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High Infidelity

I’m unapologetically old school. I own rather than lease my car and not because I think it drives better that way. I own my music and not because I think it sounds better than streaming. I’m puzzled as to why it’s cheaper to buy a CD, have it shipped home and rip it rather than downloading it from a popular digital audio store. I’m disappointed that artists who bypass the CD process seem to only offer MP3 downloads. But I digress…

I recently purchased music for download on Qobuz. The website identified the download as CD quality 16 bits, 44.1 kHz. The downloaded files turned out to have varying bitrates between 756 & 938 Kbps rather than 1,411 Kbps. I contacted Qobuz through their help messaging. They thanked me for bringing this to their attention and stated they would request a corrected copy from the record label. They unfortunately could not give me a timeframe as this would be up to the record label.

I requested a refund on the basis that I purchased CD quality tracks for immediate download per their website description and the prospect of potentially getting them at an undermined time in the future was not acceptable. I was told that Qobuz does not provide any refunds on purchased music in any circumstance. There are no exceptions to this rule. I asked to speak to a supervisor but my request was denied.

I’d like to get feedback on:
-     whether others have encountered downloads that weren’t as advertised or if this was truly an exception
-    what you think of their refund policy
-    any possible recourse

Thanks
 

rpmpam
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cleeds
5,653 posts
 
fuzztone

Either free or I’m out.

Wow, it's a tough crowd here.

I still buy music. I bought the new Stones LP because I have all of their other studio LPs. I'm a fan. I think the LP sounds better than the download (which I also bought) and better than the stream that's included with my Qobuz subscription. Maybe it's all in my head.

I'm a big fan of a young Australian band called the Seven Ups. I buy their stuff on Bandcamp as a show of support, and I've bought a few of their LPs, too. Similarly, when I hear local live music, I'll almost always buy the artist's CDs if they're offered.

I have a few friends that are working musicians. I buy their CDs when they're available.

I stream. I play downloads and LPs. I still have cassette and reel decks, too. There's never been a better time to be an audiophile.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,064 posts
 

I buy one download each week, sometimes more if there is a sale. Like, I took advantage of Fone’s 40th anniversary sale. 40% off entire catalog in pure DSD. Picked up 20 titles…I echo @cleeds sentiment. there is never been a better time to be an audiophile.

BTW, steer clear of HDTracks. Majority of their files are upsampled which sounds like a garbage.

ghdprentice
6,394 posts
 

Just a note on Qobuz when you have favorite tunes or anlbums and put them in your library. Occasionally, you will click on them and you get an error message… something like no longer available. But, frequently that only means the URL has changed. The cut is still available… but the adress has changed (your streamer stores the address). You only need to look it up and store it in your library again.

2psyop's avatar
2psyop
1,503 posts
 

I just listen to the music. Qubuz and Tidal are fine, so are CDs. Don't worry about resolution or the like. If it sounds good while I am listening... I am happy. Although different albums sound better than others because they were recorded and produced at different quality levels?!?

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cleeds
5,653 posts
 
2psyop

... If it sounds good while I am listening... I am happy ...

Same here! For me, enjoying the music is the #1 goal of all of this.

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