MQA Discussion

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by Still-One

Since you didn't find the need to quote them, they were your words.

Jim... time to let it go.

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Jim.......That opening sentence your refer to wasn't a sentence at all, it was the title of the article the link below it took you to. I read the article and found it interesting.

You have made it abundantly clear in many posts that you are pro MQA. Yippie, good for you. That doesn't mean any opposing view point has to be met with less than a congenial response simply because you don't agree.

Dan, I have no issues with individuals stating their preference for DSD or Hi Rez releases over a MQA version. There might even be an instance where some will prefer the redbook version to one available in MQA. That I have yet to hear but I am sure its possible.

I haven't told one person to go purchase a MQA capable DAC or purchase a MQA file. Nor have I told individuals not to purchase DSD, Hi Res or for that matter MP3 files. Yet many feel a need to tell me that I can't be hearing the improvement MQA offers and many of these posters haven't even heard it yet.

First they complained there were no comparisons. When sessions compared different versions they questioned the provenance of the files. Then issues were made that the files only sounded good because they were remastered. People questioned where the content was, now we have over 3000 titles with more released each week and they are not just the same old audiophile titles. The best part I am not paying 1 cent more for the improved SQ since I was paying for Tidal all along.

Sure, I am pro MQA. From the current list of companies adding MQA capabilities to their products the list of naysayers is getting smaller and smaller each month. With a list that includes: AudioQuest, Aurender, Bluesound,NAD, Brinkmann, dCS, Esoteric, IAG, Krell, Lumin, Mark Levinson, Meridian, MOON by Simaudio, MSB, Mytek, Onkyo and Pioneer, Pro-Ject Audio Systems,TEAC, Berkeley, Bel Canto, I doubt I will miss Benchmark, Linn or Playback Design.

[jdandy]

Jim.......Perhaps I missed it but I didn't see where anyone said you can't be hearing improvements with MQA encoding. I see where some are offering differing opinions and links to articles that may not parallel your experiences but I see nothing that should cause anyone to bristle.

Opposition and inquisitive natures often become the catalysts for additional improvements, even brand new inventions. There are some very intelligent individuals questioning MQA claims. There is nothing unusual or wrong about that. New inventions are always subject to critical analysis. Some will be supportive and others not so much. It is human nature to question everything, tear it down, see how it works, then put it back together.

The real proof about MQA's success and impact on listening habits will come with time and the spreadsheet numbers that will ultimately reflect market sales. Right now the licensing fees are pouring into MQA as manufacturers dip their toes into the market. The ultimate test of longevity will be the manufacturers return on investment and whether those returns warrant future participation. I am certain we will all see how it shakes out in the end.

In the mean time all I can wish you is happy listening, MQA or otherwise.

[1KW]

I like the MQA files I'm hearing on tidal via the Aurender even though I only get 24 bit 48 kHz it sounds very very good . I am for anything that gives me better sound. Do I wish I could hear the full unfolding to 96 KHZ absolutely, why not? I'm not going to throw my new DAC away just yet . In a few years as improvements are made possible. I try not to jump on the hardware band wagon until something new has been out awhile. In the mean time tidal streaming service is fantastic, most of my listening now is streaming! Yay for a nearly unlimited music library with increasing numbers of 24 bit rate music files monthly

[Family Progtitioner]

Originally Posted by Still-One

now we have over 3000 titles with more released each week and they are not just the same old audiophile titles. The best part I am not paying 1 cent more for the improved SQ since I was paying for Tidal all along.

This is the best part. I recently listened to the new Ayreon album through tidal, definitely not audiophile music. It's metal opera with sci-fi themes. While I was listening I thought to myself, "damn, this sounds good". Only after looking at the roon description of the stream did I realize that it was a 24/48 stream which is MQA. I had no clue that was what I chose. I have no idea if it's just a well mastered album or if MQA made an audible difference but I paid not one more cent for it and I was able to stream hires. That's pretty cool.

[Kal Rubinson]

Originally Posted by Still-One

People questioned where the content was, now we have over 3000 titles with more released each week and they are not just the same old audiophile titles.

Way too few to constitute a critical mass. Despite my positive experience with MQA, I don't feel any motivation (yet) to bother with it actively.

[morfeeus]

We all have our own individual musical and format(s) of listening choices.

MQA has come along way in just a short period. Far exceeding SACD or DSD in catalog availabilities over their duration of 15 or so years. I can honestly say that l have never experienced either. Even though the experiences l've read about confirm its greater audio qualities. My issue was the minimal releases within their catalog.

It has taken most audio DAC manufacturers 10 years or more to finally accommodate DSD. For just approximately (500) titles. (correct me if mistaken)

MQA has now got major support all over the industry. All major labels with smaller independent labels soon to follow. As well, many DAC manufacturers showing their early support.

MQA's early stages of releases being (3000) mostly Warner (Tidal streaming at this point) HDtracks downloading in development , has certainly made a statement. We can all expect, patiently, that these numbers will multiply enormously over the course of time, exceedingly.

In my opinion, MQA is not in anyway a deterrence towards achieving anything less than what hi rez 24 bit streaming or downloading offers us. In my opinion being possibly a universally accepted format and potentially becoming mainstream, and may expose high fidelity to a greater audience. A new format ,which can potentially and positively introduce , audiophile newbies.

For instance, the latest Samsung S8 phone supports high-res audio including DSD64 and DSD128,
Read more at https://www.whathifi.com/samsung/gal...aHPgyYSEegj.99

[Mike-48]

Originally Posted by Kal Rubinson

Way too few to constitute a critical mass. Despite my positive experience with MQA, I don't feel any motivation (yet) to bother with it actively.

I agree that 3000 is still a drop in the ocean. To put it in perspective, I have about 3500 titles in my own library. Many music lovers and audiophiles (including Kal, I'm sure) have far more. Because I'm old enough to remember the ballyhoo around HDCD, I am skeptical of MQA, which seems deja vu all over again [to borrow from Yogi Berra].

[morfeeus]

Commenting on the expanding availability of high resolution audio products and services powered by MQA, Mark Piibe, Executive Vice President, Global Business Development and Digital Strategy, Sony Music Entertainment stated,

“As a long-running supporter of MQA’s high resolution audio solutions, we are encouraged to see a growing number of digital service providers and consumer hardware companies adopting MQA technology to make studio sound quality from Sony Music artists available to streaming music consumers.”

Beginnings towards the supportive transformation

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by morfeeus

It has taken most audio DAC manufacturers 10 years or more to finally accommodate DSD. For just approximately (500) titles. (correct me if mistaken)

morfeeus.......There are approximately 7000 DSD titles. It's called SACD. Component manufacturers have been supporting this DSD format for much longer than ten years. It doesn't have to be a downloaded file to be DSD.