HD Music Stream Service

I think most audiophiles prefer using a standalone steamer than an app for windows or mac. No aurender support is a deal breaker for me. I hope they smarten up and release an API soon. 

I am very disappointed.   HD Tracks reports (as of 12/30/2017) "HDmusicStream has been put on hold for now. When we have a definitive launch date, we will definitely let everyone know".

If, and when, HDmusicStream becomes available, I am hoping that Aurender supports this service but I have no information about it.

I was told that Qobuz will be available in the USA this year. This announcement would be great.  I have no additional information on when, costs or any other details.   

  

Qobuz has recently introduced a special (i.e. 349 euro a year) service in Europe where you get High Resolution streaming on all high resolution material in their catalogue, plus lossless cd quality on the rest. I have recently subscribed to their lossless 16/44 service (20 euro a month) and have been pleased. I am not sure higher resolutions will bring any additional benefits. I am stil pondering whether lossless 16/44 is better than 320 kbps as on Spotify. Listening under uncontrolled conditions I would say yes, but that could be a delusion (with some Harbeth User Group members we are planning a proper test). I prefer the Qobuz interface (hated Spotify for that), but unlike their web browser application their Chromecast app is a challenge.

Qobuz Customer Service reports "They are currently ONLY open in the UK, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, NL, Belgium, Luxembourg, Italy, Spain and Ireland.

Qobuz is really sorry you cannot find our service in your country.
Although, you should know our International development is growing, we might open soon in your country in few monthes! :-)".

I do not know when this means QoBuz will open in the USA.