Aurender MQA Update

[1KW]

Originally Posted by jdandy

David.......I downloaded the latest Conductor App to my iPad, then the latest Aurender operating system software to both my N10 and my N100H this evening.

I am having an issue purchasing the MQA Core Decoder. When I am in Settings and tap on Purchase MQA License, then tap on link to download it this is what happens on both the N10 and the N100H.

















I have contacted Aurender through the Help tab and Eric Shim has already contacted me asking for the screen shots I posted here. Hopefully we can get this sorted out.

Dan is your iPad os up to date ?

[PMCH]

I didn't have an Apple account linked to a credit card. I needed to open one before I could make the MQA purchase through the Aurender.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by 1KW

Dan is your iPad os up to date ?

David.......Yes, my iPad OS is up to date. My issue was in the Settings under Restrictions. I had the In App Purchase turned off. The Aurender tech sent me a link to directions on turning it on, and once done the MQA license downloaded without issue on both the N10 and the N100H. I turned on MQA and tested both music servers this morning to make sure the first unfold was happening. It is, but I have not had time today to do any auditioning due to other obligations. I will spend some time later this evening A/B comparing MQA Master files to regular 16/44.1 files. Should be interesting.

[richardallred]

Originally Posted by jdandy

David.......Yes, my iPad OS is up to date. My issue was in the Settings under Restrictions. I had the In App Purchase turned off. The Aurender tech sent me a link to directions on turning it on, and once done the MQA license downloaded without issue on both the N10 and the N100H. I turned on MQA and tested both music servers this morning to make sure the first unfold was happening. It is, but I have not had time today to do any auditioning due to other obligations. I will spend some time later this evening A/B comparing MQA Master files to regular 16/44.1 files. Should be interesting.

Thanks Dan you fans appreciate you and your efforts. Who knows you might actually like it![emoji3]

[1KW]

He is going to like it

[jdandy]

Well, here I am finally listening to the first unfold of MQA music files on my Aurender N100H in the living room sound system. What I have been doing for the last couple of hours is playing the same songs in 16/44.1 back to back with the MQA versions in 24/96. Comparing Fleetwood Mac Deluxe - "Landslide" and "Say You Love Me" MQA files to standard resolution files reveals a small improvement in clarity and air around voices and instruments. I don't find the difference to be as startlingly impressive as I had hoped for, but it is apparent that overall definition and space on the soundstage seems improved.

Listening to the latest recording from Steve Tyrell - A Song For You, "Come Rain Or Come Shine" I notice the piano, flute, and brushes have more detail, particularly the piano and flute sounded more separated and individual in the MQA version versus the 16/44.1 standard version. Steve's voice has a more realistic sense of presence, too.

Listening to Tord Gustavsen Trio - "Colours of Mercy" from the recording The Ground was more revealing between the MQA version and the standard definition version. The beginning piano notes and the following chords, plus acoustic double bass and drums were presented with considerably more definition and air around the instruments from the MQA version. The acoustic bass is richer and slightly less bloated than it sounds on the standard definition version. Cymbals have a more convincing metallic ring and lingering decay from the MQA recording. I listened to this wonderful tune three times and found the MQA version more emotionally engaging.

What I have discovered in the past couple of hours is not every recording gains a greater presence with MQA processing. Some recordings, like Lee Ritenour - A Twist Of Rit sounded essentially identical in standard definition when compared to the MQA version, so I assume a large contributing factor to the end results still centers on the original recording and mastering. I find that MQA music files can present a more pleasant listening experience but it is not universal, at least in my limited initial auditioning experience. I have not noticed with any recordings where I thought MQA did any harm to a performance. That's a good thing, even if detail, air, clarity, and soundstage improvements aren't guaranteed with every recording. I am still quite pleased with the sound quality of 16/44.1 standard definition streaming. If MQA processing adds some delicious frosting to that cake, great.

[Timobi]

Nice initial summary Dan...

Here's hoping that the sonic improvements (even slight) will continue and MQA really gains ground.

I just find it fascinating that hi rez streaming can pull this off. Color me intrigued.

Keep updating us on your findings.

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Timobi

Nice initial summary Dan...

Here's hoping that the sonic improvements (even slight) will continue and MQA really gains ground.

I just find it fascinating that hi rez streaming can pull this off. Color me intrigued.

Keep updating us on your findings.

Tim.......Thanks. It is a joy to be able to stream music content at 24Bit/96KHz resolution. If for no other reason, that makes MQA processing a reasonable value, although the chance of me ever purchasing a MQA DAC to get the final unfold is highly unlikely. This is good enough for me, especially considering I spend far more time listening to my personal library of music than I do streaming.

[PMCH]

I have a MQA DAC and I find I prefer Tidal full unfolded music through my N10 over ripped CD's on my N10. To me the full unfold just sounds more detailed, smoother and less digital. I think I still prefer SACD's through my K-01x and downloaded hi res music best as long as it is not done in FLAC. I my mind, at least, AIFF sounds much better on my system. I hope Tidal increases the amount of music that I like with their MQA Masters though.

[1KW]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Tim.......Thanks. It is a joy to be able to stream music content at 24Bit/96KHz resolution. If for no other reason, that makes MQA processing a reasonable value, although the chance of me ever purchasing a MQA DAC to get the final unfold is highly unlikely. This is good enough for me, especially considering I spend far more time listening to my personal library of music than I do streaming.

Never say never As Ivan said everything is good until you compare it to something better