cybot wrote: ↑Sat Jul 29, 2017 12:26 am
Thanks for clearing that up Fran......
I already knew the sites were legal but it's hard to get a word in edgeways sometimes.
Now about these sites: is it true you can take out a subscription for a while, and then opt out at any time? What about the downloads? Are they free or do you have to buy them individually? I'm not really interested in streaming only buying the hard to get stuff or at least not available on the 7 digital site I sometimes use. For example the new King Crimson live set.....I've been told that even Spotify don't have the King Crimson stuff either or even Rick Astley ;)
You don’t have to subscribe to Qobuz to buy a download. Think of it as a record store that also has a lending service on the side (aside; Anyone else remember a gramophone library in Duke street in the 70’s).
In fact you have a greater choice of downloads over streaming.
My subscription level is for “cd quality” streaming and downloads. Subscription downloads (which sound better on my system) work as long as the subscription is active and don’t require a continuous internet connection, while purchased downloads are yours to play and keep subscription or not.
You can subscribe by the month and they may have a free trial period too.
Also many albums have booklets in pdf form to read on computer or tablet.
They have players for computers and portable devices - iPhones etc.
Also some digital hi-fi units, streamers and network players, such as Auralic gear, also have built in players.
Pluses include access to vast library 24/7 with good sound. It’s great to read a review or recommendation and have immediate access to the album. The possibility of better than cd quality (hi-res) download is available if that rocks your boat.
Negatives include:
Reasonable speed broadband is a must, especially for uninterrupted streaming.
Not everything is available for streaming as licensing is a very tricky issue, e.g. only a small amount of king crimson available for streaming, no ECM label stuff for streaming.
Also the charm of playing an LP, the analog sound and having a tangible object in your hands, is entirely missing.
It’s convenience and quantity over unique experience and can lead to a very short attention span. Discipline is required.
You’re welcome to drop by for a run through although I am a bit out of the way.
Mark