Sources for downloadable audio files

Instead of buying downloads, it is often cheaper to buy used CDs. It makes sense to buy a download when an album is available, for example, in a higher quality. It is also advisable to compare different download provider, as they often offer the same albums in different quality and prices. Unfortunately, there are also country-specific differences.

A psychological effect of my personal experience is that you deal more intensively with a purchased album than, for example, with a streamed one.

A good source to find Hi Res Audio is the most complete list of MQA albums so far found on Tidal. This is primarily about MQA files, but these are often found in FLAC or WAV format at different providers.

Provider

It should be mentioned here only provider who offer at least CD-quality. Of course there are many other providers, but I personally use the following ones:

• 7digital
• Bandcamp
  • An online music service and promotion platform specifically aimed at independent artists. Bandcamp artists have a modifiable microsite with the albums they upload. Many titles can be played for free on the website. Artists can specify whether music downloads are free or paid. Artists gets 80-90% of sales. Not all available HiRes-files are tagged as HiRes or 24-bit by far. Sometimes the resolution is also specified in the description. I have been quite surprised sometimes that I get an album instead of CD-quality as a 24-bit version. For some tracks/albums lyrics are provided.
• Burning Shed
  • Label of: Porcupine Tree, Anathema, Steven Wilson…
• HIGHRESAUDIO
• Qobuz
  • All the files purchased on Qobuz are guaranteed without DRM.