Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion MQA - Related technology, products and music Re: MQA status?

Time will tell if MQA makes it or is lost in time, just like some other "new techonolgies". Here are some "lost" inventions Laser Disc, Philips DCC, four channel hifi, Betamax, Philips 2000, Sony Mini Disc and DVD Audio. To speculate about somethings success is almost impossible.

Of course we can wish for a success. But right now only a few persons can actually say if MQA is superior to the existing techonolgies.

And it is not uncommon that new inventions struggle with problems in the begining.

But I hope for M and all other parties involved in MQA that they succed.

Cheers

The cost of repurchase of music regarding MQA for most is in all probability not as high as some fear.

Subscribers of Tidal will incur no extra expense if the stated aim of continuing with the current charging model is maintained.

Purchasing of downloads as replacements to existing libraries will surely be restricted to those that are played reasonably frequently. Those with libraries consisting of thousands of files are unlikely to play more than a small proportion more than once or twice so will in all likelihood be not inclined to purchase MQA versions of something that has not been played in the last five years, In my case Dark Side of the Moon - yes, Ummaguma - no

The analogy that springs to mind is that when I occasionally buy a movie, if I feel I will probably only watch it once then a standard DVD will suffice unless the price difference is minimal between it and Bluray. If I'm likely to watch it more than once then Bluray is my option. Now I come to think of it, the same applies to hardback and soft back books.

Of course, some will disagree but most of us have limited resources and will therefor cut our cloth accordingly.

Xanavi,

I tend to disagree, the failed formats were all passing formats that had rivals doing the same job already. This could be said for MQA but I consider that to be false.

MQA will be used to archive music, as from my understanding, nothing else gives the same accurate Analog sound with the added advantage of low storage requirements.

The music industry needs MQA as they can re sell the archive, save monies in distribution and deliver quality economically in a streaming world.

The audiophiles (in the main) want the best quality possible. There will always be the 'Flat Earth' brigade.

Hi Fi companies want to re juvinate their offerings and boost sales in the process.

Recording equipment suppliers have similar intentions throughout the complete recording chain.

The masses, in time will get used to better audio just as they have with video. When they understand this experiencialy, they won't want to go back.

Believe it or not, there are people in the music business who actually care about quality and with enough of them in key positions, will be able to exert their influence to make positive changes.

Nobody is taking poorer quality music away and the Flat Earthers don't have to buy it. (For Now).

Just solidifying my understandings and thoughts, Chris

There is a key to the revenue stream for existing catalogs. You are right, most of us will not splurge to replace our entire collection by re-purchasing it all in MQA for full fare. However, if there were an nominal UPGRADE fee we might convert our entire catalog which would certainly be additional revenue for the Warner, Sony, et al. The logistics may be slightly challenging, but Apple was successful when they upgraded files to non DRM.

I think the logistics might be more than "slightly challenging" with Apple, they would have had evidence that the files were purchased from them.

I think that this will be the push for companies like Tidal. 100 new MQA Albums = 8 years of subscription. If you're thinking of upgrading 1000 albums then the case is much stronger and that doesn't include new music.

Cheers
Tom

I think that the studio plan is to get as many people as possible upgrading to a premium paid subscription service vs. the "free" services offered by the likes of Spotify (which yield miserly payments to the content owners). MQA is the lure. For those of us who already subscribe to TIDAL HiFi, MQA is going to be a wonderful bonus.

Which makes sense for those that stream. Those of us that are often off the grid, that does not work very well. I prefer to possess the data file so that I may use it at any time.

John

That is an issue. It may be resolved by letting you sync data locally in the future. What did you do pre Sooloos ?

Cheers
Tom

Tom,

I purchase and store locally. For Hi Rez I buy the data files, for all else I buy CDs. I need to keep my Anniversary 808 exercised!

John

Is your internet connection not very reliable or is there another reason why you are off the grid? Do you need the files all in one geographical location or do you move them around? The new HNC phone will let you sync a limited number of tracks to it and it will support MQA.

Cheers
Tom

GMT,

I travel a fair amount by car/caravan/RV in remote parts and by boat on the ocean. I always like to have my music with me. In many places, access is of limited speed and can be quite costly, particularly if on an Iridium GO of AT&T hot spot.

There are more than a few folks who have their Sooloos in the car. Think about those folks who have McLarens, Land Rovers and Jags. Don't want to ignore them

It's too bad Tidal doesn't offer offline mode for PC/Mac, only mobiles and tablets.