Master Quality Authenticated (MQA)

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wendylou
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20 Nov 2017

Anybody have thoughts on the latest high Rez audio compression/expansion known as MQA?

MQA Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_Qu ... henticated
MQA YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ey1O ... hannel=MQA

Apparently, Tidal streaming service is offering MQA titles. You need an MQA device to handshake with your DAC for this to decode, or software. In short, MQA "folds" up the higher frequency bands together with the standard 20 Hz to 22 kHz band material into a compact format no bigger than CD files. It can then be expanded back to the native sampling frequency and bit rate. The big claim of MQA is that it has vastly improved time domain accuracy, whereas conventional PCM audio smears important timing information. They say you can hear that difference and it makes things sound as "live" as it gets.

The interesting thing among audiophiles that were poled about MQA is that some embrace it while others can't tell much of a difference. Also criticized is the licensing of MQA. As a Reason in-the-box musician, I wondered how this could even be applicable, as it has to begin at the recording stage, although I guess they say any master audio file can be reprocessed with MQA. Although I like good sound, the whole process and cost doesn't seem worth it to me.
:puf_smile: http://www.galxygirl.com -- :reason: user since 2002

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Gorgon
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21 Nov 2017

Tidal. Lol.
tidal.png
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Marco Raaphorst
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21 Nov 2017

MQA is not an open format. I read a lot about the concerns.

MQA needs to be translated to wav/aif or else we won't be able to listen to it so, so I guess it doesn't make sense. FLAC is perfect for non lossy streaming.

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wendylou
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23 Nov 2017

Marco Raaphorst wrote:
21 Nov 2017
MQA is not an open format. I read a lot about the concerns.

MQA needs to be translated to wav/aif or else we won't be able to listen to it so, so I guess it doesn't make sense. FLAC is perfect for non lossy streaming.

Agreed! MQA is suppose to begin at the recording stage and then requires extra cost to the end user to be able to decode it and play it back through your DAC, making it a big hassle, not to mention the licensing fees. And all in the name of supposedly improving the signal in the time domain (which some say they cannot even hear the difference). Meh. Move along, nothing to see here!
:puf_smile: http://www.galxygirl.com -- :reason: user since 2002

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