Qobuz is My Funny Valentine
Hi-Res Streaming Service Qobuz to Launch in US February 14
Qobuz, the world’s first and only certified Hi-Res (24-bit/up to 192 kHz) streaming service, will launch in the US on February 14th. A hybrid streaming service and download store, Qobuz boasts approximately forty million CD-quality (16-bit) and millions of Hi-Res (24-bit/ 192 kHz) tracks, the largest available selection of Hi-Res streaming tracks anywhere.
Since its launch in 2007 in Europe, where it is the streaming and download service of choice for true music connoisseurs looking for the highest possible quality, US audiophiles have been eagerly awaiting Qobuz’s arrival stateside.
Qobuz is poised to capitalize on the modern developments making high-quality audio available to a fast-widening audience looking for a higher-level listening experience. Improvements in bandwidth speed and Internet infrastructure and the introduction of affordable speakers and audio equipment represent an accessibility tipping point in the growing high-end audio market.
Qobuz will be available on all app stores, and a summary of its features is below.
- Streaming in up to 24-bit/192 kHz true Hi-Res FLAC (about 29x the audio quality of MP3) with compatible gear.
- The option to stream and offline download an unlimited amount of music on all devices-including both mobile and desktop.
- A parallel Hi-Res download store with files for purchase allowing for options that flow substantial revenues back to creators- premium pricing for Hi-Res masters is a growth area for record labels.
- Exclusive, curated, and in-depth editorial content. Deep metadata, complete digital booklets, interactive articles, reviews, and playlists in-app on every platform.
- Hard-to-find jazz and classical tracks featured.
- No genre or artist pushing: Qobuz’s interface features only music of indicated interest to the user.
- Full Roon version 1.6 integration available.
Here’s what the audiophiles are saying:
- The LA Times called it “the greatest record store that has ever existed.”
- Sound & Vision said that Qobuz’s subscription fee is “a small price to pay for a high-quality aural buzz you’ll crave time and time again.”
- Audiophile site Darko Audio said “The big story this year is the arrival of Qobuz to American shores.”
- Stereophile said “When I compare Qobuz’ 44.1 sound to [lower-res] … I feel certain I will carry weapons and fight on the front lines to make sure Hi-Res streaming is here to stay.”
- Audiophile Review raved, “If musical availability and streamed quality mattered most … I would choose Qobuz.”
Owner and chairmain of Qobuz, Denis Thébaud, said “I am very proud of our United States launch. Our teams have been working brilliantly for over a year with our recording and publishing partners to get to this point. I am convinced that what we have to offer, on both the streaming and download markets, will be a success amongst American music lovers.” Dan Mackta, Managing Director of Qobuz USA, added “I’m thrilled to be introducing Qobuz to the US, and I look forward to working with the music community to spread the word about streaming without sacrifice. It’s all about the quality!”
Pricing plans are below:
- Sublime+: $299.99/year for full Hi-Res streaming and substantial (40-60%) discounts on purchases from the Qobuz Hi-Res (up to 24-bit / 192 kHz) download store.
- Studio: $24.99/month for unlimited Hi-Res (24-bit /up to 192 kHz) streaming ($249.99 annually).
- Hi-Fi: $19.99/month for streaming including 16-bit CD quality streaming ($199.99 annually).
- Premium: $9.99/month for 320 kbps MP3 quality streaming ($99.99 annually).
About Qobuz
Founded in 2007, Qobuz is a Paris-based commercial online music streaming and downloading service that addresses the needs of curious and discerning music lovers across the globe. Live in eleven European markets and launching in the US on February 14th, 2019, Qobuz offers an exceptional range of music genres as well as exclusive editorial content independently curated by a team of experts. Qobuz offers subscription to streaming services with genuine CD quality audio of more than 40-million tracks and millions of Hi-Res tracks up to 24-bit/192 kHz resolution from all genres. For more information: www.qobuz.com.
I added Qobuz to Tidal, streamed through the Aurender N10. And for now, I’m gonna keep both, since I regularly find albums that I want to listen to on one service and not on the other. The way I look at it: like many of you, I’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars on audio equipment. The equipment, though, is just the house. The house becomes a home when music is added. And a home is warmer with more music.
Simpler way to say it: not complete overlap, both are good, more music is better, isn’t that why we’ve bought expensive audio toys…
The 64-bit windows version is completely unusable for me, so it doesn’t look like they’re going to get me to move off Tidal…
Qobuz tastes better with Roon.
Good read thank you
New kid on the block – shiny new car – I get it.
Test driving myself. So far seem like a lateral move for me.
Most likely sticking with Tidal after my free month.
Nothing against Qobuz – I like the purchasing option.
Maybe this will get Tidal to up their game. Competition is a good thing.
BTW I like the sound of MQA – YMMV.
Doug