electronrun.com

I have written before and will definitely not shut up repeating that MP3 music files have offered portability and quick download times but have been a huge step backwards in terms of sound quality. In audiophile terms, I find the iTunes phenomenon completely inexplicable. Paying so much for so poor quality files is a complete rip-off. Even CDs start to look like value for money again!

Knowing of the existence of HDtracks is therefore a happy moment, simply because it is not yet another MP3 online shop, but one that will get you back on track for some decent audio enjoyment. Here you can get DRM-free, lossless FLAC and AIFF files, if your system is high-end class you will be soon able to try 24bit/96kHz files that are the best thing available right now.

It is no surprise that HDtracks is the creation of David and Norman Chesky of the record label Chesky Records, well known in audiophile circles for its very high quality recordings. As explained in the “about” page, David and Norman are people that feel that sacrificing quality with MP3 files is not necessary, and going for CD quality is much preferable. You can always buy 320kbps MP3s but if you ask me it is a waste of money.

The price per track is $1.49, you can get a complete album including covers for $11.98. Getting the CD remains an attractive proposition, but since CDs start to disappear with traditional distribution channels, it might be wise to buy FLAC files that can be then burned and enjoyed in CD format with your beloved CD player.

Inevitably HDtracks does not cover the range of Amazon and does not include big mainstream names. What it represents however is an effort to move away from MP3 mediocrity and back to serious audio experiences. If the larger online shops offered the FLAC option, like many others, I would be glad to stop relying entirely on my CD collection…

[Crave]