Qobuz has taken a significant step in enhancing its accessibility by launching an Android TV app, which now allows users to enjoy its extensive catalogue of 100 million tracks directly on their television screens. This new offering is readily available on the Google Play Store and promises to deliver the complete Qobuz experience, featuring playlists, albums, editorial content, and personalized recommendations, all tailored for seamless navigation on larger displays.
The app is compatible with all televisions and devices that support Google TV, including popular brands such as Sony, TCL, and Hisense. Users can expect a straightforward setup process: simply download the app from the Play Store, log in, and begin streaming. The interface is designed with elegance, and the Qobuz Connect feature allows users to control playback from their smartphones or tablets, enabling a more refined audio experience, especially when paired with high-fidelity sound systems rather than relying solely on the TV’s built-in speakers.
The 48kHz limitation
While the app claims to support high-resolution playback, the underlying Android platform presents a challenge for audiophiles. To clarify, the Android TV operating system resamples all audio to 48kHz, irrespective of whether the source is a 24-bit/192kHz studio master or a standard CD-quality (16-bit/44.1kHz) file. Consequently, users will only hear audio resampled to 48kHz, which may not meet the expectations of those seeking true high-resolution audio.
Who should care
For individuals utilizing their TV’s HDMI ARC connection to link to a soundbar or AV receiver, the output will be limited to 48kHz, regardless of the original quality provided by Qobuz. For many casual listeners, this limitation may go unnoticed, and the polished interface, editorial content, and convenience of having Qobuz on a larger screen could be sufficient motivation to use the app.
However, for dedicated Qobuz subscribers who prioritize high-resolution streaming at its native sample rate, an Android-based TV or Google TV streamer may not be the ideal choice. Alternatives such as the NVIDIA Shield, which does not resample high-resolution content, or dedicated streaming DACs from brands like WiiM, Eversolo, or Bluesound, would be more suitable for those seeking to experience 24-bit/192kHz audio without compromise.
Reality check
Qobuz has established itself as a premier streaming service for audiophiles, emphasizing fair compensation for artists and the preservation of original recordings. The introduction of the Android TV app broadens its audience, yet it comes with a technical limitation inherent to Google’s Android platform—one that the press release notably omits. For casual listeners eager to enjoy Qobuz on a larger screen, the app serves its purpose well. Conversely, those in pursuit of bit-perfect playback should continue utilizing their existing streaming devices, desktop applications, or iPad apps. It’s important to recognize that the 48kHz cap is not a limitation of Qobuz itself, but rather a restriction imposed by the Android environment, a detail worth considering before adopting this app as the primary means of accessing Qobuz’s extensive library.
Further information: Qobuz
