Qobuz

[Bryn]

Having heard some amazing music on R3's Record Review this morning (Elena Langer, 'Landscape With Three People', UA) I had a good listen (played the entire CD 3 times) on Apple Music, I decided I need my own copy for portable non-internet use, etc). So I looked on Amazon for the CD and they have it (CD & download), and decided to check on Qobuz to see how much the download would be. But they haven't got it!

I've bought 11 titles so far from Qobuz and I really like the customer experience and product quality. But find that they often don't have what I'm looking for, while Apple Music, Amazon et al do. It's quite frustrating.

I am hoping that situation will start to change now that QOBUZ has a more secure business foundation. However, I too find the absence of so many labels frustrating. As do I the all too often 'download only' cases (no streaming bar 20 second samples) are found.

[Dave2002]

Qobuz?

In the middle of the night I have decided that I want something to listen to, and have turned to Qobuz - I still have a basic account.
Currently listening to Hindemith's Symphonic Metamorphoses - via streaming - though I paid for downloads of these Concertgebouw recordings last year.

Last year there were concerns that Qobuz would fold and become defunct. Have there been any updates on this in recent months?

Downloads and streaming services do seem to be a somewhat uncertain proposition if they can't guarantee service continuity over extended periods. This is particularly a problem for streaming only services. At least with download services the material can be saved, though some of us may get lazy and downloads can get lost.

[HighlandDougie]

Last year there were concerns that Qobuz would fold and become defunct. Have there been any updates on this in recent months?

They found a white knight aka buyer last December just in the nick of time. The new owner is to be found here:

http://www.xandrie.com/en/

All seems to be the same as usual with Qobuz - I've bought a few downloads from them recently without any problems. It may also be that their new-found financial security might bring back some of the labels which deserted them (although Qobuz might not want them back)

[mathias broucek]

Qobuz download problems

Am I the only one having problems?

I can download to mobile devices just fine but on both my PCs the download manager doesn't seem to work and my and attempts to download a "TAR" file (similar to Zip) are invariably interrupted

I therefore end up downloading tracks - not much fun with Kempff's Beethoven.

All tips gladly appreciated.

[Bryn]

Am I the only one having problems?

I can download to mobile devices just fine but on both my PCs the download manager doesn't seem to work and my and attempts to download a "TAR" file (similar to Zip) are invariably interrupted

I therefore end up downloading tracks - not much fun with Kempff's Beethoven.

All tips gladly appreciated.

I have note emailed tham since the takeover but prior to that I got a speedy response from them. Worth a try.

[Stunsworth]

I can't access my Qobuz account on this work PC, but there's a option to download the purchase from within the browser rather than using the download manager. Sorry I can't provide any more information, but I'm pretty sure it doesn't involve downloading tracks one at a time.

[mathias broucek]

I can't access my Qobuz account on this work PC, but there's a option to download the purchase from within the browser rather than using the download manager. Sorry I can't provide any more information, but I'm pretty sure it doesn't involve downloading tracks one at a time.

You can download a TAR file but the file in question is 11GB and if interrupted you can't resume....

Have taken Bryn's advice and emailed them

Thanks for the responses!

[Stunsworth]

You can download a TAR file but the file in question is 11GB and if interrupted you can't resume....

I've used the download via the browser option once and it didn't download a TAR file, it downloaded the album as individual tracks, but downloaded them following a single press of a button. If you get no joy from Qobuz I'll take a look at how it works when I get home.

[mathias broucek]

Well, the email was prompt, friendly and helpful but the overall UI isn't great. My IT skills aren't ninja level but I'm probably better than the average homme in the rue...

In order to install an up to date downloader/app, I had to install a different browser, and override a Microsoft security message(!)

I then couldn't download in HD directly from their app - instead I had to launch the app from the website.

I love the quality, the catalogue, the occasional bargains and the choice of download formats but the above isn't very good, is it?

[jayne lee wilson]

Is it OK today?
Just downloaded 2 lossless albums in a single TAR folder, no problems....(Mac/Mavericks/JRiver/Audirvana)....

Only recent problem I had was on Da Capo - downloader worked and signalled the album had finished but the download was nowhere on the computer. Manual worked fine - though thankfully for 1.5, not 11GB...
Waiting to hear back.

[mathias broucek]

Thanks Jayne et al

Downloaded successfully overnight. Just need some listening time now - currently working through Lazar Berman's Annees de pelerinage

[Nick Armstrong]

You said you prefer downloads now, right? Know about this...?

http://www.qobuz.com/gb-en/album/anton-bruckner-the-complete-symphonies-daniel-barenboim-staatskapelle-berlin/0002894812414

Inspired by jayne (above, on the Bruckner 3 thread), I've tested out Qobuz today. I've found that it works immaculately with the iPad beaming sounds via my Airport Express to the big hifi - stunning sound, and no complaints so far about the selection of labels etc for what I'm after. So I've taken the plunge with a HiRes Subscription, and shall cancel my Apple Music subscription (at least for the moment).

The Barenboim Bruckner box sounds great so far (but I overdosed on Anton during a car journey today, so currently streaming to end the day is some Telemann Tafelmusik (Freiburger Barockorchester)...

Thanks jayne!

[BBMmk2]

Inspired by jayne (above, on the Bruckner 3 thread), I've tested out Qobuz today. I've found that it works immaculately with the iPad beaming sounds via my Airport Express to the big hifi - stunning sound, and no complaints so far about the selection of labels etc for what I'm after. So I've taken the plunge with a HiRes Subscription, and shall cancel my Apple Music subscription (at least for the moment).

The Barenboim Bruckner box sounds great so far (but I overdosed on Anton during a car journey today, so currently streaming to end the day is some Telemann Tafelmusik (Freiburger Barockorchester)...

Thanks jayne!

I've been trying to decide as to get this set, Cali, with mixed reviews. To be or not to be?

[Nick Armstrong]

I've been trying to decide as to get this set, Cali, with mixed reviews. To be or not to be?

I still want to know what Mrs Bbm will say if you do...

But the great thing with e.g. qobuz is that the decision isn't necessary, one can listen with full quality on the streaming service. I've just listened to the Mondonville, Telemann and J.B. Bach recordings featured on Record Review yesterday - I don't think I want to own any of them (maybe the Mondonville, to have it on the iPod in the car for instance) but it's been great having them on.

[Stunsworth]

I don't think I want to own any of them (maybe the Mondonville, to have it on the iPod in the car for instance) but it's been great having them on.

In case you have an iOS device (or I assume Android) there's a Qobuz app that allows streaming on the move, and also allows albums to be downloaded for offline listening.

The quality for streaming and offline listening can be set at either MP3 or lossless in the app.