MQA is Legit!

My only MQA source is Tidal, through a PS Audio PWD (although I plan to upgrade to the DSD soon) via their Bridge, ethernet connection.  From Tidal, on my system, the SQ of MQA vs standard 16/44 is usually, but not always, significantly better, enough so that I seek out new MQA releases from Tidal.  In fact, I am concerned I am becoming a MQA junkie.  It is also consistently better than the same redbook cd spun on my Oppo, linked to the DAC by USB, but this is no longer a straightforward apples to apples comparison.  Not only do you have the cabling and source differences, the mastering/data preservation might also be different.  Prior to this thread, I have not thought about trying to upgrade digital source etc with the goal of making my personal cds sound as good as Tidal MQA files, I don't think I have changed my mind, but very interesting discussion, thanks OP! 

My vote is  for MQA as I hear an improvement over redbook on some but not all recordings. My MQA source is exclusively Tidal thru PSA DSD and bridge II. I wouldn't give up Tidal or Roon for anything. I've discovered so much music with these services, I can't go back, and MQA is just the icing on the cake.

After 50 years of listening and owning many different systems IMO the most important variable is the quality of the recording. For the past ten years I have focussed on music that is well recorded and in the process have significantly expanded my tastes there are great recordings in all playback options along with aweful stuff. I listen mostly to vinyl however I will take a well recorded Redbook CD all day long over a poorly recorded LP. After all this hobby is a about enjoying listening to music.

One perspective, uniquely my own, is that MQA is very very late to the Audio world.

Two things are true now that were not true before 2000:
1 - Network bandwidth is MUCH cheaper.
2 - A lot of DAC's are much better at playing Redbook than they were before, significantly closing the gap between it and high resolution playback.

If we were still in that era, MQA would probably seem like a divine gift, and would be better in all respects.

Almost 20 years into the 21st century however, MQA seems like a solution for the wrong era.
Best,
E

+1 @jbhiller & @mofimadness