There is no such thing as a high resolution file

[Cohibaman]

Originally Posted by bart

When something is recorded originally in 24/192, I want to play the untouched files (like via Qobuz).

Why would I want to listen to those files manipulated into an MQA file?!

+1000 Bart!

[Antonmb]

Originally Posted by bart

When something is recorded originally in 24/192, I want to play the untouched files (like via Qobuz).

Why would I want to listen to those files manipulated into an MQA file?!

Hear hear!

[80B]

Originally Posted by bart

When something is recorded originally in 24/192, I want to play the untouched files (like via Qobuz).
Why would I want to listen to those files manipulated into an MQA file?!

Aside from a scratchy old recording (ie, master) I can't see any use case for manipulating a track. There may be legitimate reasons, but they would be specialized, although I'm reminded of reducing tape hiss with Dolby back in the day was at its core a commercial decision. It arguably sounded better, but the question was one of selling more tapes.

[Still-One]

Thankfully it's been over 5 years and the naysayer's have not had any impact on slowing the number of MQA releases.

[damacman]

Originally Posted by Still-One

Thankfully it's been over 5 years and the naysayer's have not had any impact on slowing the number of MQA releases.

QFT

My gf doesn't like Sushi. She's tried it numerous times, but cares not to ever eat it again. She's overtly qualified to hold that position.

She also doesn't like Oysters. She's not given them the same chance as she has Sushi - just too gross looking. [I had to get past that as well.] She's unqualified to hold that position.

I love her just the same.

I remember when the MQA debacle unfolded in the pages of Stereophile. It sure piqued my curiosity. After Oppo announced a firmware update to the UDP-205, I had no excuse not to listen to it in my space. IMHO, and that is exactly what it is, I can't find anything offensive to report about listening to MQA files via Tidal streamed to the 205 via mconnect . . . although my preferred mediums are analog - LP, and RTR being the top two.

[damacman]

On another note, I believe what Bob is actually saying is different that what the OP took from it. Let me say it another way - I took a photo of the Mona Lisa. Put the original to shame.

[Cohibaman]

Originally Posted by damacman

On another note, I believe what Bob is actually saying is different that what the OP took from it. Let me say it another way - I took a photo of the Mona Lisa. Put the original to shame.

Lol

[2fastdriving]

In my comparisons, I've found I like the high-res flac version (Qobuz) better than the same thing in MQA.

But both sound pretty good.

I feel like MQA is kind of a gimmick. With all the hype, the MQA-capable hardware, the special logo, you name it...with all the attention it has gotten, it should in theory be audibly better but I don't know anyone that thinks it is a slam dunk better. At best it's "different".

[Kal Rubinson]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Turns out we have been doing it all wrong according to Bob Stuart. Throw away your high resolution DACs and get on the MQA bandwagon as soon as possible.

You will have to pry my high resolution, multichannel DAC from my cold dead hands.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Chr*st....give me a break.

MQA is just another cash-grab licensing scheme by Meridian.

The thing that matters most, over format, resolution, bit-depth, anything else, is the quality of the mastering.