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)
Different setups different reaults.
I used to use Tidal until they hiked their prices. However, when I did use Tidal, it was run through an S.M.S.L M500 dac(full MQA support).
Ultimately, yes it sounded really good, in my opinion. MQA tracks were quite punchy. Unfortunately, the dac developed an issue that caused the output stages to sound distorted.
It was replaced with an RME adi 2 fs dac. No MQA support. But in principle, a better quality dac compared to the S.M.S.L.
First thing I noticed. I didn’t miss MQA. Tracks still sounded great! If not better, in my opinion. More neutral and balanced.
On a final note. To save a bit of cash, I moved to Amazon music HD. To be quite frank…its awful. I wouldn’t recommend it. Audio quality is fairly decent, but the interface, both for Windows and android, absolutely sucks.