Amazon Launches Amazon Music HD

Amazon launched a high definition tier of its Amazon Music Unlimited streaming platform. Amazon Music HD offers 50 million songs in a lossless audio format.

Amazon Music HD also features a catalog of “millions” of Ultra HD lossless tracks. The High Definition catalog is defined as up to 850 kbps at 16 bit/44.1kHz. The Ultra HD collection contains tracks up to 3730 kbps at 24 bit/192kHz and can be listened to in high-res

“We spoke with many artists while developing Amazon Music HD, who were excited about the potential for fans to be able to stream their favorite 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 favorite 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 Music HD is available for $14.99 per month and $12.99 per month for Amazon Prime members. Current Amazon Music Unlimited individual and family plan subscribers can add Amazon Music HD for an additional $5 per month.

Longtime proponent of lossless digital audio and creator of the defunct Pono portable player, Neil Young is a supporter of Amazon Music HD. The veteran rocker stated:

“Earth will be changed forever when Amazon introduces high-quality streaming to the masses. This will be the biggest thing to happen in music since the introduction of digital audio 40 years ago.”

Head here for more information regarding Amazon Music HD and to sign up for a free 90-day trial.

:story: JamBase