This New Streaming Platform Promises to Take Your Sound System Beyond What Tidal or Qobuz Can Offer

The future of high-resolution music streaming has arrived — but it comes with a premium price tag.

Audiophiles chasing the perfect sound experience may have just found their new obsession. Pure Audio Streaming, a fresh face in the high-fidelity streaming world, is preparing to launch a platform that promises truly uncompressed, immersive audio that surrounds listeners from every direction.

The goal? To push home audio systems far beyond what streaming giants like Tidal and Qobuz have achieved, delivering a rich, three-dimensional sound experience that feels alive.

What Sets Pure Audio Streaming Apart

While Tidal and Qobuz have long offered high-resolution stereo streaming, Pure Audio Streaming claims to be the first service delivering genuine lossless immersive audio. It uses advanced AURO-3D technology to create a soundscape that goes beyond traditional surround sound.

“Our aim is to bring music to life like never before,” says Stefan Bock, founder of the Pure Audio Blu-ray disc format.

Instead of compressing multi-channel audio — the usual approach — Pure Audio Streaming delivers up to 96kHz PCM in 7.1.4 channels. If you prefer headphones, the platform also offers binaural audio, simulating that 3D sound environment without needing a full speaker setup.

Imagine sound not only coming from all around you but also floating above you, creating what the company calls a “cocoon of life-like sound.”

At launch, the platform will feature over 300 audiophile-favorite recordings, including Grammy-winning albums like LUX by 2L Records. Plus, users can access tracks up to 192kHz PCM and binaural audio at 48kHz PCM for even higher fidelity.

What You’ll Need to Listen

To enjoy Pure Audio Streaming’s immersive audio, your setup needs to go beyond the usual streaming gear. Here’s the basics:

• A fast, reliable internet connection
• An HDMI input and monitor for the NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro
• An AV receiver compatible with immersive audio — 5.1, 7.1.4 (recommended), or even up to 9.1.6

Right now, immersive audio streaming works 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.

Support for Amazon Fire Cube is on the way.

The platform also includes “AC Connect” technology to make pairing with home theater gear easier, though full device compatibility details are still coming.

Early Access Comes at a Cost

Pure Audio Streaming will launch with two subscription plans:

• Stereo Plan: High-resolution stereo up to 192kHz PCM and binaural audio at 48kHz PCM
• Premium Immersive Plan: 5.1 surround sound and 7.1.4 channel audio at 96kHz

Before its public debut, the company has opened an Early Adopter Program—but spots are limited and come with a steep entry fee.

According to the website, “To ensure only the most dedicated audiophiles join, an entry fee applies.”

Here’s the deal: for $500, early adopters get first access to all content, a full year of streaming, an NVIDIA SHIELD TV Pro device, and a chance to help shape the platform’s development. If you already own a compatible SHIELD TV Pro, there’s a discounted $300 option.

However, participants must agree to keep all pre-launch details confidential — no public chatter about bugs or issues. This suggests the platform is still polishing its final features.

Key Dates

Applications for the Early Adopter Program close on May 18. Those accepted will gain access starting May 25, well ahead of the official launch planned for July 25.

Bottom line: If you’re an audiophile eager to experience the next level of immersive sound and don’t mind investing upfront, Pure Audio Streaming might just be the game changer you’ve been waiting for.