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Why is everyone so down on MQA?

Ok. MQA is a little bit complicated to understand without doing a little research. First of all: MQA is not technically a lossy format. The way it works is very unique. The original master tape (Holy grail of SQ) is folded or compressed into a smaller format. It is later unfolded through a process I don’t claim to understand. The fully processed final version is lossless! It is the song version from the original master tape. FYI, original master tapes are usually the best sounding, they are also the truest version of any song- they are painstakingly produced along with the artist in the studio during the recording process. Ask anyone, they are the real deal. For some reason most people hate the sound quality! One caveat, the folding/unfolding process is usually carried out at one time by a dac. But some dacs only compress and do not unfold….I think Meridian should explain dac/ streamer compatibility issue. When your hardware supports the single step the sound quality is pretty amazing. They should have explained in more detail what the format is all about.

128x128walkenfan2013
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gdnrbob
4,458 posts
 

MQA, in my opinion, wants to be what Dolby did in the 80's-become a 'bespoke' audio influencer that controls what is being recorded/played back. And, like Dolby, really doesn't make things sound better, but applies a band-aid to a wound best not treated.

YMMV

Bob

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,907 posts
 

Here's a great takedown on MQA and there's a follow up video on their reply (non reply):

All the best,
Nonoise

buellrider97
419 posts
 

First off , as a person interested in this topic, I appreciate the contributions as they are sound and based on listening trials. My experience with MQA and only a couple of DAC’s is that I wasn’t impressed. Also since my main DAC is a Shitt Yiggy, I haven’t gone as deep into this. I’ve had to base my comparison with my Cambridge DAC and Audeeze headphones. But I have been able to tell differences. I tend to look for overall tonality and depth and distinctive space within the music. One of my favorite albums is Supertramp’s Chrime of the Century, on Tidal. With a standard , remaster, and MQA I can compare. I’m also interested in the contributing members that prefer Qbuzz. At this point my next step is to trial Qbuzz and compare that to Tidal. So thanks to the Op for asking , and much respect to the mature responses. Merry Christmas and Happy Listening, Mike B. 

kota1
2,706 posts
 

Quboz gave me listening fatigue, Tidal sounded better, both on flac and MQA and Atmos. I find the vocals with MQA sound more like an actual person in the room than with any other format.

For overall "you are there" dynamics I prefer upsampling to DSD with my Sony DAC or my Onkyo DAP.

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