Interesting on ECM @ Presto, that’s a change from when I was getting more downloads from them last year. As I have Qobuz Sublime+ now, I get a very nice discount there on new ECM that I want to have offline, so I don’t shop around for ECM releases any more. In the US, ProStudioMasters would have 20% discounted ECM at release, but that is still a lot more than what I pay on Sublime+, which also allows me to sample a big range of other music that I don’t necessarily want for repeated use offline. Here’s my current flow for a new release I become aware of via reviews or mailing lists, and want for offline use (as well as Roon use):
- Is it on Bandcamp? If yes, get it there so the artist gets more of the $$.
- Is it on Qobuz for download purchase. If so, get it there with the Sublime+ discount.
- Look elsewhere, starting on 7digital, then ProStudioMasters, then Presto, then HDtracks.
- Try label site (there are a few that provide lossless sometimes, eg. CAM JAZZ).
- Add to the CD wishlist, and order from Amazon when list is big enough to zero shipping cost.