Qobuz Marks Half a Decade in the US
Leading Hi-Res Audio Streaming Into the Mainstream With Unbeatable Sound Quality and Commitment to Music Lovers
Since Qobuz launched as the US' first Hi-Res streaming and download service on Valentine’s Day 2019 – five years ago today – it has presented unbeatable sound quality and commitment to music lovers by expanding its offering to include best-in-class exclusive releases, online and in-person events, original editorial content, and more. Now the biggest market for the company, with year-over-year growth since its 2019 launch, in 2023 the US Qobuz market saw a 52% annual increase in its on-demand streams compared to the US total increase of 12.4% according to Luminate’s 2023 year-end report.
With other streaming companies like Amazon and Apple implementing their own higher-level listening tiers, a higher standard for sound quality has started to become the mainstream: Sales of hardware have exploded, high-quality listening equipment is becoming more accessible, and people are placing more value on the listening “experience” (vinyl sales are at a 34-year high), proving the domestic appetite for better sound and a more curated music experience.
Going into its 6th year, Qobuz continues to lead the field in adding context to the music by offering PDF liner notes and credits, expertly curated playlists, editorial features, artist interviews, and more for the music lover who wants the most from what they're hearing. Rolling Stone agrees that “Liner notes were one of the biggest losses in the transition from vinyl and CDs to all-digital music, but Qobuz has a solution.”
Here are a few highlights of Qobuz’ first five years in the US:
- Qobuz’ top executive, Georges Fornay, was named to Billboard’s International Power Players list for the first time.
- Vocal fans who have praised Qobuz have included Neil Young, Christian McBride, Jerry Harrison, Wayne Coyne, Ahmet Zappa, Bob Lefsetz, and more.
- The biggest names in audio and hardware have partnered with Qobuz: Roon, Bowers & Wilkins, Sonos, THX, and Harman, Yamaha, NAD/Bluesound, Klipsch, SVS, Crestron, Grado. Many DACs have partnered with Qobuz (THX, Dragonfly) to make Hi-Res streaming (in full) more accessible at all price points.
- The US has become the service’s biggest market amid international expansion. Now operating in much of Europe, Latin America, and as of 2023, Canada, Qobuz is currently available in 26 countries.
- Its signature “boutique in a superstore” approach has led to exclusive releases from independent artists including Circuit Des Yeux, Anat Cohen, Dinosaur Jr., Miss Grit, Barrie, and more.
- Streaming and event partnerships domestically and internationally have been signed with the likes of London-based SoHo Radio, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction 2024 Fan Vote (Vote HERE now), Festival Bach and Off-Bach in Montreal, High-End Audio in Munich, SXSW, Record Store Day, AXPONA, International Anthem, Audio Advice, and more.
- Qobuz Magazine was launched to present exclusive artist features from high-caliber journalists in the industry including former Pitchfork contributor and Metro Times music editor Mike McGonigal, former Stereophile music editor Robert Baird, and former LA Times music staff writer Randall Roberts.
And here’s some of what the industry and the media have said about Qobuz:
“If you’ve missed flipping through a booklet when listening to new music, Qobuz can satisfy that longing.”
Rolling Stone
“Qobuz sounds great!”
Neil Young
(Listen to Neil on Qobuz here: qob.uz/neil-young)
“Qobuz has cemented itself as the sophisticated approach for music lovers looking to take their affinity for the art of sound to the next level.”
Spin
“Qobuz is a streaming service that’s tailor-made for music enthusiasts.”
Esquire
“Our favorite service for serious music lovers.”
CNET
“The win goes to Qobuz.”
Variety
“Qobuz, where everything sounds better.”
Bob Lefsetz
“The best music streaming service for high-quality audio right now.”
Louder
Watch this space for more from Qobuz, and to get in the Qobuz anniversary spirit, check out a special Valentine’s Day offer running now through February 21st HERE.
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