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Qobuz Expands High-Resolution Audio Offerings with DSD and DXD

29-Oct-2024
Qobuz Expands High-Resolution Audio Offerings with DSD and DXD

By: Dipin Sehdev

Qobuz, a renowned high-resolution music streaming service, has recently expanded its offerings to include Direct Stream Digital (DSD) and Digital eXtreme Definition (DXD) formats. 

Understanding DSD and DXD

  • DSD (Direct Stream Digital):

    • Digitization: Employs Delta-Sigma modulation, encoding each sample with a single bit.
    • Sampling Frequency: Significantly higher than CD quality, typically 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 11.2 MHz, or 22.5 MHz.
    • Qobuz Offerings: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, and DSD512.
  • DXD (Digital eXtreme Definition):

    • Digitization: Uses Pulse-Code Modulation (PCM), encoding each sample with 24 or 32 bits.
    • Sampling Frequency: Eight times higher than CD quality, typically 352.8 kHz.
    • Qobuz Offerings: 24-bit/352.8 kHz.

Accessing DSD and DXD on Qobuz

While DSD and DXD formats are not currently available for streaming, they can be purchased and downloaded from Qobuz's online store or accessed through their desktop applications and web player. Please note that these formats are not supported by mobile applications.

Qobuz's Commitment to High-Resolution Audio

Qobuz has long been a champion of high-resolution audio, offering a vast library of lossless and high-resolution tracks in various formats, including FLAC, ALAC, and WAV. The addition of DSD and DXD further solidifies Qobuz's position as a leading provider of premium audio content.

Why Choose Qobuz?

  • Extensive High-Resolution Library: Qobuz offers a massive collection of high-resolution tracks, including DSD and DXD, catering to the diverse tastes of audiophiles.
  • Lossless Streaming: Enjoy CD-quality and high-resolution music streaming without any loss of audio quality.
  • Expert Curation: Benefit from expertly curated playlists and recommendations from music experts.
  • Hi-Fi Downloads: Purchase high-resolution tracks in various formats, including DSD and DXD, for offline listening.
  • Active Community: Engage with other music enthusiasts on the Qobuz Club forum.

Pricing

Qobuz offers a range of subscription plans to suit different needs and budgets. While specific pricing may vary by region, you can find detailed information on Qobuz's official website.

Technical Considerations for DSD and DXD

To fully enjoy the benefits of DSD and DXD, you'll need compatible hardware and software.

  • DAC: A high-quality digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is essential for accurate reproduction of DSD and DXD signals.
  • Software: You'll need compatible playback software that can handle DSD and DXD files, such as Foobar2000 or JRiver Media Center.
  • Storage: DSD and DXD files can be quite large, so ample storage space is recommended.

By investing in the right equipment and software, you can unlock the full potential of DSD and DXD, immersing yourself in another audio experience.

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