Tidal removing all MQA


As the title states Tidal will be removing all MQA and replacing titles with FLAC instead.  Per an email I just received:

 

On July 24, 2024, we’re replacing the music in TIDAL’s MQA catalog with FLAC versions.

 
 
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Showing 2 responses by mikhailark

@anotherbob - this is not always true and not because analog is superior or not. The reason is that mastering on quality LP is better. See, stream is often CD mastering, even if it is 24/96. They stream to you what was made for CD before downsampling. But CDs are often mastered for low end and car equipment. 
 

I made a simple experiment. I have certain CD, FLAC from HD Tracks and LP. I recorded LP into 24/96. This digital recording sounds quite a bit better than HD Tracks or hi rez Tidal stream.

All digital, mind you.

@jl1ny - unfortunately, often digital material is mastered much worse than analog. I basically went back to get better sound. I don't often play LPs, I record them in 24/192 and play the recording. Remember reel-to-reel days?