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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
musicfan2349's avatar
musicfan2349
242 posts
 

@rpmpam I've rarely purchased downloadable media. And if I do, it's purely for the enjoyment of the music in a mostly casual setting and not for critical listening. For instance I recently purchased the Stones' Hackneyed Diamonds which I listened to in the car this weekend. For me personally, I rather doubt I'll sit in my darkened living room with a nice  glass of wine and listen to it but will certainly listen casually. 

And for those who think that LPs are the fool proof way to purchase high fidelity, remember that there are manufacturers out there who are simply using digital tapes to make their pressings. I doubt if there are many, if any, who could tell at what bit rate those tapes were made.

Please do not take this as a negative opinion on the practice of buying downloads! We should do what makes us happy in this avocation of ours. Enjoy the music.

Happy listening.

larsman's avatar
larsman
2,040 posts
 

I do some streaming but never buy downloads, but mostly listen to CD's and vinyl, especially vinyl as of the last few years. Album artwork I can see on a 12x12 'canvas', lyrics and credits I can read, and I generally prefer the sound - I've got an excellent vinyl playback system - but it's the music that counts the most for me, not numbers.

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,635 posts
 

Downloads?

Either free or I’m out.

Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
6,011 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
5,613 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.

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