MDP
Behavior Moderator (be nice police!)
Wow, that was a good read. It sounds promising, I can't wait to see how this plays out in the future.
MQA - Revolutionary, Evolutionary or Hyperbole?
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mep
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It doesn't matter who hypes it, it matters who buys it. I think it's DOA. Time will tell, but I don't even get the reason for it's existence other than for streaming and even then it's dicey unless you are streaming MP3 quality. How many digital formats do we have now as I have lost count?
still-one
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Since the files will be compatible with existing players only those looking for better sound than they currently derive from digital tracks have to worry about any associated costs. No one who has heard a demo thinks this is a subtle improvement.
mep
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Are you sure that's true? I thought it took a proprietary D/A converter licensed by Meridian. Even if it is compatible with existing players, I still don't think it will take off.
still-one
Active member
Backward compatible means that any player will continue to play a MQA "file" but only those players with MQA compatible D/A convertor will see the benefits of the MQA processing. Software providers only have to produce one end product (file) that will work on every machine.
I am not sure how you define "take off". I doubt that the entire iTunes or Spotify catalogs will ever get the MQA treatment, but if we start seeing new releases on site such as HDtracks and select older recordings getting updated, then it may become another niche product for the audiophile types just like SACD, Hi Rez and vinyl.
mep
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Here is my prediction: MQA will get lost in the digital noise and as small as the niche market is for DSD sales, MQA sales won't amount to a pimple on an elephant's ass by comparison. Competing digital formats makes the VHS/Betamax war look like two best friends getting together for the first time in a few years. Digital format wars are more like inviting a bunch of your rowdy hillbilly cousins together for a family reunion and hoping a fight doesn't break out when Clemotis finds out Billy Bob has been banging his favorite sister.
AJ Soundfield
Well-known member
Did these demo's include comparisons vs non-MQA files?
I have the AES paper and quite frankly, to put it mildly, it's bollocks. So I too would question the veracity of yet another "Hi Rez" format, especially one with compressed "Hi Rez" back down to 16/44 file size. In 2ch no less, where 90% of the soundfield is already lost.
Good luck to Meridian, but forgive me if I've seen this movie before.
My 2c
cheers,
AJ
still-one
Active member
Did these demo's include comparisons vs non-MQA files?
I have the AES paper and quite frankly, to put it mildly, it's bollocks. So I too would question the veracity of yet another "Hi Rez" format, especially one with compressed "Hi Rez" back down to 16/44 file size. In 2ch no less, where 90% of the soundfield is already lost.
Good luck to Meridian, but forgive me if I've seen this movie before.
My 2c
cheers,
AJ
I go with those who have heard it. Since you haven't your is just another worthless internet opinion.
mep
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Wow that was harsh! Please be an early adopter and let us know how great this format is. I just noticed you are a Meridian fan as you already own some of their gear. Maybe that explains some of your attitude.
still-one
Active member
So your saying unless it becomes as ubiquitous as iTunes downloads it will be a failure? There always seems to be room in this crazy hobby for the next "improvement" in SQ whether in the hardware or software realm. A lot of dollars are spent chasing those advancements. As long as we keep spending, they will keep delivering.
MDP
Behavior Moderator (be nice police!)
Keep it friendly men, please.
It's fine to disagree, but throwing out insults will not be tolerated
It's fine to disagree, but throwing out insults will not be tolerated
still-one
Active member
Yes I own MDMS (aka Sooloos) for my digital. Having compared it "in my" system to Wadia, McIbtosh, Playback Design, MSB and Esoteric I am willing to live with its shortcomings. I am waiting to see the promised update to the Sooloos UI and what might be required to add MQA capability before I decide to pursue another digital direction. As far as a fanboy, far from it. No plans for Meridian speaker or non-MDMS gear.
mep
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No, I'm just saying it has to be viable in the marketplace which means Meridian has to make enough money from their own sales and from licensing in order to make a profit. I predict it won't happen.
AJ Soundfield
Well-known member
That doesn't address whether MQA was compared to non-MQA during these demos, but I see by your emotional response that you take reasonable questions as a personal affront. I didn't notice the Meridian gear in you sig, my apologies.
cheers,
AJ
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Analog is for lovers.
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still-one
Active member
From what I can follow in those threads, no the there were no A/B demos. Only about 30 different tracks were available during the demo.
I have no issue with anyone not liking Meridian gear. As noted above the only Meridian I own is MDMS related. There is a lot of gear that I have heard I wouldn't own.
AJ Soundfield
Well-known member
Not sure who does in this thread, I must have missed it. They seem to make nice hardware. I only saw discussion of MQA, which is a new encode/decode process.
Well Jim, ultimately comparisons will be made vs other formats (by folks other than Meridian and perhaps with a bit more rigor than a show demo), so I guess we'll see.
cheers,
AJ
kev313
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I have a C15. Hate it. Sounds great. Ok interface (but truth be told, I'm just used to itunes at this point). My major complaint is the hardware. It looks old and feels old. The touch screen certainly isn't as responsive as the last 2 generations of iPhones and the screen is really low rez. It feels like having a 10 year old computer. Sorry for the side bar. I respect Meridian's efforts and like their system approach overall. This new technology will probably benefit party loyalists.
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