HIGHRESAUDIO – HRA streaming for music enjoyment in true studio quality

HIGHRESAUDIO is an independent music platform that specialises in high-resolution music formats (Hi-res audio) – both for downloading and streaming. The platform was founded in 2010 by Lothar Kerestedjian, a music lover and technology expert with Armenian-German roots. With HIGHRESAUDIO, he pursues a clear mission: to offer music in the best possible sound quality – just as it was mixed and mastered in the studio. His brother Frank Kerestedjian also works for the company, including as head of technology.

Since its foundation, the company has been solely privately owned and based in Berlin. HIGHRESAUDIO operates independently of major labels, tech companies or international platform operators and is aimed specifically at an audiophile audience that is prepared to invest in sound quality.

Independence and a promise of quality

The speciality of HIGHRESAUDIO lies not only in the sound format it offers, but also in its consistent quality management. Every album that is uploaded to the platform is checked by a team of experts – for authenticity, dynamic range and sound depth. Albums in MP3, AAC or highly compressed production are deliberately not permitted. The formats offered range from 24-bit/96 kHz to 24-bit/384 kHz, depending on the availability of the original master, and also in MQA format. However, HIGHRESAUDIO not only offers content in stereo as high-resolution music downloads, but also, if available, in 5.1 studio master quality in FLAC, ALAC, DSD and in so-called DXD in the form of FLAC for immediate download (‘Instant Download’).

The company’s independence enables HIGHRESAUDIO to offer a curated, hand-picked repertoire far removed from the mainstream – focussing on jazz, classical music, singer-songwriters, acoustic music, indie rock and experimental electronics.

Foto © HIGHRESAUDIO UG | HIGHRESAUDIO – HRA streaming for music enjoyment in real studio quality

Offers: Downloads and HRA streaming

HIGHRESAUDIO offers two main services, some of which are directly linked, namely HRA Streaming and HRA Streaming + Album Download at a reduced fixed price. The provider grants a 30 per cent discount on each album.

Download store: Users can buy and download individual tracks or complete albums – lossless in formats such as FLAC, WAV or AIFF. All content is DRM-free and can be played on any device.
HRA streaming: Since 2018, HIGHRESAUDIO has also been offering its own streaming model with genuine Hi-res audio in FLAC with up to 24 bit and 192 kHz – without lossy compression. The magic word here is P-MQS (Pure Master Quality Sound), according to the provider, who speaks of an innovative process that sets new standards in the world of music playback and serves as the basis for the high-bit FLAC format of HRA Streaming. With P-MQS, customers stream digital production quality from the recording studio in a unique way. Unadulterated, native and 100 per cent original, just as the artist and producer created their work, according to HIGHRESAUDIO’s promise. The streaming service can be used via the web player, via apps for Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS as well as mobile devices and via selected platforms such as Audirvāna, Roon or Bluesound.

Unlike other providers, HIGHRESAUDIO deliberately refrains from using advertising-based freemium models, algorithm-controlled playlists or data-based personalisation. Music takes centre stage – not usage data. HRA Streaming currently costs €79 for six months in the form of HRA Streaming or €149 for 12 months. The HRA streaming + download offer (30% discount option) currently costs € 199 for 12 months.

Editors and music diversity

To be fair, HIGHRESAUDIO’s catalogue size is significantly smaller than that of Spotify, TIDAL or Qobuz – but it follows a clear quality standard. Anyone looking through the catalogue will discover not only new releases, but also rare archive recordings in impressive quality. New releases from small studios or labels that have been mastered with particular care also find their place here – and sometimes exclusively!

The platform also provides editorial content such as recommendations, album presentations, background articles on studio work, mastering techniques and sound comparison tests. Anyone interested in music and its creation will not only find listening material here, but also knowledge.

Foto © HIGHRESAUDIO UG | HIGHRESAUDIO – HRA streaming for music enjoyment in real studio quality

Technical requirements and use

In order to enjoy the music in full quality, a high-quality audio chain is required – for example a streaming client with a high-quality converter, or a converter with a corresponding external digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) – the rest of the HiFi chain should also be designed so that you can actually fully benefit from the quality that HIGHRESAUDIO offers. HIGHRESAUDIO is compatible with many audio platforms, including Audirvana, Roon, LUMIN, AURALiC, Bluesound and others.

A special feature is the Dynamic Range Check (DR Check): Users can look up the dynamic range in dB for many albums – a valuable criterion for audio enthusiasts that helps to recognise compression and find high-quality recordings.

Bonus points for customer loyalty

Interesting to know: You can collect bonus points when you make purchases in the download area of HIGHRESAUDIO, so the provider honours customer loyalty. These bonus points can be equated with cash, as they can be used as a means of payment for your next purchase.

HIGHRESAUDIO compared to TIDAL and Co.

While TIDAL now relies on FLAC and MQA and offers exclusive content, HIGHRESAUDIO sticks to classic Hi-res FLAC – without proprietary codecs or marketing add-ons. Qobuz also offers high-quality downloads and streaming in Hi-res, but has a broader focus. Spotify or Apple Music, on the other hand, still do not offer lossless Hi-res playback in the true sense.

HIGHRESAUDIO is thus positioning itself as a niche provider for the highest demands, which does not want to deliver mass-produced goods, but a genuine listening experience – puristic, technically high-quality and curated.

Getting to the point – a place for sound purists

HIGHRESAUDIO is not a service for everyone – but a paradise for all those who not only want to listen to music, but also experience it. The platform focuses uncompromisingly on sound fidelity, transparency and quality. Anyone who is prepared to invest in hardware and conscious listening will find a platform here that presents music as it should be: unadorned, high-resolution and full of dynamics. In a world full of loud, compressed audio tidbits, HIGHRESAUDIO is a quiet but powerful statement for real music enjoyment.