Qobuz Sets Early 2019 US Launch with Hi-Res Streams, Downloads, Additional Content

Qobuz, which bills itself as the world’s only certified hi-res streaming and download service, will launch in the US in early 2019. 40 million tracks will be available in “lossless” quality (FLAC 16-Bit/44.1 kHz, similar to CD quality) and in 320kbps MP3 quality along with extensive meta-data and additional content.

The streamer will also offer a catalog in 24-Bit quality that music includes more than 75,000 albums, available as paid downloads, and in streaming as part of a Sublime+ subscription.

Qobuz has already launched in France, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Germany, Italy and Spain.

The company will focus on music that might appeal to an audiophile, including hard-to-find jazz and classical cuts that aren’t available on rival services. The company also promises extensive metadata, as well as content such as complete digital booklets, interactive articles and reviews, and exclusive playlists, which will be served through Qobuz’s app on every platform.

Qobuz prices are a little higher than their rivals. For full Hi-Res streaming, users can expect to pay $299.99 per year, but that includes discounts of up to 60% for music downloaded via the Qobuz Hi-Res (up to 24-bit / 192 khz) download store.

Other price tiers include the studio subscription, which offers unlimited Hi-Res (24-bit /up to 192 khz) for $24.99/month or $249.99 annually or the Hi-Fi subscription, which will set you back $19.99 for streaming 16-bit CD quality audio.  Finally, they offer a ‘Premium’ price point with unlimited streaming of 320 kbps music.

At launch, Qobuz will be available on all Mac/iOS/Android/Windows operating systems.