How to Download MQA Music: A Guide for Audiophiles
If you are an audiophile who loves listening to high-quality music, you may have heard of MQA music. But what is it exactly, and how can you download and play it on your devices and speakers? In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about MQA music, including what it is, where to find it, how to download it, and how to compare it with other audio formats.
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What is MQA Music and Why You Should Care
MQA stands for Master Quality Authenticated, a new audio format that claims to deliver studio-quality sound in smaller file sizes. It was developed by Meridian Audio, a British company that specializes in high-end audio products.
MQA offers studio-quality sound in smaller file sizes
MQA music is encoded from the original master recordings, which can have resolutions up to 24-bit/352kHz. However, instead of storing all the information in a large file, MQA uses a proprietary process called "folding" to compress the data into a smaller file that can be streamed or downloaded more easily. The file size of an MQA song can be as low as one-third of a FLAC song of the same resolution.
MQA also claims to preserve the timing and spatial information of the sound, which can enhance the realism and depth of the music. According to MQA, their format can capture the "soundstage" of the recording studio, which is often lost in other digital formats.
MQA requires specialized hardware and software to fully unfold
While MQA music can be played on any device that supports FLAC or WAV formats, it will not sound as good as it should. To enjoy the full potential of MQA music, you need a compatible device that can decode or "unfold" the MQA file. This can be done by either software or hardware.
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Software decoding can be done by certain desktop or mobile applications that support MQA decoding, such as Audirvana, Roon, or Tidal. Software decoding can unfold the MQA file up to 24-bit/96kHz, which is already better than CD quality (16-bit/44.1kHz).
Hardware decoding can be done by certain DACs (digital-to-analog converters) that have MQA certification. Hardware decoding can unfold the MQA file up to its original resolution, which can be as high as 24-bit/352kHz. Hardware decoding can also apply a filter that corrects the distortion and noise that may occur during the digital-to-analog conversion.
To get the best sound quality from MQA music, you need both software and hardware decoding. This means that you need to connect your device to an MQA-compatible DAC via a wired connection, such as USB, optical, or coaxial. You also need to use an MQA-compatible music player or streaming service on your device.
Where to Find and Buy MQA Music Online
Now that you know what MQA music is and how to play it, you may wonder where to find and buy it online. There are several options available, depending on whether you prefer streaming or downloading.
Tidal is the most popular streaming service that offers MQA music
Tidal is a music streaming service that offers over 70 million songs in various genres and moods. It also has a large catalog of MQA music, which it calls "Tidal Masters". You can access Tidal Masters with a Tidal HiFi Plus subscription, which costs $19.99 per month.
Tidal Masters are available in both desktop and mobile applications, but you need to enable the Master quality option in the settings. You can also download Tidal Masters for offline listening, but you need to have enough storage space on your device.
Tidal has a partnership with MQA, so it can perform both software and hardware decoding of MQA music. However, you still need an MQA-compatible DAC to get the full resolution and quality of the MQA music.
Qobuz, Highresaudio, and 2L are some of the download stores that sell MQA music
If you prefer to own your music rather than stream it, you can buy MQA music from some of the online download stores that specialize in high-resolution audio. Some of these stores are Qobuz, Highresaudio, and 2L.
Qobuz is a French company that offers both streaming and downloading of high-resolution music. It has over 70 million songs in various formats, including FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, and MQA. You can buy individual songs or albums in MQA format from Qobuz, or you can subscribe to Qobuz Studio Premier for $14.99 per month to stream them.
Highresaudio is a German company that offers only downloading of high-resolution music. It has over 50,000 albums in various formats, including FLAC, WAV, DSD, and MQA. You can buy individual songs or albums in MQA format from Highresaudio, or you can use their voucher system to get discounts.
2L is a Norwegian company that produces and sells high-resolution music. It has over 200 albums in various formats, including FLAC, WAV, DSD, DXD, and MQA. You can buy individual songs or albums in MQA format from 2L, or you can download some of their free samples.
Audirvana and Roon are some of the desktop music players that support MQA music
If you already have some MQA music files on your computer or external hard drive, you need a desktop music player that can play them properly. Some of the desktop music players that support MQA music are Audirvana and Roon.
Audirvana is a French software that offers a simple and elegant interface for playing high-resolution music on your computer. It supports various formats, including FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, and MQA. It can also perform software decoding of MQA music up to 24-bit/96kHz. You can connect Audirvana to an MQA-compatible DAC via USB, optical, or coaxial to get hardware decoding as well. Audirvana costs $74.99 for a lifetime license.
Roon is an American software that offers a rich and immersive experience for playing high-resolution music on your computer. It supports various formats, including FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, and MQA. It can also perform software decoding of MQA music up to 24-bit/96kHz. You can connect Roon to an MQA-compatible DAC via USB, optical, or coaxial to get hardware decoding as well. Roon also integrates with Tidal and Qobuz, so you can stream MQA music from these services. Roon costs $119.88 per year or $699.99 for a lifetime license.
How to Download MQA Music from Tidal on Computer and Mobile
If you want to download MQA music from Tidal, you need to follow these steps:
You need a Tidal HiFi Plus subscription to access MQA music
Tidal offers two types of subscriptions: Tidal Premium and Tidal HiFi Plus. Tidal Premium costs $9.99 per month and offers standard quality music (320 kbps). Tidal HiFi Plus costs $19.99 per month and offers high-resolution music (up to 24-bit/192kHz), including MQA music.
To download MQA music from Tidal, you need to have a Tidal HiFi Plus subscription. You can sign up for a free trial of Tidal HiFi Plus for 30 days on the Tidal website or app.
You need to enable Master quality in the settings
Once you have a Tidal HiFi Plus subscription, you need to enable the Master quality option in the settings of the Tidal app. This will allow you to stream and download MQA music from Tidal.
To enable Master quality on your computer, open the Tidal desktop app and click on the gear icon in the top right corner. Then, go to Streaming and select Master under Quality.
To enable Master quality on your mobile device, open the Tidal mobile app and tap on the gear icon in the top left corner. Then, go to Quality and select Master under Streaming and Download.
You need to download the songs or albums you want to listen offline
After enabling Master quality in the settings, you can download the songs or albums you want to listen offline in MQA format. To do this, you need to have enough storage space on your device.
To download a song or an album on your computer, open the Tidal desktop app and find the song or album you want to download. Then, click on the three dots icon next to the song or album title and select Download.
To download a song or an album on your mobile device, open the Tidal mobile app and find the song or album you want to download. Then, tap on the three dots icon next to the song or album title and select Download.
You can check the progress of your downloads in the Downloads section of the Tidal app. You can also manage your downloads by deleting or moving them.
How to Play MQA Music on Your Devices and Speakers
If you want to play MQA music on your devices and speakers, you need to follow these steps: You need a compatible DAC (digital-to-analog converter) to decode MQA music
A DAC is a device that converts digital audio signals into analog audio signals that can be played by headphones or speakers. Most devices have a built-in DAC, but they may not be able to decode MQA music properly.
To decode MQA music, you need a DAC that has MQA certification. This means that the DAC has been tested and approved by MQA to perform hardware decoding of MQA music. You can find a list of MQA-compatible DACs on the MQA website or on the websites of the DAC manufacturers.
Some of the popular MQA-compatible DACs are DragonFly Cobalt, iFi Audio ZEN DAC, Meridian Explorer2, and Chord Mojo. The prices of these DACs range from $100 to $600, depending on the features and quality.
You need a wired connection between your device and your DAC
To connect your device to your DAC, you need a wired connection, such as USB, optical, or coaxial. A wireless connection, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, will not work for MQA music, because it will degrade the sound quality and prevent the hardware decoding.
To connect your computer to your DAC, you need a USB cable. You can plug the USB cable into the USB port of your computer and the USB port of your DAC. You may also need to install some drivers or software for your DAC to work with your computer.
To connect your mobile device to your DAC, you need an adapter cable. You can plug the adapter cable into the headphone jack or the charging port of your mobile device and the USB port of your DAC. You may also need to change some settings on your mobile device to enable the audio output to your DAC.
You need a pair of quality headphones or speakers to enjoy MQA music
After connecting your device to your DAC, you need a pair of quality headphones or speakers to listen to MQA music. The headphones or speakers should have a good frequency response, dynamic range, and soundstage. They should also match the impedance and power output of your DAC.
Some of the popular headphones or speakers that are suitable for MQA music are Sennheiser HD 650, Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro, Focal Clear, and KEF LS50. The prices of these headphones or speakers range from $200 to $2000, depending on the brand and model.
MQA Music vs FLAC Music: Which One is Better?
MQA music and FLAC music are two of the most common formats for high-resolution music. But which one is better? Here are some of the pros and cons of each format:
FLAC is a lossless format that preserves the original sound quality
FLAC stands for Free Lossless Audio Codec, a format that compresses audio data without losing any information. This means that FLAC music sounds exactly the same as the original master recordings. FLAC music can have resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz, which is considered hi-res audio.
The main advantage of FLAC music is that it preserves the original sound quality without any degradation or distortion. You can play FLAC music on any device that supports FLAC format, without needing any special hardware or software. You can also convert FLAC music to other formats without losing quality.
MQA is a lossy format that uses compression and folding techniques to reduce the file size
MQA stands for Master Quality Authenticated, a format that compresses audio data using proprietary techniques. This means that MQA music does not sound exactly the same as the original master recordings. MQA music can have resolutions up to 24-bit/352kHz, which is higher than hi-res audio.
The main advantage of MQA music is that it reduces the file size significantly without sacrificing too much sound quality. You can stream or download MQA music more easily and save storage space on your device. You can also enjoy studio-quality sound with MQA-compatible hardware and software.
FLAC is more widely supported and compatible than MQA
FLAC is a more popular and established format than MQA. It has been around since 2001 and has been adopted by many online stores, streaming services, and devices. You can find a lot of FLAC music online and play it on most devices without any issues.
MQA is a newer and more niche format than FLAC. It was launched in 2014 and has been adopted by only a few online stores, streaming services, and devices. You can find only a limited amount of MQA music online and play it on only a few devices with some requirements.</p MQA may offer some advantages in terms of space-saving and streaming
MQA may have some benefits over FLAC in terms of space-saving and streaming. Because MQA music has smaller file sizes than FLAC music, it can save storage space on your device and bandwidth on your network. This can be useful if you have limited storage capacity or internet speed.
MQA may also offer a better streaming experience than FLAC. Because MQA music can be streamed at lower bitrates than FLAC music, it can reduce buffering and lagging issues. This can be helpful if you have unstable or slow internet connection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, MQA music is a new audio format that aims to deliver studio-quality sound in smaller file sizes. It requires specialized hardware and software to decode and play it properly. You can find and buy MQA music from some online stores and streaming services, such as Tidal, Qobuz, Highresaudio, and 2L. You can also download MQA music from Tidal on your computer and mobile device.
If you are an audiophile who wants to enjoy the best sound quality possible, you may want to give MQA music a try. However, you should also be aware of the limitations and requirements of MQA music, such as the compatibility, availability, and cost. You should also compare MQA music with other audio formats, such as FLAC, to see which one suits your preferences and needs better.
We hope this article has helped you understand how to download MQA music and how to play it on your devices and speakers. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.
FAQs
What devices support MQA music?
There are many devices that support MQA music, but they may vary in their decoding capabilities. Some devices can perform software decoding of MQA music up to 24-bit/96kHz, while others can perform hardware decoding of MQA music up to its original resolution.
Some of the devices that support MQA music are:
Device
Type
Decoding Capability
Tidal desktop app
Software
Up to 24-bit/96kHz
Tidal mobile app
Software
Up to 24-bit/96kHz
Audirvana
Software
Up to 24-bit/96kHz
Roon
Software
Up to 24-bit/96kHz
DragonFly Cobalt
DAC
Up to 24-bit/96kHz
iFi Audio ZEN DAC
DAC
Up to 24-bit/384kHz
Meridian Explorer2DAC
Up to 24-bit/192kHz
Chord Mojo
DAC
Up to 24-bit/768kHz
You can check the full list of MQA-compatible devices on the MQA website or on the websites of the device manufacturers.
How can I tell if a song is MQA or not?
There are several ways to tell if a song is MQA or not, depending on the source and the device you are using.
If you are streaming or downloading MQA music from Tidal, you can look for the MQA logo or the word "Master" next to the song or album title. You can also check the quality indicator in the playback screen, which should show "Master" or "HiFi/Master".
If you are playing MQA music from your own files, you can look for the MQA logo or the word "MQA" in the file name or metadata. You can also check the file extension, which should be ".mqa.flac" or ".mqa.wav".
If you are using an MQA-compatible DAC, you can look for the MQA logo or the word "MQA" on the display or LED of the DAC. You can also check the sample rate and bit depth of the DAC, which should match the resolution of the MQA music.
How much does MQA music cost?
The cost of MQA music depends on the source and the format you choose.
If you are streaming MQA music from Tidal, you need to pay $19.99 per month for a Tidal HiFi Plus subscription. This will give you unlimited access to over 70 million songs, including thousands of MQA songs.
If you are buying MQA music from online stores, such as Qobuz, Highresaudio, or 2L, you need to pay per song or album. The price of an MQA song or album may vary depending on the store, the artist, and the resolution. Generally, an MQA song may cost between $1 and $5, while an MQA album may cost between $10 and $50.
Is MQA music better than CD quality or hi-res audio?
This is a subjective question that may depend on your personal preferences and listening conditions. However, here are some general points to consider:
CD quality is the standard audio format that has a resolution of 16-bit/44.1kHz. It offers a good sound quality that is suitable for most listeners and devices. However, it may not capture all the details and nuances of the original master recordings.
Hi-res audio is any audio format that has a resolution higher than CD quality, such as 24-bit/96kHz or 24-bit/192kHz. It offers a better sound quality that is closer to the original master recordings. However, it may require more storage space and bandwidth than CD quality.
MQA music is a new audio format that has a resolution higher than hi-res audio, such as 24-bit/352kHz. It offers a studio-quality sound that is identical to the original master recordings. However, it may require specialized hardware and software to decode and play it properly.
Therefore, if you want to enjoy the best sound quality possible, you may prefer MQA music over CD quality or hi-res audio. However, if you want to enjoy a good sound quality without any hassle or extra cost, you may prefer CD quality or hi-res audio over MQA music.
What are some of the best albums or songs to listen in MQA?
There are many albums or songs that are available in MQA format and that can showcase the benefits of MQA music. Some of them are:
Hotel California by Eagles: This classic rock album from 1976 features the iconic title track, which has a complex and layered sound that can be appreciated in MQA format. You can hear the details of the guitar solos, the vocal harmonies, and the percussion instruments.
Thriller by Michael Jackson: This legendary pop album from 1982 features some of the most famous songs of all time, such as Billie Jean, Beat It, and Thriller. You can hear the crispness and clarity of the vocals, the bass lines, and the synthesizers.
Kind of Blue by Miles Davis: This masterpiece of jazz from 1959 features some of the most influential musicians of the genre, such as John Coltrane, Bill Evans, and Cannonball Adderley. You can hear the subtlety and nuance of the trumpet, the saxophone, and the piano.
Rumours by Fleetwood Mac: This iconic rock album from 1977 features some of the most memorable songs of the band, such as Go Your Own Way, Dreams, and The Chain. You can hear the emotion and intensity of the vocals, the guitar riffs, and the drums.
The Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd: This progressive rock album from 1973 features some of the most innovative and experimental songs of the band, such as Money, Time, and Us and Them. You can hear the richness and depth of the sound effects, the keyboards, and the vocals.
These are just some examples of MQA music that you can enjoy. You can find more MQA music on Tidal or other online stores that offer MQA music. 44f88ac181
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