Is MQA No Longer in Use?
The claim that "MQA is no longer in use" has emerged in light of recent developments surrounding the Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) audio format. This claim is fueled by MQA's financial troubles, including its administration in April 2023, and subsequent changes in streaming services that previously supported the format. However, the situation is complex, with conflicting reports about MQA's current status and future.
What We Know
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MQA's Administration: MQA Limited entered administration on April 3, 2023, which is a legal process similar to bankruptcy in the U.S. This was confirmed by multiple sources, including a statement from MQA itself, which indicated that while there was interest in acquiring the company, it was facing significant financial challenges [2][3].
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Acquisition by Lenbrook Industries: In September 2023, Lenbrook Industries acquired select assets of MQA Limited, suggesting that while the company faced severe financial issues, there was still interest in its technology [4][6]. This acquisition raises questions about the future of MQA and whether it will continue to be used or developed.
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Streaming Service Changes: Tidal, a major streaming service that supported MQA, announced plans to switch to Hi-Res FLAC format for its HiFi Plus subscribers shortly after MQA's administration [3]. This move has led to speculation about the viability of MQA as a format, especially given that Tidal had previously marketed MQA as a premium offering.
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Current Status of MQA: Despite the acquisition by Lenbrook, reports indicate that MQA is still in a state of transition. As of November 2023, discussions about MQA's future and its potential integration into existing audio systems continue, but the format's prominence has clearly diminished in light of Tidal's shift away from it [7].
Analysis
The claim that MQA is "no longer in use" requires careful examination of the context and the sources involved:
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Source Reliability: The information from Wikipedia [1] provides a general overview but lacks the depth necessary for a nuanced understanding of MQA's current status. Articles from What Hi-Fi? [2] and Headphonesty [3] offer more detailed accounts of MQA's financial troubles and the implications for streaming services, but they may carry a bias towards sensationalizing the situation due to the nature of the audio industry.
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Conflicting Reports: While Tidal's shift to Hi-Res FLAC suggests a move away from MQA, the acquisition by Lenbrook indicates that MQA technology may still have a future, albeit under new management. Forbes [6] and SoundStage! [4] provide insights into the acquisition, but they also reflect a degree of optimism that may not be universally shared within the audiophile community.
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Methodological Concerns: The analysis of MQA's status often relies on anecdotal evidence and industry speculation rather than concrete data. For example, Tidal's decision to support FLAC over MQA could be interpreted as a rejection of MQA's technology, but it could also reflect broader trends in the streaming industry towards more universally compatible formats.
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Potential Conflicts of Interest: Some sources may have affiliations with audio equipment manufacturers or streaming services that could influence their portrayal of MQA. For instance, articles from audio-focused publications might emphasize the benefits of alternative formats to align with their audience's preferences.
Conclusion
Verdict: Mostly False
The claim that "MQA is no longer in use" is assessed as "mostly false" due to the nuanced reality surrounding the format's status. While MQA Limited did enter administration and has seen a significant reduction in support from major streaming services like Tidal, the acquisition of its assets by Lenbrook Industries suggests that the technology may still have a future, albeit in a diminished capacity.
The evidence indicates that MQA is not entirely defunct, but its prominence and usage have clearly declined. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing discussions about MQA's integration into audio systems and potential developments under new management. However, the lack of definitive data and the reliance on anecdotal evidence create uncertainty about the format's long-term viability.
Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information regarding MQA and similar claims, recognizing that the audio industry is subject to rapid changes and varying interpretations of events.
Sources
- Master Quality Authenticated - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Master_Quality_Authenticated
- MQA audio: what is it? And should you care? - What Hi-Fi? https://www.whathifi.com/advice/mqa-audio-what-it-how-can-you-get-it
- Tidal Announces Hi-Res FLAC Format Amidst MQA's Bankruptcy - Headphonesty. https://www.headphonesty.com/2023/04/mqa-files-bankruptcy-tidal-switches-hi-res-flac/
- MQA's Second Chapter - SoundStage! Simplifi. https://www.soundstagesimplifi.com/index.php/feature-articles/275-mqas-second-chapter
- What is MQA? The controversial audio format fully explained - Digital Trends. https://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/what-is-mqa/
- Lenbrook Group Rescues MQA High-Resolution Audio Technology - Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/marksparrow/2023/09/19/lenbrook-group-rescues-mqa-high-resolution-audio-technology/
- The Rise and Fall and Maybe Rise Again of MQA - SoundStage! Solo. https://www.soundstagesolo.com/index.php/features/397-the-rise-and-fall-and-maybe-rise-again-of-mqa
- Tidal Completely Drops MQA - Alpha Audio. https://www.alpha-audio.net/streaming-audio/2024/06/tidal-completely-drops-mqa/
