Will Naim adopt to Meridian MQA technology?

Posted by: AussieSteve on 21 July 2015

I have read some interesting reports on the new Meridian Master Quality Authenticated system which may revolutionize music. Is Naim going to consider or implement this format into it's products? It sounds very promising, and may be the 21st century answer to music reproduction.

Posted on: 22 July 2015 by joerand

Sounds like Meridian has perfected a new way of slicing bread. Time will tell if the sandwiches taste any better and whether or not folks are queuing up at their deli.

Posted on: 22 July 2015 by jon h

there is no point naim implementing the replay side until there is anyone of any note doing the transmit side.

Posted on: 22 July 2015 by Mr Underhill

Originally Posted by jon honeyball:

there is no point naim implementing the replay side until there is anyone of any note doing the transmit side.

Posted on: 22 July 2015 by Phil Harris

We had the MQA guys down several months ago to take a look at their 'tech'.

It's interesting but until / unless it gains some traction then as JH says there's not much point in implementing it just for the fun of it.

Phil

Posted on: 23 July 2015 by HansBeekhuyzen

For those interested: I did an extensive explanation on MQA in two videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_wxRGiBoJg

Posted on: 23 July 2015 by HansBeekhuyzen

Originally Posted by Wat:

MQA would only be of interest if I could convert some of my existing library to it for free and there was no discernible difference from the original - I have no intention of buying music again in yet another format

That sounds like you will not buy new music either....

Posted on: 24 July 2015 by HansBeekhuyzen

Originally Posted by Wat:

Very interesting video - especially the second part. Thank you.

From listening I came to the conclusion the MQA is not something that I will ever need. It suffers from the same problem as DSD without the advantages of that format. The problem is it is propietary so is mainly about making money for Meridian: this is fine if it is hidden cost is something like Tidal, but that is not a service I will ever use as I'm against music by subscription. If I wanted to use MQA then I would need encoding and decoding software, which presumably I would need to buy from Meridian, but I gain nothing from doing this. I can just play the original file. To be honest I cannot hear a difference between 24/48 and 24/192 on any samples I've tried. DSD invariably sounds better than PCM to me, on the other hand.

Of course, it may suit others. Personally I see no point in Naim, Linn or Chord implementing this technology in their digital products as it would increase the price without rewarding us with improved sound - seems like a lose/lose scenario.

Thanks for the compliment on the video.

As far as MQA is conceerned, let's just agree to disagree