Qobuz Finally Launches in US Market With $25 Monthly Hi-Res Streaming Service

Paris-based Qobuz, initially hoping to launch its hi-res music streaming service in the U.S. last fall (see 1810090025), officially launched Thursday after an extended beta test, the company announced. Its differentiator in an increasingly crowded space dominated by Spotify, Apple, Amazon and Google is “millions” of hi-res 24-bit/192 kHz tracks available in the premium-tier subscription. Qobuz, which launched in 2007 in Europe, is entering the U.S. now to take advantage of a growing audience looking for a “higher-level listening experience” made possible by improved bandwidth and internet infrastructure, and availability of more affordable speakers and audio gear, it said. Pricing is $250 yearly/$25 monthly for Sublime Plus, which includes full hi-res FLAC 24-bit/192 kHz files and discounts on purchases from the hi-res download store; $200/$20 for unlimited FLAC 16-bit CD-quality streaming; and $100/$10 for 320 kbps MP3 quality.