TIDAL Master Quality

Tidal has updated its APP so its "Master" MQA files are fully decoded in android device now. They're saying one doesn't need to get a specific MQA dac.

However, there isn't any graphic to confirm the actual source quality so one can only use one's ear.

I accept that Bluetooth 4.0 32bit may not be nirvana but if so why is there a definite 'difference' in the sound stage and image between HiFi and Master.. and to my ear often negative impact.

Unless perhaps Tidal has not actually put a top mqa decoder in its app. Or my 17yr old ears are now 30 yrs out of date.

Shadorne - you might be right with the benchmark dac, I always thought it was a  terrible dac, but with the DS, I don’t agree. I also have the PSA DS dac and I think MQA sounds better than an equivalent cd or even vinyl. Since cd gets converted to dsd on the DS, everything sounds great out of the DS

I suppose it is akin to the difference between an original 1962 Chevey Impala that still drives perfectly and a customized rebuild with an ultra reliable high performance modern Audi V8 engine.

There's just something about the original (perhaps a smell) that forever seems to satisfy some folks.

@rbstehno 


 It is ok to disagree. I hear the difference the from the added distortion from MQA but I can understand many folks may like it.

My dac reading from Bluetooth input is saying 48khz as opposed to 44.1khz I get from cd (digital coax) There's no argument that Tidal hifi is cd quality lossless audio. There's also no argument that Tidal MQA is "a very clean detailed reproduction" .. however there's something about it that makes some recording seem bit dead or clinical, lacking warmth or something.