Meridian MQA

[PhilP]

To me, in a world with DSD, 24/192 etc. the concept of a new music format, a format that is not compatible with many existing DAC designs, is somewhere between flawed, doomed or very ambitious.

I won't comment on SQ performance until I have had a chance to audition properly.  I do have my doubts as to MQA's survival though.

To be honest, that's pretty much what I think. Unless MQA can sign up a wide range of content providers then I'm not interested.  I have never been even vaguely tempted by any product that Meridian have produced though I note their sound system is an upgrade option on the Jaguar F-Pace (another brand I've never bought into so far). The 3 litre supercharged F-Pace is quite tempting 

[Axel]

This article by Mark Waldrep has links to some interesting technical information/tests regarding MQA, although most of it goes over my head, and a thought provoking article by Jim Collinson of Linn titled "MQA is bad for music. Here's why"
http://www.realhd-audio.com/?p=5948

[Pim]

This article by Mark Waldrep has links to some interesting technical information/tests regarding MQA, although most of it goes over my head, and a thought provoking article by Jim Collinson of Linn titled "MQA is bad for music. Here's why"

Link: http://www.realhd-audio.com/?p=5948

[Soniclife]

Universal have joined in now.

http://www.stereophile.com/content/unive...p-goes-mqa

If they keep this up MQA is on the verge of becoming the first real new music standard since CD.

[Hifi_swlon]

The Linn article is a good read. I'm sure they've got their own agenda (not wanting a rival to be so powerful and wealthy no doubt), but I do agree with pretty much all of it.

I guess the one thing it doesn't touch on, is the reason the labels probably aren't so keen on sending high res masters out to the world using free currently available open source technology, is that it will all most likely get ripped off and they won't get paid.

Will be interesting to see how it plays out. Right now that partly depends on there being more MQA capable DACs than you can count on four fingers.....

[GuillaumeB]

The Linn article is a good read. I'm sure they've got their own agenda (not wanting a rival to be so powerful and wealthy no doubt), but I do agree with pretty much all of it.

I guess the one thing it doesn't touch on, is the reason the labels probably aren't so keen on sending high res masters out to the world using free currently available open source technology, is that it will all most likely get ripped off and they won't get paid.

Will be interesting to see how it plays out. Right now that partly depends on there being more MQA capable DACs than you can count on four fingers.....

Yes I like Jim Collinson @ Linn. He also moderates the Linn Forum, which of course was the inspiration for Devialet Chat. 

It's great to see thought leadership from some of the manufacturers on some of these topics. Even if we don't always agree it's nice when these companies take the time to communicate and engage with their customers. 

Guillaume

[Hifi_swlon]

.... Even if we don't always agree it's nice when these companies take the time to communicate and engage with their customers. 

[octaviars]

It's great to see thought leadership from some of the manufacturers on some of these topics. Even if we don't always agree it's nice when these companies take the time to communicate and engage with their customers.

 Is it just me or are you perhaps refering to a company called....... a thats it Devialet

[Devialetuser]

As an owner of a Devialet 400 and more recently the Mytek Brooklyn DAC (connected to a pre/power class AB amp) I think I can add something to the conversation. I have downloaded and listened to some MQA files recently. Firstly they are about 700MB so it takes about 15 mins to download on my slow 8Mbps internet connection. Compare that to about 25 mins for a 24/192 or 40min for a 64DSD.

Now to the sound: The first time I played an MQA file I expected it to sound no better than a 24/192 PCM file. But to my surprise it sounded more like a DSD file. Lots and lots of detail, holographic soundstage, air between the instruments, and absolutely no fatigue. It was like listening to a record on my Rega RP8. I believe this is a very significant step forward in PCM technology, and I can finally listen to streaming Hi-Rez music without any sense of fatigue. Is it better than DSD? No. But is it better than 24/96? Absolutely yes. We can debate about 24/192. Since I started listening to DSD music I understood why people were comparing it to an analogue sound. Music should be detailed but at the same time relaxing and that is what MQA sounds like.

I believe Devialet has the capability to add a software MQA decoder inside the expert/phantom range with a firmware update. Since they have a close relationship with Tidal this capability might not be far off. But I am a believer in MQA because I have had a chance to listen. I think if you are a music lover you owe it to yourself to audition MQA, you shall be pleasantly surprised.

[Dr Tone]

I believe Devialet has the capability to add a software MQA decoder inside the expert/phantom range with a firmware update. Since they have a close relationship with Tidal this capability might not be far off.

 

Let's use AIR as example of Devialet's software prowess followed by the list of new features added in firmware updates over the last year and a half.  I suggest you don't hold your breath.