Is MQA Vaporware?

[new_media]

51 minutes ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

Looks like the mainstream press is also regurgitating marketing info. 

 

https://www.theverge.com/platform/amp/2019/3/11/18259957/tidal-master-quality-mqa-ios-support

 

So much information not included in that article. Most importantly the fact that you would need an external DAC to take advantage of even fake hi-res with an iOS deveice, not to mention that if you are using Bluetooth headphones you shouldn't even bother.

 

And if you are using Apple's dongle DAC, you would actually be better off with the CD-quality stream.

[new_media]

4 minutes ago, John Eaton said:

Will MQA work on older iPhones?  I have a 6S+.

 

Has Tidal version 2.7 rolled out nationwide?  My Tidal app shows version 2.6.6 with no update available.

 

Will my 2018 GMC Sierra Denali with IntelliLink be able to take advantage of MQA files when my iPhone is USB connected?

 

 

It will work with an iPhone 6S, but unless you are using an external DAC that supports hi-res you are better off with CD-quality streaming. The same is true for any iPhone.

 

I was able to download the update last night.

 

Is the connection to the car stereo bluetooth or USB? If it's bluetooth, you're wasting your time. If it's USB, you are again probably better off with native CD-quality unless your car stereo has a DAC that supports hi-res, which is unlikely.

[new_media]

5 minutes ago, John Eaton said:

 

So the notion, per this article, https://www.theverge.com/platform/amp/2019/3/11/18259957/tidal-master-quality-mqa-ios-support  that that MQA decoding will be done in software on an iPhone with Tidal's latest app is fake news, uh?  

 

Basically, yes.

 

Tidal's software performs the "first unfold" to 24/96, which is useless if your DAC doesn't support it and the signal will be downsampled to 48 KHz.

 

That's why I say you are better off with native CD-quality rather than going through a cycle of pointless and possibly destructive upsampling and downsampling.

[new_media]

8 minutes ago, danadam said:

Not that I support MQA, but which recent DAC (by recent I mean last couple of years) doesn't support 24/96?

 

Apple's dongle DAC, for one, which is what the majority of iPhone owners would be using. I just think it's disingenuous for the article not to mention the fact that a third party DAC is necessary to take advantage of Tidal Masters.

 

And I imagine the DAC in most car entertainment systems. My car is a 2018 and does not support it.