Deutsche Grammophon - Anyone Used The Download Service

[BigEat]

Classical music is in short supply but now that DG has opened up an online download catologue, there is at least one handy "high quality" source. That said, has anyone used it? Moreover, I would be interested in hearing anyone's views on the quality. I'm a hard core lossless file subscriber and am extremely worried about the 320 kbps offered by DG. Thoughts? Many thanks.

 

[Cool_Torpedo]

At 11.9 and 22.9 euros for single disc or double disc issues on mp3, I find it too expensive. If they were lossless, it's still expensive but I could get a couple to try.

Rgrds

 

[vcoheda]

i would never pay that much for music in MP3 format, but DG must think that most people don't see a real difference between lossless and lossy compression - and they are probably right.

 

[BigEat]

Sad but true.

 

[PSmith08]

I've used it on occasion. Here are my thoughts on the matter:

1. It's a pretty good source for OOP items in the catalog. If you can't find these records used or through other sources, assuming you really want the record, then SQ is ultimately irrelevant.

2. 320 kbps MP3 is probably not ideal for audiophile purposes, but DG cannot cater to the audiophile community by using something like FLAC - realistically speaking. DG isn't an audiophile label even within the classical world. Also, MP3 is still widely supported - unlike FLAC (i.a.) - so it makes sense to sell in such a way that the most possible number of consumers will be able to use your product. In my view, on most systems, 320 kbps is adequate for classical listening. It's about as low a bitrate as a serious classical fan could tolerate, but it's still more tolerable than 128 or even 256 kbps.

3. Online music downloads, in my opinion, DG Web Shop included, are great for trying music or impulse buys of music you're not entirely sure you'll want. By the time you buy from Amazon or Arkiv, you're out the purchase price (usually a few dollars more) and shipping. If you don't know if you're going to like the composer or composition, then a cheap, right-at-hand source for the material is nice.

So, for what I've bought, I like the DG service. It gives me access to records I couldn't buy in CD format - even if I wanted to - without great trouble, and in some cases, hefty price tags. The SQ is tolerable, though it could be better. All in all, it's not a bad service, but I wouldn't want to have it replace CDs.

 

[milkpowder]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cool_Torpedo /img/forum/go_quote.gif At 11.9 and 22.9 euros for single disc or double disc issues on mp3, I find it too expensive. If they were lossless, it's still expensive but I could get a couple to try. Rgrds

For MP3s, the prices are too high. You could get the actual CD for around that money. However, I wouldn't mind paying the same sort of money for the convenience of a digital download in lossless format, whether it be FLAC, ALAC, WAV or even AIFF.

DG have a ton of really good recordings, both from a sound quality and performance point of view. Take the ArkivMusic re-issues of DG recordings for example.