(CelebrityAccess) – Amazon has today (Sept. 17) launched Amazon Music HD in the US, UK, Germany and Japan.
The tech giant’s latest streaming tier offers Amazon users 50 million lossless HD songs, with a bit depth of 16 bits and a sample rate of 44.1kHz (described by Amazon as “CD quality”). In addition, Amazon Music HD subscribers can stream “millions more” songs in ‘Ultra HD’ (described by Amazon as “better than CD quality”), with a bit depth of 24 bits and a sample rate up to 192 kHz.
“We spoke with many artists while developing Amazon Music HD, who were excited about the potential for fans to be able to stream their favourite music, and hear it as it was originally recorded,” said Steve Boom, VP of Amazon Music. From rock to hip-hop to classical and pop, we believe listening to music at this level of sound will make customers fall in love again with their favourite music and artists. As we usher in a new listening experience for our customers and the industry, we’re combining the convenience of streaming with all of the emotion, power, clarity and nuance of the original recordings.”
Amazon HD will run existing Amazon Prime members $12.99 (US) per month and non-Prime members $14.99 (US) per month.
Existing Amazon Music Unlimited subscribers can upgrade for an additional $5 (US), while current paying subscribers can try Amazon Music HD at no additional cost for 90 days.
