Qobuz adds DSD and DXD download catalogue sourced from original studio files not SACDs to its hifi download store. Listeners can download more than 22,500 tracks mainly in DSD format, adding to the more than 100 million songs already available. Offering a unique approach to sound reproduction, DSD and DXD are high-resolution audio formats that are distinct from the traditional PCM system used in formats like WAV, FLAC, ALAC, and AIFF.
DSD is used as the encoding mechanism for SACDs which were launched in 1999 which despite achieving astonishing levels of audio quality failed to make a significant impact in the marketplace. By October 2009, record companies had published more than 6,000 SACD releases but since then the only releases have been from specialist labels. Qobuz have sourced the original DSD and DXD files from studios rather than from SACDs ensuring the best fidelity possible. For a history of the Rise and Fall of the Compact Disc go here.
Traditional high-resolution audio formats, like PCM, sample sound at rates up to 192,000 times per second (192 kHz). DXD (Digital eXtreme Definition) pushes this further, sampling at 352,800 times per second, offering even greater detail. However, DSD (Direct Stream Digital) goes beyond both, with 2.8 million samples per second, capturing an exceptionally pure audio signal. These formats are favoured by creators aiming to produce and share music with unparalleled sound quality.
Qobuz have published an excellent introduction to the DSD format: What is DSD, the premium quality audio format?
What DSD and DXD tracks are available
Qobuz’ titles available now in DSD and DXD formats include albums from prestigious labels including Sony Music, Universal Music, Columbia, RCA, Epic, ECM, Deutsche Grammophon and harmonia mundi.
Examples of DSD and DXD downloads in the catalogue:
Thriller – Michael Jackson
Mahler: Symphony No.5, Kindertotenlieder – Christa Ludwig, Berliner Philharmoniker…
Blue Train – John Coltrane
The Köln Concert (Live) – Keith Jarett
Let It Bleed – The Rolling Stones
Surfin’ USA – The Beach Boys
The DSD catalogue on Qobuz can be found here, and the DXD catalogue can be found here.
Qobuz is available in 26 countries around the world, including Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, and Japan (for high-resolution download service only), It offers a range of exclusive editorial content written by a team of experts with a catalogue of over 100 million tracks.
