Qobuz Connect is introduced in collaboration with Denon, Marantz, and over 50 additional hi-fi brands.

      Fans of Qobuz, the French subscription music service focused on lossless, high-resolution audio, now have a new option for streaming their favorite songs to their preferred devices. The company has introduced Qobuz Connect on its iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows apps, allowing users to control compatible streaming speakers and components from a wide range of hi-fi brands.

      Many will be familiar with brands like Denon and Marantz—every device from these manufacturers that works with the HEOS streaming software is now compatible with Qobuz Connect. The compatibility list also features niche hi-fi players like Rotel, Nagra, HiFi Rose, Lindemann, Wiim, and Volumio. Here’s the full list.

      “Qobuz Connect is a feature that our subscribers have been looking forward to,” said Qobuz’s Chief Product Officer, Axel Destagnol. “We are excited to provide the most comprehensive Connect solution in the market, integrating high resolution, app synchronization, and remote control. Our goal has been to create a straightforward, user-friendly interface to enhance the experience for all our listeners.”

      Similar to Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect transforms the Qobuz app into a central control point, eliminating the need for Bluetooth, AirPlay, Google Cast, or proprietary applications like Wiim Home. If you use a computer as your streaming device (possibly linked to an external DAC), as long as the Qobuz app on the computer is open, you can control it remotely using the Qobuz mobile app.

      Additionally, all streams are delivered directly from Qobuz’s servers to the receiving device at their maximum supported resolution, without routing through your smartphone or computer first.

      I tested it out using the Qobuz app on both iOS and macOS, streaming to the Wiim Ultra network music streamer, and it functioned flawlessly. To use it, you'll need the latest version of the Qobuz app, and you might need to update the firmware on your streaming device if it appears on the list of compatible brands.

      The updated app also streamlines the interface. Instead of presenting two output menus (the device menu in the bottom-left corner and the casting button in the top-right), all connection options are now accessible from the bottom-left device menu.

      Qobuz Connect is ideal for music enthusiasts seeking a straightforward way to stream to a single device. However, currently, there is no option to connect to multiple Qobuz Connect devices simultaneously or group them. For that level of control, you will need to use the native control app (like HEOS or Wiim Home) for your devices, or switch to a protocol such as Apple AirPlay.