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MQA is Legit!

Ok, there is something special about MQA.  Here is my theory:  MQA=SACD.  What do I mean by this?  I mean that since there might be the "perception" it sounds better, then there is way more care put into the mastering and the recording.   Of course I have Redbook CD's that sound just as good (although they tend to be "HDCD" lol)... Bottom line:  a great recording sounds great.  I wish more labels and artists put more time into this--it's great to hear a song for the 1000th time and discover something new.  

What are your thoughts on MQA and SACD?
waltertexas
mzkmxcv
777 posts
 
@mofimadness

Measurements do show us frequency response, and every DAC that supports MQA that I know of has degredated PCM performance, in terms of their slow-sloping filter that introduces aliasing. Get a Benchmark DAC3 or Chord Qutest and compare PCM on those versus a MQA-compatable DAC (make sure they are level matched).
waltertexas OP
26 posts
 
I'm saying that it appears to me the tracks that are in the "masters" quality selection (i.e. the MQA versions) are better than the ones that aren't.  It seems Tidal has a bit more of a quality standard for these versions of a track.  The noise floor is lower, the sound has groove (sounds "deeper" as if a really deep clean pressing on vinyl).  I wouldnt say warm, but certainly more body to the song.  So combine that with the great rendering and timing and it is delicious. 

BTW I am using the PS Audio DirectStream DAC with the Snowmass software.
mzkmxcv
777 posts
 
@waltertexas

To my knowledge, MQA does not have a lower noise floor than 16Bit when talking <15kHz. So either your DAC performs better with MQA (highly likely) and/or it is using a different master. 
waltertexas OP
26 posts
 
@mzkmxcv: I am convinced it is a better master.  It's more than the noise floor--it is the depth and imaging as well.  It's like the remaster of Abbey Road.. say what you will about some of these remasters but I think many of them are great.  I have a few original Abbey Road pressings and IMO they don't compare at all to the latest 180g remaster (at least in my system).  

But hey, it's great that I can stream stuff I would likely never buy and it sounds amazing.  
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