HD Tracks pricing

BlueFox · Jul 25, 2015

This week the last three Led Zeppelin remasters will be released, and I will buy the downloads versus the CDs. However, earlier in the week, I saw on HD Tracks the MC5 album from 1968 is in the new release category. Since I no longer have my old albums, I thought I should purchase it, but the $25 price for 192/24, and $18 for 96/24 seemed excessive. I ended up spending $9 for the CD on Amazon, and ripping it.

While I love being able to download music, the price for some selections are ridiculous. I seriously doubt the $25 192/24 download is three times better than the $9 44/16 CD. In fact, for a 1968 recording the CD is pretty good, but I had forgotten how bad the singing is.

Come on HD Tracks, lower your prices so I can buy more music.

Joe Whip · Jul 26, 2015

That is why I only buy when they run sales. As an example, I was able to snag the Chick Corea Trilogy release which retails for $35.98 for about $17. Most stuff can be had for at least 10% off each week. Sometimes 15% off.

still-one · Jul 26, 2015

I agree with Bud. I seldom look for music any more on HDtracks. Besides the pricing issue I like owning the CD. Should I find the music doesn't hold up to repeated plays and I decide to delete it from my server and sell the CD I can legally do so. The same is not true with a digital file.

BlueFox · Jul 26, 2015

Joe Whip said:
That is why I only buy when they run sales. As an example, I was able to snag the Chick Corea Trilogy release which retails for $35.98 for about $17. Most stuff can be had for at least 10% off each week. Sometimes 15% off.

True, but $2-$3 off of $25 is still too much for a 1968 recording of the MC5.

Hi-FiGuy · Jul 26, 2015

My biggest issue is they do not keep track of your downloads and you have no recourse if something happens to your file.

rbbert · Jul 26, 2015

They do keep track of your purchases. I also think it's very unusual that a older recording to analog tape will sound any better at 24/192 than at 24/96. and it's still quite a bit cheaper than most LP's. Even more, I'm still pretty sure that hi-res download pricing takes into account the likelihood that many if not most buyers are file-sharing with friends; how else to explain that downloads are usually pricier than the equivalent SACD or Bluray (in those cases where both are offered)?

Hi-FiGuy · Jul 26, 2015

rbbert said:
They do keep track of your purchases. I also think it's very unusual that a older recording to analog tape will sound any better at 24/192 than at 24/96. and it's still quite a bit cheaper than most LP's. Even more, I'm still pretty sure that hi-res download pricing takes into account the likelihood that many if not most buyers are file-sharing with friends; how else to explain that downloads are usually pricier than the equivalent SACD or Bluray (in those cases where both are offered)?

I have logged into my account and cannot find any traces of prior purchases, am I not looking in the right place?

cpp · Jul 27, 2015

Hi-FiGuy said:
I have logged into my account and cannot find any traces of prior purchases, am I not looking in the right place?

I just checked mine, and I must say they are not all there. Who knows what HD Tracks does.
My Account -> Account Dashboard and also you can check My Orders

TheMadMilkman · Jul 27, 2015

Hi-FiGuy said:
My biggest issue is they do not keep track of your downloads and you have no recourse if something happens to your file.

For an online digital storefront, this is basically inexcusable. Yes, you can contact them and they will let you redownload the file. But every major storefront selling lossy downloads (iTunes, Amazon, etc.) automatically tracks what I've purchased and lets me redownload as often as needed.

That HDTracks does not do this has actually kept me from making purchases through them.

rbbert · Jul 27, 2015

Your purchases since their last software update a year or two ago should all be in "your account". Older ones you have to ask about but they usually can tell you in my experience. Also every site I've used which has lossless downloads, even only 16/44.1, has a time limit for the download (from when you start, not when you buy), but they will usually reset that for what they consider a good reason

Hi-FiGuy · Jul 27, 2015

Thanks for that I will contact them, I seem to have a couple miss placed files.

lassej · Jul 28, 2015

I think most hi-rez music files are to expensive. That does not only goes for HD Tracks. Same with other sites.
Compare to a CD disc they have much lower costs, no production, package and distribution costs near the same as a CD.
But maybe it's not the HD Tracks and their collouges that are expensive, maybe there is the record companies that are expensive so HD Tracks, and others, buy the rights to the files to high costs? Anyway, some is earning money here.

Hi-FiGuy · Jul 28, 2015

From what I gather 70% or more goes to the label and they are doing none of the work. And I am sure the label is making sure the artist is getting their cut...
Anyhow yes they are too expensive to not have a disc in your hand

TheMadMilkman · Jul 29, 2015

rbbert said:
Also every site I've used which has lossless downloads, even only 16/44.1, has a time limit for the download

Ya, I found this too when I was looking at different sites. I consider it an unpardonable sin, and haven't purchased any lossless downloads from any of them.

In my opinion, if a new company were to show up with the features people expect from a modern digital storefront (unlimited redownloads, a proper account system, etc.), they would very quickly capture majority marketshare.

Hi-FiGuy · Jul 29, 2015

Another problem for Hi-Rez with the masses is it does not for the most part work on equipment they already have.

If it requires anything more than download and click, most lose interest.

Hi-Rez community has a long haul if it wants to get out of the niche market. The business model is not strong enough.
There needs to be a unity/consistency/honesty amongst the providers if any real volume is to be attained.

BlueFox · Jul 29, 2015

A most useful feature on high-res sites, assuming it is not there, would be to copy Amazon's model of adding 'You purchased this item on <some past date>' on the page of the item you are looking at. Last night, I was looking at some choices on HD Tracks, and wondering if I had already purchased that item. I kept having to scan my music server folders to see if the album was there or not.

daytona600 · Jul 29, 2015

In ten years all those hard discs full of files from HD tracks will be worth thousands on ebay

must stop buying vinyl & buy files its worthless lucky to get a few hundred $ each these days for rare records

rbbert · Jul 29, 2015

Hmm, buying music for its future monetary value. I have to admit that in 50 yrs of buying singles, albums, etc, that consideration has never entered my mind.

still-one · Jul 29, 2015

daytona600 said:
In ten years all those hard discs full of files from HD tracks will be worth thousands on ebay

must stop buying vinyl & buy files its worthless lucky to get a few hundred $ each these days for rare records

I'm not sure how you come to that conclusion. It is illegal to transfer your license to use or re-sell digital files.

BlueFox · Aug 12, 2015

Here is another example of crazy prices on HD Tracks.

Taylor Swift - 1989 at 44/24 for $23 versus $12 at 44/16 on Amazon.

HD Tracks pricing

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