The future of high-resolution music streaming just arrived… at a price.
Audiophiles’ endless quest for perfect sound reproduction may have reached a new milestone.
New service Pure Audio Streaming is gearing up to enter the high-fidelity streaming market, promising to deliver truly uncompressed immersive audio that surrounds listeners from all directions.
The platform aims to push home audio systems beyond what Tidal and Qobuz have accomplished. It wants users to experience the joy of three-dimensional sound.
What Pure Audio Streaming Offers
While services like Tidal and Qobuz have offered high-resolution stereo streaming for years, Pure Audio Streaming claims to be the first to deliver true lossless immersive audio.
To do this, the platform uses AURO-3D technology to create sound that extends beyond traditional surround formats.
Instead of compressing multi-channel audio like most platforms do, this promises to deliver up to 96kHz PCM in 7.1.4 channels. And for headphone users, the platform also offers binaural audio, providing that 3D effect without needing a full speaker setup.
This means sound comes not just from around you. It also wraps above you to create what the company calls “a cocoon of life-like sound.”
For starters, the service will make over 300 recordings popular among audiophiles available in high-resolution formats. These include Grammy-winning titles such as LUX by 2L Records.
On top of that, you can also access tracks up to 192kHz PCM and binaural audio at 48kHz PCM.
Hardware Requirements and Compatibility
Using Pure Audio Streaming’s immersive audio features requires specific hardware that goes beyond typical streaming setups. Users need:
- A fast, reliable internet connection
- An HDMI input and monitor for the NVIDIA Shield Pro
- An AV receiver that supports immersive audio: 5.1, 7.1.4 (recommended), or up to 9.1.6
Currently, immersive audio streaming works only with select devices: NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro, Amazon Fire Stick 4K (2023 model), and computers running Google Chrome connected via HDMI to an AV receiver.
However, the company says support for Amazon Fire Cube is “coming soon.”
The platform also features “AC Connect” technology, which makes it easier to connect to supported home theater equipment. But, details on compatible devices haven’t been fully released.
How to Apply for the Early Adopter Program
Pure Audio Streaming will offer two subscription tiers at launch.
The stereo plan provides high-resolution stereo up to 192kHz PCM and binaural audio at 48kHz PCM. Meanwhile, the premium immersive plan delivers 5.1 surround sound and 7.1.4 channel audio at 96kHz.
Before the public launch, the company opened an Early Adopter Program with limited spots available. The catch?
[/speech]”To ensure that only the most dedicated audiophiles join our Early Adopter Program, an entry fee applies,” according to the company website.[/speech]
Audiophiles will have to pay $500 for first access to all content, one full year of streaming, an NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro device, and input on platform development. A discount $300 option offers the same benefits for users who already own a compatible SHIELD TV Pro.
Moreover, early adopters must agree to keep information confidential, including “no public discussion of pre-launch issues.” This suggests the platform may still be working on its final features.