Hi-Rez FLAC Downloads?
 

I've been trying to buy hi-rez downloads (FLAC, et al), but some artists only sell MP3s, CDs, or vinyl. There are multiple "free download" sites, but I'm apprehensive about clicking and ending up with something besides music being downloaded.

Does anyone have experience with download sites, or have one they recommend?

Sure but you need to be more forthcoming about the genre. FWIW, I can comment only on classical sources.

Qobuz has a lot of hi res downloads of all genres, but I find them best for classical and jazz. If you get an annual streaming subscription, there are great discounts available. I’m not aware of much free other than a few samplers.

Kal,
In the past few days I was looking for Tuba Skinny, Pokey Lafarge, and Joe Bonamassa, so blues and New Orleans swing/jazz/vintage genres? All three artists' websites had vinyl, CDs, and MP3s, but no FLACs.

I find a lot of hi-rez on Presto, but they are mostly classical with some jazz titles.

Anton,
I did not purse Qobuz as I don't stream and figured any Google hits would just take me to subscription services (same with Apple Music, etc.)

Here are a few of the free download sites I found:
https://flac.rattaprofid.ee/24586/jo...load-flac.html
https://lossless-flac.com/tags/Joe+Bonamassa/
https://jazznblues.club/viewtopic.php?t=52751
https://www.guitars101.com/threads/j...m-flac.756612/

Thanks,
Evan

Evan, you don’t need to subscribe to a streaming plan from Qobuz to buy downloads. Just select the download store from the menu and search for your artist or album. Here’s a link to the download store:

https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/shop

Here’s the page for Pokey LaFarge to purchase albums:
https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/interpre...reaming-albums

And here’s Joe Bonamassa:
https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/interpre...reaming-albums

There’s also hdtracks.com:
https://www.hdtracks.com

And if you just Google “hi res downloads” you’ll find more sites. Most are pay sites: “free” rarely is that, and if it’s music from an artist, it’s nice to help them earn a living by paying for their work.

Tony,
Thanks!

Evan

Downloads complete. I ended up using HDTracks as I already had an account. I now see that a few, but not all, Joe Bonamassa albums are available in hi-rez. I also realize that my searches for FLAC led to the music sharing sites, while hi-rez got me to HDTracks, Qobuz, etc. legit sites.

It does kinda chap my hide that a FLAC download of redbook CD quality is more expensive than purchasing the CD, but then again I don't really want more CDs taking up space.

[emoji106]

These are very good sounding and safe;

Classical and a bit of jazz;
https://spiritofturtle.com/

Jazz and Blues and a bit of world music;

https://www.soundliaison.com/

Baroq classical and a bit of jazz
https://www.nativedsd.com

Thanks!