I just got the KEF LS60 (that 30% discount right now was really appealing).

Anyways:

• I have a big collection of things in Roon…mostly CD rips
  • (things like Toshiba Black Triangle editions of things, Japanese CD’s etc…I’ve done my best to gather the best ‘version’ of certain albums in CD format)
• For more modern things, I have a lot of FLAC 192/24 digital versions
• Some, but not much 192/24 vinyl rips.

I also have Tidal…and where I think things get interesting.

• In Tidal…if I pick the MQA version of a song ‘Come As You Are’ by Nirvana) and then play the non MQA version…the difference is literally night and day.
  • The soundstage is much bigger.
  • In the opening of this song, the bass drum kick that comes on early hits way harder, with a lot more punch.
• Next, take 'Ni**gas in Paris’ from Watch the Throne by Jay-Z and Kanye
  • When I play this in Tidal the non MQA version – it almost sounds like it’s just a compressed MP3, less sound stage / separation, less “stereo” feel.
  • When I play the MQA version, it just sounds very different, bigger, better.

So what is the deal with MQA – is it really just some EQ happening that’s giving things a bit more of a modern / warmer sound?

(‘modern’ – to me this is like the new Giles remaster of Sgt. Peppers vs the Toshiba Black Triangle – many swear by the Black Triangle, honestly, of the many many of those I have – I don’t think they sound that good, I much prefer more (what I am calling ‘modern’) interpretations)