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Tidal and MQA

I am a computer novice who could use some help. I have been streaming Tidal via their desktop app to get the MQA Masters music. It sounds really good and according to cnet the Tidal software only does 1 unfold of the 3 needed to get the full MQA effect. I stream to a Cary 200t dac via usb. The incoming and outgoing signal never changes from 44.1. The music to my ears sounds much better but I expected to see 24/96 at the least. Any thoughts??

128x128jr96aolcom
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
1,368 posts
 

The MQA decoding situation is still pretty confusing.  I have read a little about it and I'm not sure what level of decoding you get through different software and hardware combinations.  If your DAC is telling you 44.1, I'd say that's what you're listening to. 

MQA says that there is some benefit realized when files are remastered (or whatever the correct term is) for MQA, so maybe that is the improvement you are hearing. 

erik_squires
5,268 posts
 
I'm not sure the level of MQA support. I've read Tidal users getting 96/24 but not sure exactly the app.

Some work may need to be done to ensure you aren't outputting via the Windows mixer. Usually to get higher / bit perfect output from Windows you have to do something to make it exclusive, or use a special driver.

Best,

E
jr96aolcom's avatar
jr96aolcom OP
14 posts
 
Thanks all I stumbled into figuring this out. I was listening to remastered non MQA at 44.1 and it sounded very good. Then I was able to figure out the settings quagmire and was able to turn on the Tidal MQA software. My DAC started showing 88.1 and 96k and believe me on most material it sounded very good. With an MQA DAC and realizing those last 2 unfolds could be pretty impressive

Regards

JB
audiofreak32's avatar
audiofreak32
253 posts
 
Anytime I have heard Tidal, it sounded noticeably "compressed" when compared to taking a hi-res (24-96k or 24-192k) WAV/FLAC right from a HD into a decent DAC.
erik_squires
5,268 posts
 
Hey @audiofreak32

How old is your DAC?

I ask because a number of modern DACs handle Redbook a lot better than they used to.  Schiit, Mytek, etc.

I simply don't have this problem at all.

Best,

E
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