FAQ

FAQ

General

What is QBZ?

QBZ is a free, open-source, native Linux desktop client for Qobuz. It provides bit-perfect audio playback through direct integration with ALSA and PipeWire, bypassing the limitations of browser-based players.

Is QBZ affiliated with Qobuz?

No. QBZ uses the Qobuz API but is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or certified by Qobuz. Qobuz is a trademark of Xandrie SA.

Is QBZ free?

Yes. QBZ is open source and released under the MIT license. You need a Qobuz subscription to stream music, but the app itself is free.

Why Linux only?

QBZ is designed specifically for the Linux audio stack (ALSA, PipeWire, PulseAudio). The entire architecture is built around native Linux audio capabilities. There are no plans for Windows or macOS.

What Qobuz plan do I need?

Any Qobuz plan works. However, for Hi-Res playback (the main reason to use QBZ over a browser), you need a Studio or Sublime plan.

Plan	Max Quality
Studio / Sublime	Hi-Res 24-bit / 192 kHz
Standard	CD Quality 16-bit / 44.1 kHz

Audio

Why doesn't the browser give me bit-perfect audio?

Browsers route audio through the WebAudio API and the system mixer, which resamples everything to a fixed rate (usually 48 kHz). There's no way for a browser to:

• Send audio directly to a DAC
• Switch sample rates per track
• Take exclusive control of an audio device
• Bypass the system mixer

QBZ solves all of these by using native audio backends.

What is DAC Passthrough?

DAC Passthrough means QBZ sends the audio stream directly to your DAC at the track's native sample rate, without any conversion. A 192 kHz track is sent as 192 kHz data — your DAC receives exactly what Qobuz encoded.

What is Exclusive Mode?

In Exclusive Mode, QBZ takes sole control of your audio device. No other application can play sound through it. This prevents the system mixer from touching your audio stream and ensures bit-perfect playback.

My DAC shows 48000 Hz for everything

This means audio is being resampled by the system mixer. Fix:

1. Switch to ALSA Direct backend, or
2. Enable Force Bit-Perfect in PipeWire settings

See Audio Configuration for details.

Can I use QBZ with Bluetooth headphones?

Yes, but Bluetooth codecs (SBC, AAC, LDAC, aptX) always transcode audio. You won't get bit-perfect playback over Bluetooth regardless of settings. QBZ will still play fine, but the audio quality is limited by the Bluetooth codec.

Local Library

What audio formats are supported?

FLAC, WAV, AIFF, MP3, AAC (M4A), and OGG Vorbis. See Local Library for details.

Does QBZ modify my files?

No. Tag edits are stored in a sidecar database. Your original files are never modified.

Can I use QBZ without a Qobuz account?

The local library and local file playback work without internet, but you need a Qobuz account to log in initially. QBZ is primarily a Qobuz client; local library support is an additional feature.

Features

Can I import playlists from Spotify / Apple Music / Tidal?

Yes. QBZ can import playlists from Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and Deezer using fuzzy track matching. See Integrations for details.

Does QBZ support lyrics?

Yes. QBZ displays synchronized lyrics when available, with time-synced scrolling. You can click any line to seek to that position.

Can I cast to my Chromecast / network speakers?

Yes. QBZ supports Chromecast and DLNA/UPnP casting. See Casting and Remote Control.

Does QBZ support Last.fm scrobbling?

Yes, with offline queue support. See Integrations.

Troubleshooting

QBZ won't start

See Troubleshooting#qbz-wont-start--crashes-on-launch.

I see graphical glitches

Run qbz --reset-graphics or QBZ_HARDWARE_ACCEL=0 qbz. See Troubleshooting#graphics-issues.

Where do I report bugs?

Open an issue at github.com/vicrodh/qbz/issues.