Qobuz Connects With Arcam Streamers

A trio of Arcam Radia streaming hi-fi products now supports Qobuz Connect. Following a free firmware update, the Arcam Radia SA35 and SA45 integrated streaming amplifiers, along with the flagship ST25 music streamer, will benefit from the addition of Qobuz Connect.

The recently announced Qobuz Connect feature enables you to stream music directly from Qobuz's servers over the network to compatible hi-fi equipment, with the native app being used purely for control.

This means full playback of hi-res quality music from Qobuz's 100-million track library in up to 24-bit/192kHz, alongside a more intuitive and seamless playback experience. You can switch between devices mid-track, control desktop playback from a mobile device, and access editorial content and curated playlists, all within the Qobuz app.

Dan Mackta, Managing Director for North America and Northern Europe at Qobuz, told StereoNET:

Qobuz Connect was designed to make streaming music in lossless and high-resolution quality easier. We're pleased to see Arcam adopt the feature early on, giving their users a seamless way to access Qobuz's unique combination of sound quality and editorial depth.

With Qobuz Connect, you benefit from the full Qobuz experience and its native app, as you don't have to go via a third-party app. More importantly, you don't have to stream via lossy streaming methods.

James Todd, Arcam's Senior Global Product Line Manager, commented:

Our goal is to combine exceptional sound with effortless usability. Supporting Qobuz Connect gives our customers a simpler, more flexible way to enjoy the music they love without sacrificing sound quality.

Qobuz Connect has already been available in a number of products we've reviewed, such as Naim's Uniti Nova PE, WiiM's Ultra, Amp Pro and Pro Plus, and Ruark's R410 all-in-one, and we're currently putting Ruark's R610 streaming amp through its paces using Qobuz Connect. No matter which brand or device, Qobuz Connect has been wonderfully stable and intuitive to use.

It's yet to be seen whether Arcam's other music streamers, such as the Arcam ST5 and ST60, will be blessed by the Qobuz Connect update.

For more information visit Arcam