MQA: A Review of controversies, concerns, and cautions

[runnin17]

I am rather skeptical of MQA. Probably because of the DRM aspect of it. This is definitely something I will be a late adopter of if it ever even catches on.

[krustycat]

Originally Posted by runnin17

I am rather skeptical of MQA. Probably because of the DRM aspect of it. This is definitely something I will be a late adopter of if it ever even catches on.

+1

[PMCH]

I can't say enough about how much I like MQA via Tidal. Every time I put on a favorite that was done in MQA, I think to myself, that sounds great. For full disclosure, streaming music over my N10 via an IPad has really made me more of a couch potato and the thought of getting up to even put on a CD or SACD seams more like a chore. I even got rid of my analog system about six months ago. My biggest complaint about MQA is that I don't like most of the music that is done in that format, ie Rapp. I also don't really like older, 70' & 80's, music that has been converted to MQA but I don't like the CD's either.
I love newer C-jazz done in MQA like Bob James, Fourplay, Al Jarreau and others.
My 2 cents.

[edkoz]

Originally Posted by PMCH

I can't say enough about how much I like MQA via Tidal. Every time I put on a favorite that was done in MQA, I think to myself, that sounds great. For full disclosure, streaming music over my N10 via an IPad has really made me more of a couch potato and the thought of getting up to even put on a CD or SACD seams more like a chore. I even got rid of my analog system about six months ago. My biggest complaint about MQA is that I don't like most of the music that is done in that format, ie Rapp. I also don't really like older, 70' & 80's, music that has been converted to MQA but I don't like the CD's either.
I love newer C-jazz done in MQA like Bob James, Fourplay, Al Jarreau and others.
My 2 cents.

I agree Paul. Since getting the Aurender A10 I have been listening to Tidal and enjoying MQA.
Ed

[W9TR]

I also like the sound of TIDAL streaming MQA.
Most of my audiophile friends don't even know what it is.

[FreddieFerric]

I encourage everyone to read the April and May editions of Stereophile. The way I see it the intent is to create one format to rule them all and in the darkness bind us. In support of this statement I point to the fact that MQA also features crippleware. So, it’s MQA licensed kit, or degraded sound. Some choice.

[JBT]

Discussion at Computer Audiophile.


https://www.computeraudiophile.com/f...-for-a-friday/

[krustycat]

Originally Posted by JBT

Discussion at Computer Audiophile.


https://www.computeraudiophile.com/f...-for-a-friday/

Interesting!

[ChrisMag]

I have found that some of the new-release MQA titles through Tidal to sound quite good. I do have a DAC with full MQA support though.

In particular, albums like Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves or Beck's last couple albums sound incredibly good in "high-res".

[bruno2009]

I am just starting to get into the streaming business... to get started I subscribed to Tidal HiFi and hooked up my MacBook Air to my McIntosh C 52 DAC... I corrected the settings in the Tidal Menu and switched to let Tidal control the output signal (the Mac Settings obviously don`t hive out the correct signal).

Do love the quality and the McIntosh displays the correct sound resolution so I suppose I got everything right. And yes - I do enjoy MQA.

My question is - is it worth putting more invest into streaming and buy a bridge or other component to improve on sound quality or is a MacBook hooked up via USB to the DAC about as good as it gets soundwise?

I will say that - whilst I do enjoy streaming and was very sceptical at first - it will always be my third medium of choice, first being Vinyl and second CD - as I do love my physical media. Also I still consider Vinyl to be superior - even to MQA.

But I am getting curious about this streaming stuff and I would be interested to learn more about it...

All the best - enjoy the music !!!