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  1. #1
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    A question about MQA

    Hey there. Hope you are fine during these crazy times. I have a question about MQA that I did not have a chance to ask before.
    Let’s say we have a MQA album FLAC 24b 48k and completely unfolding it will deliver 96k like for example the last Tony Allen album on Tidal “Rejoice” (amazing album by the way, I completely encourage you to listen to it).
    I understand that core decoding of MQA will deliver 96k anyway right? So what would bring the 3rd unfold for these albums MQA encoded in 48k or 44k and expected to deliver 88k or 96k?
    On the other hand I understand an MQA file encoded in order to deliver 192k for example cannot deliver these 192k without an MQA renderer.

  2. #2
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    Re: A question about MQA

    Another remark
    What’s the purpose of MQAing in 48k FLAC files in 24b and 48k?
    Isn’t the purpose of MQA of showing downsampled files and upsampling them with the different degrees of unfolding?

  3. #3

    Re: A question about MQA

    I’m still trying to figure out why the digital audio world needs MQA. It’s a lossy format plain and simple with a confusing array of musical laundry that needs to be unfolded. Some people love them some MQA so I guess that’s all that matters.
    Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.

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  4. #4

    Re: A question about MQA

    From what I understood, MQA’s goal was to provide the listener with “hi-resolution” tracks without using too much bandwidth.

    But consumers soon realized that MQA is not bit-perfect (it is lossy) plus it is possible to stream bit-perfect high resolution files (think Qobuz, Amazon Music HD, etc.).

    MQA could be useful when streaming for someone who lives in a place where there is limited bandwidth or internet speed.

  5. #5
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    Re: A question about MQA

    Hi there. Are u sure MQA is lossy after unfold? When I play MQA with Roon, the Roon signal says it is lossless

  6. #6
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    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by skbe View Post
    Another remark
    What’s the purpose of MQAing in 48k FLAC files in 24b and 48k?
    Isn’t the purpose of MQA of showing downsampled files and upsamjpling them with the different degrees of unfolding?


    Is the badge HiRes on files dispatched by music streaming companies payable? I mean Qobuz has to pay something to the company owner of HiRes certificate?

    Maybe Tidal has not HiRes certification so its files even in Flac 24b 48k cannot show the HiRes badge

    Instead Tidal has MQA franchise so its files FLAC 24b 48k MQAed in 48k can show the MQA badge. And after all, for a file encoded in 24b 48k, it is better to show a badge (eg MQA here) rather than no badge at all

    Pure speculation and deductions from me. Nothing is proven in what I say

  7. #7

    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by skbe View Post
    Hi there. Are u sure MQA is lossy after unfold? When I play MQA with Roon, the Roon signal says it is lossless
    Once lossy, always lossy. It doesn't matter how many times you unfold the laundry.
    Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.

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  8. #8
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    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by mep View Post
    Once lossy, always lossy. It doesn't matter how many times you unfold the laundry.
    Why Roon says lossless then?
    Roon claims to be totally transparent about audio signal
    They didn’t grant airplay to be lossless (maybe because of clocking issues) although it is commonly believed to deliver ALAC 16b 44k audio

  9. #9

    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by mep View Post
    Once lossy, always lossy. It doesn't matter how many times you unfold the laundry.
    Mep, you are incorrect.

    Nothing is removed in MQA encoding, some parts of the signal are just taken out from the inaudible band and added to the signal footer to save bandwidth.

    Same data, different place. All transported in full.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    “Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”

    Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.

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  10. #10

    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by Kuoppis View Post
    Mep, you are incorrect.

    Nothing is removed in MQA encoding, some parts of the signal are just taken out from the inaudible band and added to the signal footer to save bandwidth.

    Same data, different place. All transported in full.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    We can do verbal jujitsu, but MQA is classified as a lossy format. From Wikipedia: "In an interview for online publication Positive Feedback, engineer Andreas Koch is critical of MQA due to its lossy algorithms and compression, along with its licensing requirements; also saying that a format such as this "does not solve any problem that the world currently has."[19] Koch was involved in the creation of the Super Audio CD, the development of the Direct Stream Digital codec, and is co-founder of audio product manufacturer Playback Designs."

    Why in the world do we need a lossy digital format to complicate the playback of formally lossless digital music? I think Andreas Koch summed it up quite nicely when he said MQA does not solve any problem the world currently has.
    Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.

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  11. #11

    A question about MQA

    Dear mep, you know better thank trying to convince me with a Wikipedia quote.

    Andreas Koch is a great guy, and I have greatly benefited from his work as previous owner a Meitner DAC, but it is not too long ago he was under fire himself for promoting DSD. Just read the Linn and other statements why it could not be any good. That was close to ten years ago. I have now a Linn Klimax for the summer house supporting DSD. Reason is always the same, there is something new, and people can’t get their head around it.

    If you ask me, every digitalization is lossy. Therefore, lossless digital in itself is an oxymoron.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    “Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”

    Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.

    Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.

    HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.

  12. #12

    Re: A question about MQA

    Here’s an interesting one to ponder for everyone: if a file is upsampled to a higher bitrate, is it then high res, or is it the same low res in a larger package?

    The amount of information does not change through upsampling. It just cannot.

    My guess is our naming conventions are still evolving.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    “Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”

    Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.

    Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.

    HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.

  13. #13

    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by Kuoppis View Post
    Here’s an interesting one to ponder for everyone: if a file is upsampled to a higher bitrate, is it then high res, or is it the same low res in a larger package?

    The amount of information does not change through upsampling. It just cannot.

    My guess is our naming conventions are still evolving.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    Upsampling can't add information. A 16/44.1 file upsampled to 24/192 contains no more information than the orginal 16/44.1 file.
    Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.

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  14. #14
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    Re: A question about MQA

    So MQA?
    Is it lossless or not according to generally accepted definition of lossless?
    Roon is wrong claiming it is lossless?

  15. #15

    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by Kuoppis View Post
    Dear mep, you know better thank trying to convince me with a Wikipedia quote.

    Andreas Koch is a great guy, and I have greatly benefited from his work as previous owner a Meitner DAC, but it is not too long ago he was under fire himself for promoting DSD. Just read the Linn and other statements why it could not be any good. That was close to ten years ago. I have now a Linn Klimax for the summer house supporting DSD. Reason is always the same, there is something new, and people can’t get their head around it.

    If you ask me, every digitalization is lossy. Therefore, lossless digital in itself is an oxymoron.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    Now that's a different kettle of fish. If you compare any digital file to the LP counterpoint on a really good analog rig, people with open ears will understand your statement.
    Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.

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  16. #16
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    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by Kuoppis View Post
    Dear mep, you know better thank trying to convince me with a Wikipedia quote.

    If you ask me, every digitalization is lossy. Therefore, lossless digital in itself is an oxymoron.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    Ok. So you advice to stick to analog sources for the best audio hearing ?

  17. #17

    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by skbe View Post
    So MQA?
    Is it lossless or not according to generally accepted definition of lossless?
    Roon is wrong claiming it is lossless?
    Start doing some reading so you can form your own opinion. Here is one article that is interesting: https://www.hifiplus.com/articles/hi...-offering-mqa/

    "From the HighResAudio Press Release:

    HIGHRESAUDIO has stopped offering MQA. MQA is NOT lossless, the original signal is never recovered, estimate to recover at most 17bits (reduces the sampling rate), reduces the frequency range, SNR reduced by 3bit, aliasing with artifacts at 18kHz. MQA encoding filters manipulates drastically the original source. No analysis tools are available to verify the encoded MQA content. Therefore no quality control is possible."
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  18. #18

    Re: A question about MQA

    Mep is right. MQA is not lossless.

    MQA is one big fat marketing lie, and its technical arguments have been exposed as fraud. The problems with it are discussed is this excellent article:

    MQA: A Review of controversies, concerns, and cautions

    Even the main argument for MQA, temporal de-blurring, may be flawed:

    MUSINGS/MEASUREMENTS: On "blurring" and why MQA probably worsens transient smearing.

    Another technical article by Benchmark Audio is useful as well:

    Is MQA Dead on Arrival?

    There is a whole 780 page thread on Audiophile Style (formerly "Computer Audiophile") where all the technical and marketing lies of MQA are discussed., but above reading, including the link provided by Mep, should suffice.


    ***

    The sooner MQA ends up in the dustbin of history, the better.
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  19. #19
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    Re: A question about MQA

    Naaah i don’t have the time for that much reading. But I tend to believe Roon when they say MQA is lossless
    Anyway I make no difference when listening into my headphones which satisfy me very well between MQA, HiRes and CD - just like composers, engineers and other people who have done blindtests which were reported in newspapers

  20. #20
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    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by Al M. View Post
    Mep is right. MQA is not lossless.

    MQA is one big fat marketing lie, and its technical arguments have been exposed as fraud.
    Why Lumin support MQA decoders and renderers if it is a fraud ?

  21. #21
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    Re: A question about MQA

    The haters keep hating and we continue to have access to more MQA content each week. Over 25000 currently available.

    I don't give a crap what MQA is doing but the end result is what counts and I have yet to come across a album where the MQA version sounds worse than the CD version. Where I have purchased both hi-rez versions and have access to the MQA version any differences aren't even worth worrying about which release might be better. I still haven't paid one penny extra for MQA content or hardware and I have saved myself from having to pay for hi-rez content. There is no downside to MQA.
    Jim

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  22. #22
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    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by still-one View Post
    The haters keep hating and we continue to have access to more MQA content each week. Over 25000 currently available.

    I don't give a crap what MQA is doing but the end result is what counts and I have yet to come across a album where the MQA version sounds worse than the CD version. Where I have purchased both hi-rez versions and have access to the MQA version any differences aren't even worth worrying about which release might be better. I still haven't paid one penny extra for MQA content or hardware and I have saved myself from having to pay for hi-rez content. There is no downside to MQA.
    Very interesting
    Is it possible to give an example? What is this album that CD version is better than MQA version? Maybe I can test it also using Tidal 2 versions of MQA and CD

  23. #23

    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by still-one View Post
    The haters keep hating and we continue to have access to more MQA content each week. Over 25000 currently available.

    I don't give a crap what MQA is doing but the end result is what counts and I have yet to come across a album where the MQA version sounds worse than the CD version. Where I have purchased both hi-rez versions and have access to the MQA version any differences aren't even worth worrying about which release might be better. I still haven't paid one penny extra for MQA content or hardware and I have saved myself from having to pay for hi-rez content. There is no downside to MQA.
    You are strongly opinionated and you love MQA. Congrats on your happiness with MQA. I have access to all of the MQA files on Tidal and I don't share your opinion, but that's OK too.
    Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.

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  24. #24

    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by skbe View Post
    Very interesting
    Is it possible to give an example? What is this album that CD version is better than MQA version? Maybe I can test it also using Tidal 2 versions of MQA and CD
    This must be an English translation thing. He said the exact opposite of the question you are asking. NOTHING beats MQA according to Still-One.
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  25. #25
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    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by mep View Post
    This must be an English translation thing. He said the exact opposite of the question you are asking. NOTHING beats MQA according to Still-One.
    Thanks!
    No I am not using a translator! lol maybe I have to improve my English
    Indeed I understood this when I read your answer
    But in fact I make no difference in my experience - even HiRes and CD sound the same to me

  26. #26

    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by skbe View Post
    Naaah i don’t have the time for that much reading. But I tend to believe Roon when they say MQA is lossless
    If you prefer to believe an argument from "authority", rather than informing yourself technically, that's your choice.
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  27. #27
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    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by Al M. View Post
    If you prefer to believe an argument from "authority", rather than informing yourself technically, that's your choice.
    Yes and I am very happy about it!

  28. #28

    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by skbe View Post
    Thanks!
    No I am not using a translator! lol maybe I have to improve my English
    Indeed I understood this when I read your answer
    But in fact I make no difference in my experience - even HiRes and CD sound the same to me
    I'm not surprised. It's on an open question how many Hi-Rez files are really 16/44.1 files that have been upsampled.
    Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.

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  29. #29
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    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by mep View Post
    This must be an English translation thing. He said the exact opposite of the question you are asking. NOTHING beats MQA according to Still-One.
    That is not what I said. (EDITED sentence follows) I stated that I have yet to find a MQA version of an album that is inferior to the CD version. (Over time some have stated that is because they are remastering the MQA . There is no way that the entire volume of MQA versions have been remastered for better sound but if some have then good, its free). When MQA was first readily available I did compare several albums where I had both hi-rez and access to MQA versions. There was no consistent result . Either could be better or no differences noticeable. I no longer pay much attention to which version Roon is offering up.
    Jim

    D'Agostino Momentum M-400's MxV’s & HD Pre-amp
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  30. #30
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    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by mep View Post
    I'm not surprised. It's on an open question how many Hi-Rez files are really 16/44.1 files that have been upsampled.
    Interesting I did not think about this. I guess this can be true for many old tracks
    But for the latest ones, this would be outrageous for the end customers (who manage to make the difference)

  31. #31

    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by still-one View Post
    That is not what I said. I stated that I have yet to find a CD version of an album that is inferior to the MQA version. (Over time some have stated that is because they are remastering the MQA . There is no way that the entire volume of MQA versions have been remastered for better sound but if some have then good, its free). When MQA was first readily available I did compare several albums where I had both hi-rez and access to MQA versions. There was no consistent result . Either could be better or no differences noticeable. I no longer pay much attention to which version Roon is offering up.
    Huh?? Your original statement: I have yet to come across a album where the MQA version sounds worse than the CD version.
    Your new statement: I stated that I have yet to find a CD version of an album that is inferior to the MQA version.

    You can't have it both ways. I think your original statement is what you intended to say unless you really mean that you have yet to find a CD version of an album that is inferior to the MQA version.
    Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.

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  32. #32

    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by skbe View Post
    Interesting I did not think about this. I guess this can be true for many old tracks
    But for the latest ones, this would be outrageous for the end customers (who manage to make the difference)
    If you are buying relatively new music that was originally recorded in a hi-rez format, that's great. Any music that was converted to digital from analog tape is a question.
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  33. #33
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    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by mep View Post
    Huh?? Your original statement: I have yet to come across a album where the MQA version sounds worse than the CD version.
    Your new statement: I stated that I have yet to find a CD version of an album that is inferior to the MQA version.

    You can't have it both ways. I think your original statement is what you intended to say unless you really mean that you have yet to find a CD version of an album that is inferior to the MQA version.
    You are correct. I made a mistake in my second post where I flipped the two. The initial post was correct.

    Where I said you misquoted me is that I have never stated that MQA was always better than any other version.
    Jim

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  34. #34

    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by skbe View Post
    Ok. So you advice to stick to analog sources for the best audio hearing ?
    Skbe, I’m not in the analog vs. digital discussion camp. I do enjoy both in my system, either at a rather high level. Therefore, I would not discriminate between digital and analog.

    My advice would be, enjoy the music. Use the formats you like, explore and try out different things. To me personally, that is a lots of fun.


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  35. #35
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    Re: A question about MQA

    Guys did you do a blindtest with asking a friend to select the same songs with different formats in a playlist?

    Would be interesting to have some feedback

    I did it 2 times years ago and recently:
    - I did not recognize Spotify over Qobuz and Tidal every time but was correct for say 70% of the times
    - Never recognized CD vs MQA vs HR. The times I did were due to guesses not choices

  36. #36
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    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by Kuoppis View Post
    Skbe, I’m not in the analog vs. digital discussion camp. I do enjoy both in my system, either at a rather high level. Therefore, I would not discriminate between digital and analog.

    My advice would be, enjoy the music. Use the formats you like, explore and try out different things. To me personally, that is a lots of fun.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    Yes of course and that exactly what I am doing !

    And the discussion is indeed very interesting

  37. #37

    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by skbe View Post
    Guys did you do a blindtest with asking a friend to select the same songs with different formats in a playlist?

    Would be interesting to have some feedback

    I did it 2 times years ago and recently:
    - I did not recognize Spotify over Qobuz and Tidal every time but was correct for say 70% of the times
    - Never recognized CD vs MQA vs HR. The times I did were due to guesses not choices
    As long as I have functioning eyeballs, I won't be doing any blind testing.
    Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.

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  38. #38

    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by skbe View Post
    Yes and I am very happy about it!
    Yes, I can see that!

    Not something to be particularly proud of though .
    Simaudio Moon Neo 260 DT CD Transport / MIT SL-Matrix Plus AES/EBU digital cable / Schiit Yggdrasil Analog 2 DAC / Octave HP 700 preamp / Octave RE 320 stereo amp with Super Black Box / Reference 3A Reflector monitors on Sound Anchors Signature Stands / dual JL Audio Fathom 112 v2 subwoofers on ASC SubTraps / ZenWave Audio D4 and SMSG cables / Acoustic treatment: tube traps, Tri-panels, window plugs, ceiling diffusers (all ASC), large absorbing panels (Acoustics First), diverse carpets chosen for acoustic properties: wool, polypropylene basket-weave

  39. #39
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    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by mep View Post
    As long as I have functioning eyeballs, I won't be doing any blind testing.
    Why?
    Isn't it a good way to test if within your system and your own hearing capabilities you can recognize which sounds better to you?
    Because at the end of the day what is the point of MQA, HIRES, original analog sound, CD if one cannot hear the difference?

  40. #40
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    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by Al M. View Post
    Yes, I can see that!

    Not something to be particularly proud of though .
    Man I am happy and I am proud
    Let's stick to the discussion

  41. #41

    Re: A question about MQA

    E
    Quote Originally Posted by skbe View Post
    Why?
    Isn't it a good way to test if within your system and your own hearing capabilities you can recognize which sounds better to you?
    Because at the end of the day what is the point of MQA, HIRES, original analog sound, CD if one cannot hear the difference?
    If you enjoy blind testing audio gear with your buddies, that’s great. I would rather listen to music.
    Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.

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  42. #42
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    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by mep View Post
    E

    If you enjoy blind testing audio gear with your buddies, that’s great. I would rather listen to music.
    Of course. Thanks

  43. #43
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    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by mep View Post
    As long as I have functioning eyeballs, I won't be doing any blind testing.
    We agree own this.
    Jim

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  44. #44

    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by still-one View Post
    The haters keep hating and we continue to have access to more MQA content each week. Over 25000 currently available.
    25,000. Wow. I'm impressed. Is that all they could come up with in, what, five years? Why bother with it if you can get real "hi-res" via Quobuz, for example?
    Simaudio Moon Neo 260 DT CD Transport / MIT SL-Matrix Plus AES/EBU digital cable / Schiit Yggdrasil Analog 2 DAC / Octave HP 700 preamp / Octave RE 320 stereo amp with Super Black Box / Reference 3A Reflector monitors on Sound Anchors Signature Stands / dual JL Audio Fathom 112 v2 subwoofers on ASC SubTraps / ZenWave Audio D4 and SMSG cables / Acoustic treatment: tube traps, Tri-panels, window plugs, ceiling diffusers (all ASC), large absorbing panels (Acoustics First), diverse carpets chosen for acoustic properties: wool, polypropylene basket-weave

  45. #45
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    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by Al M. View Post
    25,000. Wow. I'm impressed. Is that all they could come up with in, what, five years? Why bother with it if you can get real "hi-res" via Quobuz, for example?
    You realize that is significantly more than available DSD releases. I believe those have been out for 20 years.
    Jim

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  46. #46

    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by Al M. View Post
    25,000. Wow. I'm impressed. Is that all they could come up with in, what, five years? Why bother with it if you can get real "hi-res" via Quobuz, for example?
    Your “real high res” is most likely just upsampled 16/44.

    It’s a bit like high res for dummies, isn’t it?


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  47. #47
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    Re: A question about MQA

    This happens every time there's a new format, the investors go to war, it's like election years. The idea of streaming a small package that is opened at its destination to provide up to 3 times the data just sounds smarter than throwing out the information that doesn't fit. sending a 128kbps that opens to a 320 quality file at its playback source has to be a good thing when the majority never use anything more than their tablet or smart phone and spotify or tidal. This is the intended market for mqa.
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  48. #48

    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by steve59 View Post
    This happens every time there's a new format, the investors go to war, it's like election years. The idea of streaming a small package that is opened at its destination to provide up to 3 times the data just sounds smarter than throwing out the information that doesn't fit. sending a 128kbps that opens to a 320 quality file at its playback source has to be a good thing when the majority never use anything more than their tablet or smart phone and spotify or tidal. This is the intended market for mqa.
    I don't agree that MQA was intended and marketed exclusively for people who listen over their phones or tablets. What are you basing that statement on?
    Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.

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  49. #49

    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by Kuoppis View Post
    Your “real high res” is most likely just upsampled 16/44.

    It’s a bit like high res for dummies, isn’t it?


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    So what is the provenance of all the MQA files?
    Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.

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  50. #50

    Re: A question about MQA

    Quote Originally Posted by Kuoppis View Post
    Your “real high res” is most likely just upsampled 16/44.

    It’s a bit like high res for dummies, isn’t it?


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
    It is!

    (Although there is also some real 96/24 or 96/192.)

    But this is too funny. I have been ridiculed here for still sticking to just CD by people who were praising the virtues of "high-res", but as you say for the most part (or at the least for a large part), they haven't listened with their "hi-res" to anything other than Redbook CD format anyway.

    ***

    And by the way, as you will note, I consistently put "high-res" in quotation marks: the name "high-res" ("high resolution format") is a misnomer as it implies that CD is not high resolution. That attitude is based on a misunderstanding of digital theory. And especially with recent advances in digital implementation, which come closer to ideal theory than in the past, this attitude also flies in the face of audible practical reality.

    If you can't get extraordinarily high resolution from CD (physical or file format), in terms of timbral micro-detail, separation of instruments and quality of spatial information, something is lacking with your digital setup and your system.
    Simaudio Moon Neo 260 DT CD Transport / MIT SL-Matrix Plus AES/EBU digital cable / Schiit Yggdrasil Analog 2 DAC / Octave HP 700 preamp / Octave RE 320 stereo amp with Super Black Box / Reference 3A Reflector monitors on Sound Anchors Signature Stands / dual JL Audio Fathom 112 v2 subwoofers on ASC SubTraps / ZenWave Audio D4 and SMSG cables / Acoustic treatment: tube traps, Tri-panels, window plugs, ceiling diffusers (all ASC), large absorbing panels (Acoustics First), diverse carpets chosen for acoustic properties: wool, polypropylene basket-weave

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A question about MQA

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