TIDAL, a global audio streaming service, is now streaming MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) to deliver guaranteed master-quality recordings directly from the master source. TIDAL is the first streaming source to adopt the new technology to their streaming services.
In addition to offering MQA recordings, TIDAL has offered HiFi audio in previous years, so what’s the difference between the two? HiFi audio is considered an exceptional sound by all standards, but it is still limited in its resolution at 44.1 kHz /16 bit. MQA recordings are authenticated and unbroken versions (typically 96 kHz / 24 bit) with the highest-possible resolution— as the artist intended it to sound.
TIDAL HiFi members now have full access to over 30,000 tracks from Warner Music Group and key independent labels of master-quality albums through the TIDAL desktop application.
“TIDAL is committed to bringing members closer to their favorite musicians and offering MQA sound quality will allow subscribers to hear music just as it was recorded in the studio,” said a TIDAL representative. “We’re thrilled to bring master quality sound to our members.”
Mike Jbara, MQA CEO, said, “TIDAL is an artist-centric music company. We could not be more excited that they share our vision of having fans hear the authentic performance of their favorite music.”
To find a full list of MQA-enabled devices, visit the MQA website below.
Http iframes are not shown in https pages in many major browsers. Please read this post for details.The fact that people can now experience thousands of albums as MQA files via software decoding for $20 a month via Tidal Hifi/Masters without having to pay for a new MQA-certified DAC marks a major milestone in the audio industry.
If you do not have an account with TIDAL, you can sign up at TIDAL.com/Masters for a complimentary 60-day trial, and experience MQA streaming technology firsthand.
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