Best subscription music service?

[TechLarry]

I've been a member of Yahoo Music for the last two years. The selection is ok, but the software is pure junk (based on the old MusicMatch software).

For $58 a year, I was willing to live with it.

But, now they are raising the price by 25% and I just don't think it's worth dealing with the crappy software any longer. Not to mention their tech support has been useless in fixing issues with the software (particularly under Vista).

Right now I'm leaning towards Rhapsody. They seem to have the best software and largest catalog, but I'd like to hear from others.

I'll be streaming to PC only.

I'm not interested in 'free' services as they are typically geared towards Indie only, which is not my bag.

Thanks

 

[odoe]

I had a free rhapsody trial when I got a sansa and during the time I used it, I actually considered keeping it. The sound quality wasn't too bad, selection was really good, even for some off the wall stuff and I liked the idea of listening to tunes I would not normally listen to via channels and premade playlists. Channels and playlists are what I mainly used it for and I thought it worked fine.

 

[TechLarry]

Cool. Thanks Yes, the sound quality is quite good actually. I've been using up the "25 free plays per month" checking it out.

 

[rblews]

I had Napser for a year; then, Rhapsody for a couple of months; and URGE for the last several months. Urge is the most compatible with WMP11 and my portable devices (a ZVM and a samsung K3). URGE uses wma 192Kbps, as does Rhapsody. Rhapsody was good, so if you are happy with its trial then stick with that. Pay monthly, and try URGE is you encounter any issues with Rhapsondy. I have no issues so far with URGE. These subscription services are the best bargain in audio. I used to spend $100/month on CDs that after a couple of plays would never listen to again. Now, I'm having the time of my life sampling all types of music, and only buy a couple of CDs a year-- my very best favorites

 

[blankwire]

I would actually go with Urge. It's included with Windows Media Player, and in the time I was using it, it just worked.

 

[TechLarry]

Ok, I signed up for the free 14 day trial. Only one I know of that you can do it without sacrificing your CC number.

I'm pleasantly suprised!

Being owned by MTV Networks, I fully expected it to be geared towards newer, crappy music. Instead I found a full-featured catalog.

I think this might be the one. It's also cheaper than rhapsody, and only barely more expensive (now that yahoo has jacked prices) than Yahoo.

I also like the way it integrates into MP11 and Windows Media Center, and I don't have to use someone elses crappy, buggy player (are you reading this Yahoo?).

My tastes are well covered. Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Petty, and most importantly Pink Floyd (Even at 60, David Gilmour is THE Man).

I think it's a keeper. I'll use up the 14 days to be sure, and sign up when it gives me the warning the free trial is about to expire (which I'm sure it will).

A couple of things. I could not determine how many computers you are allowed to authorize, nor can I play any of the Video's. They play the commercials, then the video goes out with a big red X.

Thanks for the recommendation. I hadn't even considered it!

Oh, one bummer. Streams are only 128k. You have to physically download the track to get 192k. Yahoo was the same, but it would be nice if streams were 192k as well.

I have my entire 200 CD collection ripped to WMA Lossless, and there is most definitely a difference in sound quality.

I would actually go with Urge. It's included with Windows Media Player, and in the time I was using it, it just worked.

 

[rblews]

The downloads (wma192Kbps) are extremely fast-- about 2 minutes for an entire album after the first 20 seconds to get going. I back up my CDs with wma lossless, and can't tell the difference between it and the URGE downloads; but, then maybe my equipment is not high end enough
You can use up to 3 computers on one URGE account, and "authorized" to use up 2 portable devices per computer; although, I'm using 4 portable devices (MP3 players) on one computer

 

[TechLarry]

Three should be good enough. I guess you authorize/deathorize in your account somewhere?