Here’s the thing with MQA - you only get 13 bits lossless. All the other data uses lossy compression. So in theory, you could get 9 db less dynamic range than 16/44.1 (though that’s unlikely in practice). To my ears, MQA prioritizes detail over dynamics. With with extremely dynamic transients, not only does MQA compress the impact a bit, but it leaves things sounding smeared in the time domain.
Earlier today, I compared the Tidal MQA of Jacob Collier’s Djesse Vol. 1 with the vinyl pressing. My speakers are flat down to 25 Hz. Digital playback was via an Apogee Element 24 running at 192k. At the same volume, I could kind of feel the MQA transients in my chest a bit, but the vinyl version actually made furniture rattle across the room, and I could feel it through the floor. So clearly transient response and bass linearity are issues for MQA. However, the MQA also had a subtly veiled sound, and that is definitely not the fault of the Apogee interface which inherently has a very direct sound.
The main promise of MQA is that they require certain mastering standards. But in my opinion, just master it to that standard, and release it as full lossless PCM/FLAC/ALAC at 24/96 or higher.
I did notice a certain lack of ambiance and sparkle with MQA. But I’m starting to wonder how much of that is just Tidal. Even with Tidal Hi-Fi, some supposedly lossless streams just don’t sound as good as the CD release - rolled-off high-frequencies, lack of textural detail, etc.
Like right now, comparing the Tidal Hi-Fi version of Miles Davis “Kind of Blue” with the Australian black CD pressing from 2005, the very first thing I noticed is that the tape hiss frequency on the CD is at least 1/2 octave higher than on Tidal. The differences in instrument timbres and textures is just stunning. I think Tidal may very well be doing something behind the scenes to try to save on the amount of data they transmit.
Well that was timely. My Amazon HD app updated this morning and it now has exclusive mode. It doesn’t seem to be actually taking control of my DAC, however. The bitrate on my DAC shows 192kHz (my Windows default setting) no matter the content. All other apps the DAC changes with the content. Any ideas?
I did not get the update pushed to my account yet, but I did download the desktop app from Amazon which included the exclusive option. I’m also observing the same thing that you and @Ohmboy are. The exclusive mode seems to only mute other apps but still outputs the bit and sampling rate that is whatever the audio device is set to. This happened through both optical and USB connections. Swing and a miss, Amazon
Edit: I’m also using Windows 10. But given @Ohmboy’s feedback it appears Amazon got pretty lazy with this feature across platforms.
I’ll probably try out Amazon HD when my son finishes college and the student discount is no more. By then maybe they’ll have resolved all the niggling issues you guys hate. In the mean time, I’m not a fan of contributing to Bezos’ wealth when I have an option.
Yep, I understand that. I was holding out on Amazon for this exclusive feature. Now that they’ve half-assed it, I think I’ll just stick with Spotify and Qobuz.
That’s completely valid. Amazon’s library is larger than Qobuz’s, which is why this exclusive mode failure is so disappointing. But Qobuz has the vast majority of the stuff I listen to and don’t already own. Spotify has the huge library too and also lets you seemlessly integrate their streaming catalog and your previously owned local files into the same playlists. I think Amazon will eventually get there, and I’ll look at them again when they get there.
MQA just makes me nervous about what DAC i will use so i can make the best of tidal (which im stuck with because student discount makes it cheaper than the amazon cult or qobuz)
