Qobuz – Hi-Res Streaming
Qobuz is a music streaming service that delivers albums in genuine studio quality – up to 24-bit/192kHz, lossless, with no data reduction.
That's exactly the difference you hear on a good system: where compressed services calculate away the finer details, Qobuz leaves the space around the instruments intact. On top of that come digital booklets, editorial articles and a catalogue that goes surprisingly deep beyond the charts too. We've been a Qobuz Hi-Fi partner since 2018 – not for marketing reasons, but because we use the service ourselves every day.
Why Qobuz?
- Real resolution instead of a label: Most of the catalogue is available in CD quality or above – not just a handful of showcase albums.
- Buy instead of just renting: Qobuz sells downloads. Your favourite albums belong to you, even if a licensing deal expires at some point.
- An editorial team that knows its stuff: Recommendations from people who actually listen to music, not just an algorithm that locks you into your own playlist.
- Works everywhere: Integrated into BluOS, MOON MiND, Technics, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Roon and many other systems.
What you'll hear
More calm between the notes. Voices gain body, cymbals stop hissing and instead decay naturally, and the bass becomes tighter instead of louder. Anyone who has ever listened to the same album back-to-back compressed and in Hi-Res knows exactly what we mean – and anyone who hasn't should do it exactly once. After that, there's nothing left to discuss.
Who is Qobuz suited for – and who isn't it for?
It's a fit if sound quality matters more to you than having the world's biggest playlist selection, if you own a streamer, network amplifier or DAC (or are planning one), and if you listen to music as an album rather than as background noise.
Plain talk: If you only listen through Bluetooth speakers or your phone's speaker, you'll barely notice the difference – that money is better invested in the system first. And if you mainly consume podcasts and audiobooks, you're better off elsewhere. A streaming service is also never mandatory: a good streamer just as happily plays internet radio, files from your network, or your own downloads.
Our verdict
For us, Qobuz is the service the others have to measure up against – above all because Hi-Res quality is the norm, not the exception. But more important than the service is the chain behind it: a clean streamer and matching speakers bring you more than any format debate. That's exactly what we're happy to talk to you about.
Try 60 days free
Through our partner link you can try Qobuz free for 60 days instead of the usual 30. After that, the decision is entirely yours – no obligation, cancel anytime. You'll find the current subscription prices directly on Qobuz.
Note: HD Zürisee is an official Qobuz partner. If you sign up through this link, Qobuz knows you came via us – nothing changes about the offer for you.
Which device do you need for this?
Practically every modern network device plays Qobuz natively. Which one suits your room, your speakers and how you like to control things – we can sort that out quickest in a conversation. Call us at +41 44 680 22 00, message us on WhatsApp at 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or at shop@hdzuerisee.ch.
FAQ
What does Qobuz cost after the trial period?
The current prices are on the Qobuz website, since they vary by subscription model and term. You can cancel anytime, and the trial period runs with no automatic obligation as long as you cancel beforehand. If you're unsure which model makes sense for you, just ask us.
Do I need special hardware for Qobuz?
No, the app runs on smartphone, tablet and computer. But you'll only hear the quality advantage through a streamer, network amplifier or DAC on a proper system. Many devices in our range already have Qobuz built in – then everything runs without an extra box, directly via the remote or the manufacturer's app.
What's the difference between Hi-Res and CD quality?
CD quality is 16-bit at 44.1kHz, Hi-Res goes beyond that, usually up to 24-bit and 192kHz. Both are lossless, Hi-Res resolves additional detail and dynamics. Whether you hear the difference depends heavily on the recording and your system – honestly, more on the system.
Does Qobuz also work with my existing device?
Very likely yes, if your device is network-capable. Qobuz is integrated into, among others, BluOS, MOON MiND, Technics, AirPlay 2, Chromecast and Roon. Tell us the brand and model, and we'll tell you definitively whether it runs natively or whether a small extra component makes more sense.
Why get Qobuz through HD Zürisee?
Because we've been using the service ourselves for years and know where it shines and where it doesn't. In Wädenswil you don't just get a link, you get the context to go with it: which device suits your room, what the everyday handling is really like, and how the whole thing fits neatly into your network – including installation by our own technician.