Qobuz Users Update?


the service in the USA has been out a few months now. initial posters on this site commented on good sound quality in hi rez but a limited catalogue. I listen mostly to Jazz and Classical. Would anyone who has been a user from the get go please comment on your experience? I've been a Tidal guy for years and am fairly satisfied. Thanks to anyone taking the time to comment
128x128tuberist
When comparing streaming services it should be noted that different issues of an album may be in each service's catalogue. For example, Tidal may be offering a newly remastered album compared to a different remaster on Qobuz.
Original issues are also offered in addition to the various remasters released.
This applies to the CD quality releases, not so much hires.

Within all genres Qobuz offers an original issue plus a remastered version. The difference in sound quality between the two is quite noticeable.


I currently have Tidal and also had a Qobuz 30 day free trial at the same time.  What I found was that SQ was VERY recording dependent.  Sometimes a recording sounded better on Qobuz and another recording sounded better on Tidal.  I found this to be true both with Hi-res (MQA vs. 24/96 FLAC) and standard redbook streaming.  To me, the only  reason not to get Qobuz is if your streamer/DAC allows for a full unfold of MQA.  If, however, you can do full MQA, then the decision comes down to content.
I've had Qobuz for a few months now, and also subscribe to Deezer.  I dropped my Tidal subscription a few weeks after getting Qobuz - Qobuz has a better selection of classical recordings, and sound quality is generally as good or better than Tidal.  I used Tidal with a Bluesound Node 2, either through the analog outputs (MQA fully unfolded) or into a Benchmark DAC3L (MQA partially unfolded).  To me, Qobuz hi-res offerings sound as good or better than MQA (with my gear, of course).  Deezer also has good sound quality, and a better selection of older and obscure rock and jazz music than either Tidal or Qobuz.  
Used to stream Tidal and Deezer.

Switched to Qobuz as a beta but the limited rock catalogue made me drop it and stick with Tidal.

Then when officially released in USA tried again on the hirez level.

Found the rock catalogue has expanded a lot although still not a match for tidal.
But imho the hirez SQ beats tidal MQA and you do not need a MQA compatible DAC to enjoy 24/192 with Qobuz.

So made the switch to Qobuz few months back and not looked back.

They do seem to be adding more rock titles every week so I am content at this stage.
+1, uberwaltz.

i am waiting on Qobuz to catch up before I drop Tidal. With Qobuz streaming hi-res, MQA is no longer a ‘X’ factor.