I do believe people will have an easier time playing decoding MQA than DSD. If your NAS is not setup properly (aka minimserver), you can't play DSD properly.
MQA what's the big deal?
- Thread starter Mordante
- Start date
Is Sony Records on board with MQA specifically, or simply hi-res digital streaming (e.g., Qubuz streaming 24/96 FLAC)?
CPP
Active member
I guess it all depends on what Sony will bring to the table as far as music from its major labels.
Other news dated 1/5/2017 Hi-rez streaming is getting major support. ; .http://www.billboard.com/articles/b...ra-riaa-announce-support-hi-res-streaming-mqa
Randy Myers
Well-known member
I truly love DSD... and tons is available... I have 116 albums downloaded in DSD, 38 DSD SACD disks. Mostly classic rock, folk, jazz vocals, and jazz
My DAC/pre-amp company chooses to only support DSD64, however it incorporates the latest ESS generation of chips, the 9028 Pro. So much better than the 9018. I was actually considering the Brooklyn but decided it did not give me what I needed. Only one analog input, no remote, and using the 9018 mobile version. Since I do not stream MQA was not a big factor for me.
My DAC/pre-amp company chooses to only support DSD64, however it incorporates the latest ESS generation of chips, the 9028 Pro. So much better than the 9018. I was actually considering the Brooklyn but decided it did not give me what I needed. Only one analog input, no remote, and using the 9018 mobile version. Since I do not stream MQA was not a big factor for me.
Randy Myers
Well-known member
That really depends on your setup. If you are using a computer or music server controlling your NAS, or internal storage than there is nothing to it. Of course depending on controlling software; JRiver and of course Roon have no problem switching between PCM and DSD.
La Dolce Vita
New member
The two are apples and oranges Mike. As we all know, DSD had greater adoption potential than what's been realized. While it is premature to assert, MQA has the potential to be the new standard. I would expect other streaming services to support it (Pandora, Spotify, who knows maybe even Apple) and with the advent of internet radio, I heart radio etc, even radio stations could start "broadcasting" in MQA. Whether this ever actually happens is anyone's guess but the potential is there while it is not with DSD. Lastly, as you know DSD is just that - one needs A DSD dac for playback. MQA is universally compatible so if one does not have a MQA dac, no problem, the file will still play fine. Hope this helps...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
you're missing the point. MQA will pass the number of albums available in DSD in no short order. MAJOR Labels are behind MQA, not DSD.
La Dolce Vita
New member
Nope, I'm not. I just outlined the reasons why MQA is likely to surpass DSD and why major labels are behind it. Did you have your coffee yet this morning? [emoji6]
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
And that could be the fly in the ointment for MQA. No need for crazy licensing schemes, just flip the switch on 24/96. Interesting.
La Dolce Vita
New member
I'll ask him when I bump into him next. Not sure that makes much sense for Sony if they are getting behind MQA. In any case, I've no crystal ball and will just have to wait and see. Thanks for the input.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
mep
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2013
- Messages
- 5,095
This is all a bit confusing to the consumer. When it appears that MQA has finally taken its first baby steps to walk on its wobbly legs, now comes a cloud of doubt that it won't be supported by the major labels and they will support hi-rez Flac instead? Why is it that digital music can never get its act together? How many digital formats have we seen come and go over the years because not enough people gave a damn about them or even knew they existed (SACD, HDCD, DVD-A, and on and on)? The digital market place is crowded with how many different versions of digital files?? You have all of the MP3 crap, RBCD, and then all of the attempts to increase the bit depth and resolution from 16/44.1 to 24/192 and beyond. Oh, and whatever happened to My Little Pono starting a digital revolution? There are too many carnival barkers shouting at the unenlightened digital customers and they can't hear over the noise so most of them just stream MP3 and are enjoying their all you can stand low-rez digital buffet. The masses are oblivious to all of the digital formats that have fallen by the wayside and the current attempts to be the best and newest digital format.
La Dolce Vita
New member
I hear you! Personally I believe MQA has the potential to finally breakthrough. But who knows? Too early to say st this point and many stars would need to align for this to actually occur. Still...it could.
Mike L may likely have some information we don't but let's be very careful not to carry this thread forward accepting this tidbit as gospel - at least without further clarification/verification.
Your points are well made. In my opinion the time is right for a new format to stick and take hold.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
CPP
Active member
Its not gossip its real news in real print
http://www.billboard.com/articles/b...ra-riaa-announce-support-hi-res-streaming-mqa
mep
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2013
- Messages
- 5,095
From the article: "hi-res audio MP3s..." Say what? That's an oxymoron right? And how about this quote to marginalize high rez audio from Chris Martin in the article you linked to: "While not for everyone, Hi-Res music streaming has the potential to engage millions of digital music fans who are seeking a more immersive, studio quality listening experience.” Why shouldn't it be for everyone who gives a damn about listening to music? If I gave you a taste test first and then a choice between eating a filet mignon or eating a hamburger from McDonalds that was cooked 30 minutes ago and was patiently waiting to be served nestled inside a warming tray waiting for a bun and a customer, which are you going to choose?
CPP
Active member
Randy Myers
Well-known member
Being able to play MQA on non-MQA certified DACs is not the same thing as listening to it at it's best. I think this is the real point. It appears that according to Meridian if you don't have a MQA certified DAC you will be treated as the redheaded step child. We will let you come to the party, just not be allowed into the "special" room.
Again back to the deep down thing about MQA.... it is in fact PCM but with Meridians "special sauce" for those who buy into their party, so to speak. And again I go back to that anyone I have read doing head to head comparison's, MQA versus high resolution download versions of albums have came away saying that the high resolution is better. High resolution is not much larger file size than MQA and everyone is invited to the party and the can experience the benefits using their current playback software, i.e. JRivers, Roon, etc., not a separate application just to play back their "special" files.
And for purity of sound most people agree that DSD is even better, but is definitely too large for streaming. For us non-streamers file size is fairly irrelevant. And again I will relate back to conversations I have had with an artist who is one of the early MQA adopters. He had also done extensive recording in DSD (I own several of his DSD albums). According to him, DSD is the best sounding digital source but MQA is much easier for streaming or for carrying on a portable. And almost every current DAC has some kind of DSD capability along with PCM, with a few exceptions. So the hardware to play these formats is in the hands of most people who really care.
Again back to the deep down thing about MQA.... it is in fact PCM but with Meridians "special sauce" for those who buy into their party, so to speak. And again I go back to that anyone I have read doing head to head comparison's, MQA versus high resolution download versions of albums have came away saying that the high resolution is better. High resolution is not much larger file size than MQA and everyone is invited to the party and the can experience the benefits using their current playback software, i.e. JRivers, Roon, etc., not a separate application just to play back their "special" files.
And for purity of sound most people agree that DSD is even better, but is definitely too large for streaming. For us non-streamers file size is fairly irrelevant. And again I will relate back to conversations I have had with an artist who is one of the early MQA adopters. He had also done extensive recording in DSD (I own several of his DSD albums). According to him, DSD is the best sounding digital source but MQA is much easier for streaming or for carrying on a portable. And almost every current DAC has some kind of DSD capability along with PCM, with a few exceptions. So the hardware to play these formats is in the hands of most people who really care.
mep
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2013
- Messages
- 5,095
You missed the article, its saying " digital music's traditionally compressed and largely inferior sound, which stems in part from the way MP3s were designed.", they seem to be moving away from that to something else, whatever that is..
ps: I take my steak medium rare thankyou
I didn't miss this: "Since then, the music industry has increasingly come out in support of the new technologies in a more concerted effort throwing its support behind hi-res audio MP3s and last spring introducing MQA."
In my listening experience and imho native DSD does NOT sound "better"(hate this word) than fully HW decoded MQA......they both sound REALLY GOOD and it might come down to personal opinion and on a particular recording where one would choose one over the other. YMMV on your system, in my system(s) both HW decoded MQA and native DSD along with vinyl and R2R are all great.....calling one better is nothing but someone's personal opinion.
Randy Myers
Well-known member
I will give you that. System setup, recording, etc., are all involved, along with personal preferences. However I was actually quoting some conversations I had with David Elias.