Qobuz, an audio platform in operation since 2007 that has been growing in popularity worldwide, recently added the Direct Stream Digital (DSD) and Digital eXtreme Definition (DXD) audio formats as download options in its online store. Described as the ultimate in hi-res digital audio capture and playback, the two are not commonly offered. And while there is not yet a large catalog of songs, audiophiles welcome the news as a harbinger of things to come. Qobuz has already added about 22,500 mainly DSD tracks to its catalog of more than 100 million songs, and says there are more on tap.

Digital Trends reports Qobuz is now “one of the only companies that lets folks stream or download in the highest possible quality.”

With plans starting at about $11 per month, Qobuz was founded by Alexandre Leforestier and Yves Riesel. It is now owned by Swiss developer Xandrie SA, which focuses on digital culture and entertainment. Since 2019 Qobuz has operated “as the U.S.’ first hi-res streaming and download service,” the company says.

Most of its catalog is in lossless CD quality and hi-res FLAC formats, but the company does break out its DSD catalog and DXD catalog.

“Unlike the big green streaming machine, it does offer hi-res music in abundance, along with human-curated playlists, a download store you don’t have to be a member to use (although you get up to 60 percent discounts if you do have a subscription), and an online community forum called Qobuz Club that’s nearly 18 months old filled with actual humans giving each other advice, kudos and tips,” TechRadar writes, comparing it to the more popular Spotify.

“Where CD-quality is often said to refer to ‘16-bit recordings,’ DSD only ever uses ‘single-bit’ values, at a sampling rate of 2.8224 MHz. This is 64 times that of 44.1 kHz, aka CD audio sampling rate, but with 1-bit samples instead of 16-bit,” TechRadar reports. Qobuz offers an explainer of the format in its own online magazine.

“Home to thousands of artists and albums, Qobuz prides itself on top-shelf audio quality and expertly-curated content,” per Digital Trends, which says the company’s “mobile and desktop apps are also top-notch, offering solid navigation for those who know what they want to listen to and excellent music discovery for those who don’t.”

Related:
The Best Music Streaming Service You’ve Never Heard of Just Unleashed a Barnstorming New Feature, Tom’s Guide, 10/15/24
Qobuz Undercuts the Competition with the Lowest-Priced Student Streaming Plan, Digital Music News, 10/3/24