Qobuz confirms Studio Master download service will launch in September

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Hi-res downloads and streaming are part of the French company's ambitious expansion plans, along with Qobuz TV and an in-car app

Qobuz

Qobuz, the French music streaming service, has confirmed that it will introduce its 'Studio Master' download service in September.

Subscribers can currently stream music via Qobuz up to CD-quality (16-bit/44.1kHz), but the firm's next step is to offer hi-res downloads (24-bit, up to 192kHz) for €15/album or €1.5/track. There will be a back catalogue of around 20,000 Studio Master albums at launch.

Alternatively, users will be able to download standard CD-quality FLAC files for €12 (album) or €0.95 (track).

MORE: Qobuz streaming service review

It's all part of an ambitious plan to expand Qobuz's reach and offering. The service will extend its coverage to Scandinavia, Spain and Italy this year and after that it is looking to introduce a 24-bit, DSD streaming service when it can.

Also in the development pipeline are Qobuz TV, offering live concerts on your smart TV in high-res audio and video, Qobuz Connect, and a Qobuz in-car app. The company is also trying to negotiate more exclusive releases on its platform.

Yesterday Astell & Kern announced it had linked up with Qobuz to bring high-res downloads directly to Astell & Kern portable players.

By Andy Clough

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Andy Clough
Andy Clough

Andy is Global Brand Director of What Hi-Fi? and has been a technology journalist for 30 years. During that time he has covered everything from VHS and Betamax, MiniDisc and DCC to CDi, Laserdisc and 3D TV, and any number of other formats that have come and gone. He loves nothing better than a good old format war. Andy edited several hi-fi and home cinema magazines before relaunching whathifi.com in 2008 and helping turn it into the global success it is today. When not listening to music or watching TV, he spends far too much of his time reading about cars he can't afford to buy.