakers and your listening room (and how good you ears are).

MM

 

Thank for your reply. Does this also apply for an Android device? (samsung s25 ultra of tablet A11)

 

Great explanation on the difference between streaming with AirPlay and Spotify Connect. It's clear that for lossless audio, you need the right setup. Thanks for the detailed breakdown! @geometry game