Full MQA Release from Aurender

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.
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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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
jdandy said:
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.
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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.
 
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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.
 
The Sandman said:
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.
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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.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
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.
 
As others have mentioned, I love the MQA search capabilities in the new Aurender app. Brilliant!


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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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Kuoppis said:
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.
 
still-one said:
Does that search return anything from Tidal except what is currently in their Masters list of ~450 revolving titles.
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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 said:
I can't figure out what you are searching for the returns MQA titles. A little explanation please.
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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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Kuoppis said:
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.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

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.
 
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