I have very similar views on the sound quality of MQA, and I think it probably relates to what source was used for the MQA mastering. The white glove and MQA transfers from the original master tapes were sublime, but if the existing PCM/red book version was simply passed through MQA (as I’m sure many were) the results were more variable, depending on the source quality.

I also agree that SE speakers are a significant step-up even with red-book and standard PCM. MQA might have been icing on the cake if the mastering was good, but SEs make the best of whatever source they’re fed. Amazing speakers.

I think it’s a matter of watch this space to see what happens with MQA and the new streaming service now that Lenbrook have acquired it. Perhaps the licensing won’t be so onerous, or it won’t be done in the same way as before. Perhaps a service which offers a choice for each track between MQA and PCM won’t attract the vitriolic trolling which occurred on Tidal…

HC: 861v4/ID40/LPS, DSP5000, DSP5000VC, DSP3100, SW1600, HD621, Oppo BDP-105, Sony VPL-HW55ES
2-Channel: Oppo BDP-105, TEAC VRDS-7/Trichord Clock 3/PSU, 551, Quad 303, Harbeth Compact 7ES-3, Kimber cables, Russ Andrews mains and supports.
Previous Meridian: 5000C, 5200SL, 7200.2, 6000, 562V.2, 568.2mm, 800v4, 808.2i, 818v2/v3, 861v8, 502