Deezer has offered a lossless audio subscription tier for years, but it has always been limited in scope. The Deezer HiFi option was only available via desktop apps and connected speakers in the United States for the past few years. Continue Reading
The Neil Young Archive first debuted about a year ago, offering his fans a chance to access his music catalog at a high audio quality. While the site was free for the beta period, the site is now formally launching as a subscription service and app. Continue Reading
Qobuz, a high-resolution music streaming and download service, announced that it plans to launch in the United States in 2019. The company has not set a target date, but it has been slowly edging towards the move for many months. Continue Reading
Streaming and download service Qobuz has named Yann Miossec as its new CEO. “Working with this brand, promoting its projects, is my dream challenge,” he said. The Paris-based company specializes in hi-resolution music, and it is planning a United States launch and a possible IPO in the near future. Continue Reading
7digital has signed on to power a high-resolution streaming music service. The new client is HDmusicStream, a service launched by the founders of HDtracks that will use MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) technology. Continue Reading
Spotify appears to be testing the hi-fi audio waters. Some users of the streaming service appear to have been chosen to test a version of Spotify’s premium features coupled with lossless, CD-quality audio. According to screenshots of the A/B testing for Spotify Hi-Fi, the potential upgrade could add between $5 and $10 a month to the existing monthly cost. Continue Reading
Audio quality has been a hotly contested subject for the music industry. Some swear that high compression and low bitrate make for a mediocre listening experience. Others say the distinctions between file type are indistinguishable, at least for the average listener. A new study found data that, impressively enough, supports both sides. Continue Reading
MusicWatch has shared research into consumer sentiment about what listeners want in a music streaming subscription. When asked what feature would encourage them to pay for their tunes, far and away the top answer was control over a completely on-demand service at 39%. However, 11% said “sound quality as good as the recording studio.” Continue Reading
We knew going in that CES 2016 would be a showcase for technology exploring the topic of high-res audio. More and more brands have hopped on the hi-res bandwagon, many of them at slightly less exorbitant prices. That change on the business end could mean that this year marks a shift in how the general consumer thinks about audio quality. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: BitTorrent 2015 artist survey; Cumulus CEO Berner’s plans for stability, programming; Apple rumored to explore high-res; the Drake Effect and the Nicki Effect. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Dash Radio still growing and thriving; new logo emerges for hi-res music; major retailers lead the vinyl resurgence. Continue Reading
Onkyo & Pioneer has launched a new entry into the portable audio device segment. The new XDP-100R device is a high-resolution music player. A company rep said it is for those listeners “who feel smartphones aren’t offering satisfying sound quality.” Continue Reading