LINN Records, the recording offshoot of the eponymous Scottish hi-fi manufacturer, has launched what is claimed to be the world's highest quality music download service.
The label, whose stable of jazz, classical and Scottish artists includes renowned saxophonist Tommy Smith and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, said the digital downloads would be made available from the original studio master files, providing sound quality superior to that of a CD.
Most internet music services are based on MP3-type formats, which are highly compressed and fail to reproduce much of the detail contained in the original recordings.
The Linn studio master tracks will cost more and take longer to download but are aimed at audiophiles and music aficionados rather than the typical iPod user.
Caroline Dooley, head of Glasgow-based Linn Records, said: "Currently, music downloaded over the internet is compressed, which impacts on the quality of the listening experience.
"Although the 24-bit studio quality format takes slightly longer to download and is slightly more expensive, we are giving music lovers the chance to experience the very best sound quality that has ever been offered for sale commercially.
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Users with a broadband connection will typically have to wait 15 minutes for a studio quality download to complete. The track, which will offer sound quality identical to that of an SACD (Super Audio CD), can then be played back on a PC with a suitable sound card or burnt on to a DVD.
Linn was founded in 1972 with a single hi-fi product - the Sondek LP12 turntable.
Company founder Ivor Tiefenbrun's philosophy of "garbage in, garbage out" - placing more emphasis on the front end of the audio chain than the loudspeaker - was seen as revolutionary at the time.
The record label was formed in 1983, when better test discs were needed to help develop the company's audio equipment.
One year later, A Walk Across the Rooftops, the debut album of cult Scottish band The Blue Nile, was Linn Records' first release.
A spokesman for the label said it had been "no small job" putting the back catalogue of more than 250 titles online. However, at this stage, only a limited selection will be available at the highest quality level.
In addition to the studio master files, the newly-upgraded Linn website offers high-quality MP3 downloads.
The company is hoping to expand the site to include other independent Scottish recording labels.
The spokesman confirmed that Linn was not abandoning the more traditional routes to market, and said the firm would be looking to repress many titles on vinyl, which still has a loyal following among hi-fi buffs.
Mick McHugh of Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire, which provided support for the launch of the new technology, said: "Linn is recognised globally for quality and innovation so it is only natural that they are leading the field in new developments in listening technology.
"We are delighted to be able to support their continuing product development."
MUSIC lovers using the new Linn studio master service will need to spend about £1.80 to download each track, compared with the 79p charged by Apple's popular iTunes Store.
Although its back catalogue is relatively small at less than 300 titles, Linn's flagship service offers high-quality sound direct from the studio master files.
A complete album can be purchased online for around £18.
Linn said its downloads were not restricted to any particular audio format.
This means they should work across a full range of audio devices from portable hand-held music players such as the iPod to desk-top DVD players and PCs.
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