Full MQA Release from Aurender

**Mike** · March 5, 2018, 12:39 PM

http://www.aurender.com/blog/new-sof...p-2-9-3-93-189

**asindc** · March 5, 2018, 01:35 PM

Cool! On my birthday, no less!

**wisnon** · March 5, 2018, 01:45 PM

Well...

Happy birthday!

**PMCH** · March 5, 2018, 02:29 PM

Great, I will be installing it tonight on my N10 going into my Berkeley MQA DAC.

**PMCH** · March 5, 2018, 08:45 PM

All installed now. MQA files via Tidal Masters, fully unfolded sound great to me. I may never purchase another SACD.

**UltraFast69** · March 6, 2018, 12:46 AM

It kicked up the first unfold from the Aurender N10 to the PS Audio Direct Stream with Bridge II. Since Direct Stream uses the Bridge for MQA via ethernet, I cannot benefit from the full unfold unless I go back to the Mac Mini with Roon to the Bridge.

**Kuoppis** · March 6, 2018, 06:31 AM

I find this quite a cool move from Aurender. No benefit in the main system for me, as I am now running Roon via a NAS. But as I am planning to take the Aurender to the summer house where I don’t have a MQA DAC, this is a huge benefit.

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**Kuoppis** · March 6, 2018, 06:56 AM

On some material the Aurender shows also a blue light. Maybe that means that unfolding is already offering the full material resolution.

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**Kuoppis** · March 6, 2018, 07:16 AM

The MQA search function is also great and overdue. I would just wish Roon would have that, they’re losing ground.

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**wisnon** · March 6, 2018, 08:48 AM

LoL

How do you find time for Tidal when you have a huge Library to explore?

**Kuoppis** · March 6, 2018, 09:05 AM

Originally Posted by wisnon

LoL

How do you find time for Tidal when you have a huge Library to explore?

The library is indeed huge. I’m still copying some of it as I have to do it via the Mac, due to the configuration

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**Ritmo** · March 6, 2018, 10:17 AM

Congrats to Aurender owners. Good to see this upgrade available. Too bad there is a fee (albeit small) to get it

**Marslo** · March 6, 2018, 11:51 AM

IT’S SOMETHING

Such a quality for 10 euros a month

Thank you Aurender

**CPP** · March 6, 2018, 05:00 PM

So to you pay $50.00 to get MQA capability or just the first unfold

**audio.bill** · March 6, 2018, 05:07 PM

Originally Posted by CPP

So to you pay $50.00 to get MQA capability or just the first unfold

As it states in the product announcement:

MQA Core Decoder license can be purchased from within Aurender Conductor.
After purchase, MQA Core Decoder can be enabled/disabled by user. License not necessary for A10 since it is MQA full-decode compliant.
Core Decoder license not supported on S10.

**UltraFast69** · March 6, 2018, 05:10 PM

Originally Posted by CPP

So to you pay $50.00 to get MQA capability or just the first unfold

You will get the full unfold but if you are running the models outside the A10, your DAC will need to accept this - here is where I am running into issues, meaning PS Audio is set up for MQA but only when using their Bridge.

**UltraFast69** · March 6, 2018, 05:13 PM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

The MQA search function is also great and overdue. I would just wish Roon would have that, they’re losing ground.

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KUOPPIS - Is your Aurender going through the Brinkmann?

**wisnon** · March 6, 2018, 05:22 PM

Originally Posted by UltraFast69

KUOPPIS - Is your Aurender going through the Brinkmann?

No, Brink has its own built in streamer...so NAS supplied directly.

**Kuoppis** · March 6, 2018, 06:51 PM

Originally Posted by UltraFast69

KUOPPIS - Is your Aurender going through the Brinkmann?

Yes it is. I have currently the Aurender connected through USB and my NAS hosting the Roon Core feeding the Nyquist through Ethernet.

I must say this latest Aurender innovation does not sound too shabby.

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**Kuoppis** · March 6, 2018, 06:57 PM

Originally Posted by wisnon

No, Brink has its own built in streamer...so NAS supplied directly.

Norm, both options currently connected.

But you are right, I do have a superb and huge DSD collection, that only fits on the NAS

.

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**CPP** · March 6, 2018, 07:06 PM

Originally Posted by UltraFast69

You will get the full unfold but if you are running the models outside the A10, your DAC will need to accept this - here is where I am running into issues, meaning PS Audio is set up for MQA but only when using their Bridge.

Thank You

**jdandy** · March 7, 2018, 01:12 AM

I downloaded the latest Conductor App to my iPad, then the latest Aurender operating system software to both my N10 and my N100H this evening.

I am having an issue purchasing the MQA Core Decoder. When I am in Settings and tap on Purchase MQA License, then tap on link to download it this is what happens on both the N10 and the N100H.

I have contacted Aurender through the Help tab and Eric Shim has already contacted me asking for the screen shots I posted here. Hopefully we can get this sorted out.

**jdandy** · March 7, 2018, 04:33 PM

I am good to go. My issue was in the iPad Settings under Restrictions. I had the In App Purchase turned off. The Aurender tech sent me a link to directions on turning it on, and once done the MQA license downloaded without issue on both the N10 and the N100H. I turned on MQA and tested both music servers this morning to make sure the first unfold was happening. It is, but I have not had time today to do any auditioning due to other obligations. I will spend some time later this evening A/B comparing MQA Master files to regular 16/44.1 files. Should be interesting.

**jdandy** · March 7, 2018, 10:35 PM

Well, here I am finally listening to the first unfold of MQA music files on my Aurender N100H in the living room sound system. What I have been doing for the last couple of hours is playing the same songs in 16/44.1 back to back with the MQA versions in 24/96. Comparing Fleetwood Mac Deluxe - "Landslide" and "Say You Love Me" MQA files to standard resolution files reveals a small improvement in clarity and air around voices and instruments. I don't find the difference to be as startlingly impressive as I had hoped for, but it is apparent that overall definition and space on the soundstage seems improved.

Listening to the latest recording from Steve Tyrell - A Song For You, "Come Rain Or Come Shine" I notice the piano, flute, and brushes have more detail, particularly the piano and flute sounded more separated and individual in the MQA version versus the 16/44.1 standard version. Steve's voice has a more realistic sense of presence, too.

Listening to Tord Gustavsen Trio - "Colours of Mercy" from the recording The Ground was more revealing between the MQA version and the standard definition version. The beginning piano notes and the following chords, plus acoustic double bass and drums were presented with considerably more definition and air around the instruments from the MQA version. The acoustic bass is richer and slightly less bloated than it sounds on the standard definition version. Cymbals have a more convincing metallic ring and lingering decay from the MQA recording. I listened to this wonderful tune three times and found the MQA version more emotionally engaging.

What I have discovered in the past couple of hours is not every recording gains a greater presence with MQA processing. Some recordings, like Lee Ritenour - A Twist Of Rit sounded essentially identical in standard definition when compared to the MQA version, so I assume a large contributing factor to the end results still centers on the original recording and mastering. I find that MQA music files can present a more pleasant listening experience but it is not universal, at least in my limited initial auditioning experience. I have not noticed with any recordings where I thought MQA did any harm to a performance. That's a good thing, even if detail, air, clarity, and soundstage improvements aren't guaranteed with every recording. I am still quite pleased with the sound quality of 16/44.1 standard definition streaming. If MQA processing adds some delicious frosting to that cake, great.

**kzhtoo** · March 8, 2018, 12:18 AM

I also find music with MQA first unfold through Aurender generally sounds better than standard version and previous MQA without unfolding. It’s not night and day difference but also not negligible. I’d say it’s still somewhat obvious. And my DAC is Yggdrasil, which is not MQA capable.

**Marslo** · March 8, 2018, 01:59 AM

I agree with both Jdandy and Kzhtoo conclusions
Not all MQA recordings are much better than a RB quality.

But if they are well done the improvement in separation, air , detail and the soundstage is obvious. Still below native dsd and hires pcm played from HDD but nevertheless a real audiophile quality imho.

For me very good update especially taking in consideration the price/ quality ratio.

My B7 and La Fontaine are not MQA DAC’s but I am very happy with the first unfold trough my W20.

Without MQA I would not buy Tidal subscription , I would rather keep twice less expensive Spotify for my second system.

Now I can play MQA in my main setup without compromise.

**Leatherneck** · March 8, 2018, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by jdandy

I am good to go. My issue was in the iPad Settings under Restrictions. I had the In App Purchase turned off. The Aurender tech sent me a link to directions on turning it on, and once done the MQA license downloaded without issue on both the N10 and the N100H. I turned on MQA and tested both music servers this morning to make sure the first unfold was happening. It is, but I have not had time today to do any auditioning due to other obligations. I will spend some time later this evening A/B comparing MQA Master files to regular 16/44.1 files. Should be interesting.

What do you mean you turned on MQA? I keep seeing this but have no idea what it's about. I've installed the update on my N10 but don't see anything about turning MQA on or off.

Bud.

**Leatherneck** · March 8, 2018, 11:46 AM

Never mind, I found the switch.

Bud

**The Sandman** · March 8, 2018, 06:29 PM

So far to me, the unfolded MQA does sound better than unprocessed in most if not all cases. Certainly worth the cost of admission.

But TBH, it also seems to me that there is less tonal density when compared to directly streaming files from hard drive. Less richness. On my system with my ears anyway.

**Kuoppis** · March 9, 2018, 01:07 AM

Originally Posted by The Sandman

So far to me, the unfolded MQA does sound better than unprocessed in most if not all cases. Certainly worth the cost of admission.

But TBH, it also seems to me that there is less tonal density when compared to directly streaming files from hard drive. Less richness. On my system with my ears anyway.

Same observation here: MQA provides an audible difference for streaming, mostly to the better, but high-res files from a local drive still sound better.

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**Midnight Rambler** · March 9, 2018, 12:45 PM

Not sure the readout of the sample rate is correct on the iPad. ?Really 32-bit. For 96k files appears to be doubling to 192k when the Aurender screen shows 96k.
As for sound, same impression as everyone else. Some sound better, some do not.

**Mike** · March 12, 2018, 04:01 PM

As others have mentioned, I love the MQA search capabilities in the new Aurender app. Brilliant!

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**Leatherneck** · March 13, 2018, 12:36 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

As others have mentioned, I love the MQA search capabilities in the new Aurender app. Brilliant!

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How do you perform the search Mike? I’ve looked for info on it but no joy.

Thanks, Bud

**Kuoppis** · March 13, 2018, 12:50 AM

There is this separate tab “Masters” with a magnifying glass you have to select, and then you just enter your query into the search box.

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**still-one** · March 13, 2018, 07:33 AM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

There is this separate tab “Masters” with a magnifying glass you have to select, and then you just enter your query into the search box.

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Does that search return anything from Tidal except what is currently in their Masters list of ~450 revolving titles.

**Mike** · March 13, 2018, 08:14 AM

Originally Posted by still-one

Does that search return anything from Tidal except what is currently in their Masters list of ~450 revolving titles.

Yes. It returns all relevant MQA searches.

**Kuoppis** · March 13, 2018, 03:50 PM

Originally Posted by still-one

Does that search return anything from Tidal except what is currently in their Masters list of ~450 revolving titles.

Out of those listed in my search I think only Gardot’s latest album is in the revolver list.

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**still-one** · March 13, 2018, 03:59 PM

I can't figure out what you are searching for that returns MQA titles. A little explanation please.

**Kuoppis** · March 13, 2018, 04:02 PM

Originally Posted by still-one

I can't figure out what you are searching for the returns MQA titles. A little explanation please.

Hi Jim, do just a regular Tidal search, but instead of using the albums or songs tab, you need to activate the Masters tab with the magnifying glass on the right hand side and then enter your search query into the search box and press enter.

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**still-one** · March 13, 2018, 04:35 PM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

Hi Jim, do just a regular Tidal search, but instead of using the albums or songs tab, you need to activate the Masters tab with the magnifying glass on the right hand side and then enter your search query into the search box and press enter.

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I don't have Aurender but have used the app at my local dealer that does.

I think I now understand. You first choose the Masters tab to narrow your search to MQA titles. You then entered the Artist name into the search area, in this instance Melody Gardot, to see if they have any MQA releases available in your region. So the only thing that should be returned are all of Melody Gardot's MQA versions.

I never liked the functionality of the Aurender app compared to some others but they seem to be the first ones to be able to search all of Tidal and show MQA titles that aren't in the Masters listing. Nice job.

**Kuoppis** · March 14, 2018, 03:30 AM

Originally Posted by still-one

I don't have Aurender but have used the app at my local dealer that does.

I think I now understand. You first choose the Masters tab to narrow your search to MQA titles. You then entered the Artist name into the search area, in this instance Melody Gardot, to see if they have any MQA releases available in your region. So the only thing that should be returned are all of Melody Gardot's MQA versions.

I never liked the functionality of the Aurender app compared to some others but they seem to be the first ones to be able to search all of Tidal and show MQA titles that aren't in the Masters listing. Nice job.

Pretty much the same conclusion here.

While search as such is not great, being able to search for MQA in Tidal is a first.

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**lostinla** · March 14, 2018, 10:12 PM

I only see one of MG’s albums too... how do I see the rest?

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