Hi Res quality nightmare

Posted by: KRM on 09 March 2014

While pondering which would be the best format in which to buy the new Beck album I came across this:

 

http://www.computeraudiophile..../569-and-winner-%85/

 

It turns out that the HD Tracks 24 bit download is more compressed and (in this chap's opinion) sounds worse than a lossy MP3 version. The issue is then complicated by the fact that there are many different versions, some of which are misleadingly labelled. 

 

This may be an extreme example, but it does illustrate the fact that we don't really know what we're getting when we download supposedly superior versions.  

 

Keith

 

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by kassos

Interesting link coupled with the following thread from same source

 

http://www.computeraudiophile....aster-not-one-18995/

 

Qobuz comes to uk but hardly any of their music is available for download in uk unless you have been lucky enough to get a special dispensation from them. HD downloads is due to arrive soon April maybe. Anyone care to take bets on how much more expensive the uk downloads will be than USA site?

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by KRM

Hi Kassos,

 

I have not had any issues with downloading from Qobuz from the UK. I have signed up for the one month free trial of their streaming service so, which may have helped.

 

Keith

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by kassos

I signed up for the premium service and tried at least a dozen titles , all we're unavailable in uk. I contacted qobuz who advised me that they had made some of their downloads available to uk customers in the past but now they were unable to allow this Due to copyright laws. 

I have posted elsewhere that I would only be prepared to pay £19.99 a month for their full premium service but not if I cannot take advantage of their discounted download service. Their choice of music is not as good as spotify.

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by Dan43

Similar experience for me from Qobuz, I get my downloads elsewhere now.

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by KRM

Your right, bugger!

 

Well,  if their preference is for me not to pay them, I will get mine elsewhere too 

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by GraemeH

Get all my downloads from qobuz since last year - last hires one yesterday - no problems to date.

 

Could it be to do with method of payment? I use registered paypal.

 

G

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by kassos

I don't think so Graeme. I never get as far as payment. I suspect you have had your account authorised before they came to uk? Do you get the discount for being a premium subscriber as well? And are you paying in Euros or Pounds?

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by GraemeH
Originally Posted by kassos:

I don't think so Graeme. I never get as far as payment. I suspect you have had your account authorised before they came to uk? Do you get the discount for being a premium subscriber as well? And are you paying in Euros or Pounds?

I don't subscribe Kassos and paying in euros I think.

 

Yes, I got authorisation last year before the official UK 'launch'.

 

G

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by Red MacGregor

I've complained to Qobuz a number of times about the amount of albums that are unavailable to download in hi def. Each time they give the same answer - we are still adding hi def tracks to the catalogue for the UK and they will be available shorty.

 

I'm pleased to say they have been available for a week or two now. If you've had problems in the past give them another try - I never requested any special dispensation and all the albums I was originally refused are now available.

 

Steve

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by KRM

i have the streaming subscription on trial but have only been able to buy hi res stuff via the French website. There doesn't seem to be a UK site or the facility to do it via the app, unless I'm missing something.     

 

Keith

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by GraemeH
Originally Posted by KRM:

i have the streaming subscription on trial but have only been able to buy hi res stuff via the French website. There doesn't seem to be a UK site or the facility to do it via the app, unless I'm missing something.     

 

Keith

This is also what I do via the English translation.

 

G

 

 

Posted on: 10 March 2014 by KRM

Back on the OP subject matter:

 

i notice from the DR Database that the vinyl Morning Phase has a DR of 10, the MP3 vinyl download is 9 and the HD Tracks Hi Res is 6.

 

Keith