Qobuz Offers DSD & DXD Downloads
Direct Stream Digital (DSD) and Digital eXtreme Definition (DXD) audio formats available on Qobuz's high-fidelity download store.
Qobuz continues its quest to attract high-resolution music lovers to its streaming service by introducing Direct Stream Digital (DSD) and Digital eXtreme Definition (DXD) file formats to its hi-res download store.
Listeners can now access more than 22,500 tracks available in DSD and DXD, with some big names already added from prestigious labels, including Sony Music, Universal Music, Columbia, RCA, Epic, ECM, Deutsche Grammophon, and harmonia mundi. For instance, John Coltrane's Blue Train, Michael Jackson's Thriller, The Rolling Stones' Let It Bleed, and The Beach Boys Surfin' USA are all ready to enjoy in DSD and/or DXD formats.
DSD is a hi-res audio format (at a sampling rate broadly the same as 24-bit/88.2kHz PCM) that initially acted as a different, more efficient way of storing and archiving music data than traditional formats using single-bit information. DSD is also often claimed to be around 120dB in the audible frequency range. For context, CD measures around 96dB and 24-bit/192kHz recordings have a theoretical maximum of roughly 144dB, so the audible frequency range is usually higher.
DXD, meanwhile, is PMC at a sampling rate of 24-bit/352.8kHz or 32-bit/252.8kHz. Word is that Qobuz currently has more new files in DSD than it has in DXD.
Currently, most wireless players accept DSD files, usually up to DSD256. More high-end products can play DSD512, although files in this format are still uncommon. Regarding DACs, some accept native DSD files via a USB port. Others can receive DSD through a form known as DoP or DSD-over-PCM, which requires either a coaxial or optical SPDIF port or an AES (XLR) port. In this case, the DSD is first transmitted from the digital player in PCM and then reassembled into DSD within the DAC before being converted into analogue form. This means there are many ways to listen to DSD-quality audio. You might also need an additional player, such as JRiver Media Centre, Audirvana or Roon Labs.
With this latest addition, Qobuz continues to go from strength to strength and has been the go-to choice for StereoNET for quite some time. Including DSD and DXD options in the download store makes us love it even more.
Visit Qobuz for more information
Jay Garrett
StereoNET’s resident rock star, bass player, and gadget junkie. Jay heads up StereoNET as Editor for the United Kingdom and Europe regions. His passion for gadgets and Hi-Fi is second only to being a touring musician.
Posted in: Hi-Fi | Technology | Music | Industry
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