Hi-Res music service Qobuz is dropping its MP3 (lossy) streaming tier and is now offering one $14.99 plan called Studio Premier, which includes unlimited access to its entire Hi-Res and CD lossless catalog.
Qobuz claims to be the first streaming service to cut the MP3 format from its platform.
The new Studio Premier plan is a limited time promotion available to the first 100,000 new Qobuz subscribers (plus existing users), who will receive unlimited access to over 50 million tracks in certified Hi-Res or CD lossless quality, along with Qobuz’s exclusive, in-depth editorial and metadata content, for $14.99/month, or $149.99/year.
Qobuz will still offer its ‘Sublime+’ plan, now priced at $249.99/year, which includes all the streaming offerings, plus a substantial discount on Hi-Res download purchases from the Qobuz store.
With headquarters in Paris, Qobuz was one of the first streaming services to offer Hi-Res streaming in studio quality, native 24-bit FLAC format. The platform launched in the US in February.
“Their new offer is another big step towards making Hi-Res streaming available at the same cost as MP3 streaming today.”
Neil Young
Neil Young said: “Qobuz sounds great! Qobuz was one of the earliest Hi-Res streamers.
“Their new offer is another big step towards making Hi-Res streaming available at the same cost as MP3 streaming today.”
“MP3 is really bad for music, artists, and listeners – so Qobuz is saying ‘no’ to MP3 and now offers only real studio quality in one accessible plan.”
Dan Mackta, Qobuz
Dan Mackta, Managing Director of Qobuz USA, (pictured main) added: “MP3 is really bad for music, artists, and listeners – so Qobuz is saying ‘no’ to MP3 and now offers only real studio quality in one accessible plan. Studio Premier is a special offer we’ve been dying to make.
“With the new plan, we will be pouring gasoline on the growth that has been kindled by our unique relationships in the premium audio hardware and retail industries.
“Our unequalled editorial and curation in specialist genres, and our focus on the culture around music and audio will continue to create value for listeners. Qobuz does all this because our users’ passion for music is worth it!”
Music Business Worldwide
