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Old 09-10-2021, 04:20 AM
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Default HDtracks vs Qobuz – Hi-Res Downloads (not streaming)

Since my new SACD player (Marantz SA-10) has digital inputs, I now want to purchase (download) a number of high-resolution albums that are not available on SACD. (To play from a USB flash drive.)

I have found the identical albums, with identical resolutions, at both HDTracks & Qobuz, but HDTracks is selling them for more than double the price Qobuz is asking.

Are the HDTracks Hi-Res downloads so audibly superior to the identical resolutions on Qobuz that they are worth double the price, or should I just save some money & go with Qobuz? (I have no problem paying more if it actually gets me better quality...)

Thanks!


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Old 09-10-2021, 12:08 PM
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Can’t say for sure but before you make that comparison, make sure the recording / issue which Qobuz and HD Tracks are selling is the same issue.
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Old 09-10-2021, 02:24 PM
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I used to use hdtracks some years ago, but these days most of my downloads come from Qobuz because of the big discounts offered as part of their annual subscription package. I have yet to be dissatisfied.

As long as they’re the same release/master version, there should be no difference. In most cases the music label or reissue label will distribute the same files to all the various outlets. I believe hdtracks is more expensive because they were the first in the US and could command a premium, and they don’t have any regular subscription revenue to subsidize download sales.

As Craig says, just make sure they’re the same release, label and year, etc.
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