Qobuz Coming Even Closer: US Beta Launch

French streaming service and download store Qobuz has opened up their much anticipated US streaming service to select beta users:

Qobuz, the European-based certified Hi-Res streaming and download service whose launch in the US has been highly anticipated in the audiophile community, announced today that it is now available for registration to US customers as an open beta. Initial US market beta users are being onboarded this week. Music aficionados looking for a premium audiophile experience can join the waitlist for the Qobuz beta.

Get your name on that list asap if you like to listen to lots of music. Here’s a refresh of their US pricing plans:

  • Sublime+: $299.99/year for full Hi-Res streaming and substantial (40-60%) discounts on purchases from the Qobuz Hi-Res (up to 24-bit / 192 khz) download store.
  • Studio: $24.99/month for unlimited Hi-Res (24-bit /up to 192 khz) streaming ($249.99 annually).
  • HiFi: $19.99/month for streaming including 16-bit CD quality streaming ($199.99 annually).
  • Premium: $9.99/month for 320 kbps MP3 quality streaming ($99.99 annually).

MQA haters and Hi-Res lovers more than likely won’t mind the $4/month up-charge as compared to Tidal ($19.99/month), which also offers Hi-Res streaming of select titles using MQA. Qobuz has 2 million+ tracks in their Hi-Res catalog while Tidal’s MQA offerings are unknown by me since they don’t publish this information. My previous estimate of 12,855, I’ve since learned, is grossly understated.

Qobuz announced this news at CES to an eager audience of 7 (joke). Seeing as no two streaming catalogues are alike, some music lovers may want to double dip.