Downloads

[dave2010]

I don't normally "do" downloads - generally preferring CDs or other media, but I keep getting messages that some of the studio downloads from various sources are good, and (arguably) better than the CDs.

eclassical currently have an offer of Bruckner's 3rd symphony - I know not everyone is going to go for that one - but it's on offer for under $9 (actually $8.48 - about £6.50 currently) from eclassical.

That includes 24 bit versions in stereo, mp3s, 16 bit stereo and also surround sound versions.

I thought for once it might be worth trying to see if it's any good - though I probably won't listen for a while.

I'm not sure if this site has any off-shoots for other genres of music. The equivalent CD labels do - I think - though I'm not absolutely sure.

At the other extreme I get quite a lot of free or very cheap downloads from Classic Select World - see https://www.classicselectworld.com/

The audio quality isn't always great - but a lot of the music is worth having. That site usually has at least one free collection each week.

Currenly both the Big Summer Box and the Big Winds and Brass box are on offer - free - and they're worth having for those who are interested. There is no need to put in credit card details as long as there is no charge.

See https://www.classicselectworld.com/collections/free-downloads

[struth]

i often buy downloads from qobuz. you get a download and can stream it too. you need to have an account obviously but it doesnt have to be active to use it.
a lot of their ones are very good ive found.

[dave2010]

I used to have a Qobuz account, but I gave it up. I've heard some really good streaming from Qobuz recently, so maybe I'll join again - but I'm not in a hurry to do so.

7digital seem to have some good things - for example: https://uk.7digital.com/artist/london-philharmonic-orchestra-and-vladimir-jurowski/release/vladimir-jurowski-10-years-9797055?f=20%2C19%2C12%2C16%2C17%2C9%2C2

[struth]

if you have had an account you can sign in and buy stuff without taking a streaming monthly out. when you come to download it change the type of file to what you want. i usually take flac as type

[Bencat]

I would also give a thumbs up for buying from Qobuz I have never used the streaming part but have an account(free) to buy downloads. Quality of the down loads is good and for some other country music such as African,South American,Turkish the download is at sensible prices compared the often silly used CD prices on Amazon and EBay. There is often also an option to buy a HiRed version of that floats your boat.