I'm very ignorant regarding streaming, Qobuz and how to use it, listening to my library offline, etc.

[bluegrassphile]

I just subscribed to Qobuz and I'm trying to play my ripped to WAV (on iTunes) library offline (or even online). Can this not be done through my computer? Do I need some sort of box? I'm attempting this through my Windows 10, Hewlitt Packard PC. I also use the computer for home recording.

My interface is an RME Babyface. My DAW is Cockos Reaper. I'm storing my ripped music both on my computer internal HD and a Glyph external HD. Each HD drive has all my ripped music, the Glyph is a backup. I'm using 75 watt powered Neumann HK120s for near field studio monitors. I want to play my ripped music on my computer through Qobuz. If I understand correctly, Qobuz enhances the sound considerably, unlike services like Pandora and Spotify which actually degrade the sound. I do currently use Pandora. As you might be able to tell, I'm not highly computer literate so I'm not sure how to manipulate Qobuz. Or, if I even have the necessary equipment? I would like to be able to play entire CDs and not just individual tracks. Not sure how to do that either?

I'll be investing in a high end audio system in about a year and I'll be using that time to get up to speed regarding contemporary high end audio. With Qobuz, does my monthly fee include all the streaming I want to do? I'd assume I have to pay extra for any downloading? I don't have any vinyl, therefore, no turntable. So, I'm only interested in streaming, ripping, and playing my ripped music through my computer and audio system (which I don't have yet). I'd also like to play Qobuz on my phone. I'm embarrassingly ignorant on this stuff. So, it takes some courage just to ask all these very basic questions. Thank you in advance for being patient regarding my inquiry.
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[joeinid]

Qobuz is a music streaming service in and of itself. Your music library is different and separate from Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify etc.

Qobuz like every other service is unlimited streaming for your subscription price. You pay additional for downloads that you keep forever added to your own library.

I’ll try and add more later but I’m sure others will add their opinions.

 

[wklie]

With Qobuz, does my monthly fee include all the streaming I want to do? I'd assume I have to pay extra for any downloading? I don't have any vinyl, therefore, no turntable. So, I'm only interested in streaming, ripping, and playing my ripped music through my computer and audio system (which I don't have yet). I'd also like to play Qobuz on my phone.

While some people will directly play using a computer with appropriate software and hardware, I'll explain the Lumin model here.

With a Lumin network music player, it requires a network connection to your WiFi router. You may use an iPad or iPhone to control Lumin player to play Qobuz / Tidal / Spotify Connect for XLR output to your active speaker (via a preamp if necessary). I think you'll be able to use AirPlay to play Pandora from iPhone to Lumin too.

A computer is required to rip a CD. For local music (ripped or downloaded) playback, you can host the library using the freeware MinimServer, which will be accessed by Lumin player and Lumin app via network. If you have a NAS, you can run MinimServer on NAS. If you don't have a NAS, you can simply run the MinimServer on the computer.

At home you may play Qobuz using an iPhone running Lumin app to control the Lumin player. Or run the Qobuz app to play on the iPhone instead of your home audio setup.

Using the Lumin app, there is a tab for browsing Qobuz and adding music to the Lumin playlist. Lumin app has other tabs to browse local music from MinimServer for adding to Lumin playlist. The Lumin playlist can be mixed from local music, Qobuz and Tidal (if you subscribe to it too). Once a playlist is setup and playback has begun, you no longer need the iPhone or iPad to be online.

Qobuz monthly fee covers all your streaming needs from Qobuz, but it does not cover purchase of album (so that you can get a copy of it permanently even if you no longer subscribe to Qobuz, or Qobuz decides to remove an album from its streaming catalogue). A small percentage of Qobuz albums cannot be streamed but can be purchased.