Hoodwinking HDtracks didn't work!

Posted by: The Meerkat on 26 July 2014

I am desperate to get my hands on the 96/24 bit version of 'The Division Bell', by Pink Floyd. And also the 24 bit version of 'Ghost Stories', by Coldplay. Both are available from HDtracks, but because of restrictions, they are not available to the UK. I've no idea why, as they are on UK record labels! 

 

I tried to hoodwink them, and gave a US postal address and a proxy email address, but it still didn't work, as they appear to have sussed this one out! Loads of people say, pay by PayPal. But you can't even get as far as that, as soon as you click on the album, it stops you.

 

Why are these two British bands not available to buy, by UK residents?

 

Is there another way to get the albums from HDtracks?

 

Will they be available on Linn?

 

HDtracks coming to the UK, has obviously gone out the window!

Posted on: 26 July 2014 by winkyincanada
Originally Posted by The Meerkat:

I am desperate to get my hands on the 96/24 bit version of 'The Division Bell', by Pink Floyd. And also the 24 bit version of 'Ghost Stories', by Coldplay. Both are available from HDtracks, but because of restrictions, they are not available to the UK. I've no idea why, as they are on UK record labels! 

 

I tried to hoodwink them, and gave a US postal address and a proxy email address, but it still didn't work, as they appear to have sussed this one out! Loads of people say, pay by PayPal. But you can't even get as far as that, as soon as you click on the album, it stops you.

 

Why are these two British bands not available to buy, by UK residents?

 

Is there another way to get the albums from HDtracks?

 

Will they be available on Linn?

 

HDtracks coming to the UK, has obviously gone out the window!

Use a plug-in called "hola" for Chrome. It allows you to spoof a US IP address. HD tracks changed the way they restrict. A fake US postal address used to work but it doesn't now (and is actually not necessary).

 

(But why you'd want a Coldplay album at all, let alone in HD, is a subject for another thread )

Posted on: 26 July 2014 by Steve J

Linn won't have them as they are cutting back on albums other than Linn's own label.

Posted on: 26 July 2014 by blorbed

They're both available on qobuz, at the resolution you're after, 15 euros apiece.

 

Codes are also on the website giving levels of discount depending on value of purchase, valid until 31st July.

Posted on: 26 July 2014 by The Meerkat

Thanks guys...HIGHRESAUDIO (Germany) has them both, and so much more! Just downloaded both albums in 24bit, which are now safely on my NAS.  The Division Bell sounds brilliant through my ND5 XS.

 

Winkyincanada...Yea, the Coldplay one is a bit depressing!! 

Posted on: 31 July 2014 by David O'Higgins

Can anyone tell me how to buy a download from Qobuz without having to set up a monthly subscription?

Posted on: 31 July 2014 by David O'Higgins

Ok, I've managed it!

Posted on: 31 July 2014 by rjstaines
Originally Posted by David O'Higgins:

Ok, I've managed it!

How?

Posted on: 01 August 2014 by David O'Higgins

To be honest, I don't know! But I've managed to buy the Naxos Haydn 'Creation' for €8.99, and very good it sounds on first hearing. However, will have to edit the metadata as the track order is 'spaghetti' style. Often happens with downloads of what were originally multi-disc releases.

 

Posted on: 01 August 2014 by ChrisH
I enabled access to downloads by e mailing Qobuz support and asking them to let me even though I'm based in UK.
I've downloaded a few since then despite not having a monthly subscription.
Though I know others that have tried this have not been successful.
Posted on: 01 August 2014 by ChrisH
Did you download your album in WAV David?
I find downloading in WAV ends up with metadata in a mess.
Downloading in FLAC gives far better metadata results.
Posted on: 01 August 2014 by Jude2012

Did my first download from Quboz earlier today.  CD quality and Studio Master tracks sound fantastic !!!

 

Sluggish site to navigate due to the translation from French to English, but I like the fact that you can download in AIFF which reduces my workflow and that you can re download in a different format.

 

Lalo Schifrin's Main a Title from Dirty Harry is to die for 

 

Jude 

Posted on: 01 August 2014 by David O'Higgins

Chris, I downloaded in FLAC, but you have to be awake to override the default. I think the default is AIFF ? Not sure if I can set my FLAC preference in my account, as I can with HDtracks. 

It also started putting everything into iTunes as well, which I didn't want. A bit more learning to be done yet!

Posted on: 02 August 2014 by Harry

You can change your preference for Qobuz downloads but it doesn't matter because you can convert post download.  If you don't want to do that, at least Qobuz lets you download again - or it did when I last bought something from them.

 

If I have no choice but to use HDT I use an app called "Hide My IP". 

Posted on: 06 August 2014 by Fueller

Just went onto HD Tracks following their latest email and realised I can get a few albums not previously available, including all Warner releases which also have 20% off so REM and Linkin Park available fpr example. A few others too on various smaller labels so Rush Clockwork Angels, and both Mastodons first album (with 15% off) and latest. Might be worth another look folks. I won't be downloading any Coldplay anytime soon though -