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Tidal has started streaming MQA encoded albums

My Tidal app updated and - voila! - there's about 30,000 MQA Master tracks available to stream for Tidal's HiFi subscribers.

It appears the MQA decoder is in the app so the listener can enjoy MQA without buying any hardware as long as the DAC can handle 24/96. 

First impressions are very good either using Tidal's app for MQA or listening thru Roon and getting a 24/48 (non-"unfolded") MQA file.

Then again, it could be my DAC filters better at 24/48 & 24/96 than at 16/44.

dbtom2

Showing 4 responses by aberyclark

aberyclark
1,355 posts
 
I listened to 24/96 Led zeppelin I on my studio system. WOW. Mastered for iTunes was great. Tidal 24/96 is really great!!

I currently stream 14/44 Tidal thru airplay to Apple TV then to my Dac and stereo system. Tidal did mention that HI REZ is being developed for smartphone apps. BUT, airplay and Apple TV limit 16/48. I may have to llok into a MQA network player for my living room system.
aberyclark
1,355 posts
 
Apple Computers (not ios devices) can transmit 24/96 over wifi home share. But, I would need some type of TIDAL remote for the desktop app. 
aberyclark
1,355 posts
 
I know..big difference. My studio monitors are so revealing that with the 24/96 Tidal streams, you actually feel the pulses of his bass drum where he is pressing against head between notes. AWESOME
aberyclark
1,355 posts
 
Only the Tidal desktop app decodes mqa. You have to let Tidal take over your computer audio interface and make it exclusive to Tidal ( when youvquitvTidal computer goes back to settings you had before) Plus choose to let app decode the mqa. You can pass thru if you have an mqa Dac.

Mqa does not not work with mobile or web browser yet. It does work with Bluesoynd Node 2 ( node will decide mqa or you can pass thru)

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