FYI: MQA is a closed source, lossy audio format, unlike Flac, which is open source, is lossless and it can also be easily streamed (there are other music streaming services, like Qobuz, which use 24bit, 192 khz flac for streaming). From what I understand, MQA is actually based on FLAC, but it does not contain the same volume of data. To play MQA encoded files, because the encoding is closed source and the company that came up with MQA owns bot the encoding and decoding chain, everybody that touches that file has to pay a licence for the privilege of having touched that file. You do what you like with this information. Regarding the THX dongle dac, I would wait for comparisons with other dongle dacs, like HELM Bold (THX certified and MQA compatible), AudioQuest's Dragonfly series, Astell and Kern's PEE51, etc

@allansh828

3 жыл бұрын

I've been listened to a bunch of dongle DACs and I found dragonfly cobalt to be the most pleasant listen.

@NicholasLeicht

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you :)

@EnthusiasticGoat

3 жыл бұрын

Jesus we still using lossy to describe MQA? just because it's not perfect doesn't mean it's not good. We should all be glad we even have MQA at all even if it's not bit fucking perfect.

@johncreech6012

3 жыл бұрын

@@EnthusiasticGoat The problem is the claim that it is "Master Quality." A lossy codec, by definition, loses something, and therefore cannot be "Master Quality." I'm not asserting it isn't good. I'm stating their primary value proposition is definitively a lie. That's not a company or effort I'd want to support.

@divineatma

3 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/ooae1ddyXbngnsY.html Sad that so many companies are going the MQA support route due to consumer demand for them.

MQA is the lastest gimmick in hifi audio market

@jmchez

3 жыл бұрын

This very thorough analysis shows that MQA is worse than good old FLAC kzread.info/dash/bejne/ooae1ddyXbngnsY.html

@lordroyaltee

3 жыл бұрын

I think I'll just wait on god quality audio.

@AigisSSBM

3 жыл бұрын

*snake oil

Excellent review; even though I have no use for the Onyx at the moment, it was a delight to listen to your informative video.

Tempted to pick this up for my focal and shure headphones

Having that great boost in power can make a huge difference for a headsets when your music source is a phone, from what I understand. At least for headsets that are power hungry.

I hadn't heard of this before yesterday. I wonder how well it would make my old workhorse Sony MDR-V600s sound

When you got a device that is identifying a lossy audio format as "best" quality you know it is something to run clear away from. lol

@fluxtothemax23

3 жыл бұрын

Bro, that's such a condescending comment. I bet it's a good DAC but I bet THX has a partnership with MQA and Tidal. And most people don't know/can't tell the difference between lossy and lossless formats so I wouldn't get nit-picky.

@zeroibis

3 жыл бұрын

@@fluxtothemax23 It is one thing to release a product that supports a questionable standard. It is another thing entirely to lead ignorant customers to believe that said standard is "best" or for that matter better than other standards in so far as audio quality is concerned. At the end of the day it is a question of if you want to support a company who is misleading customers to believe that a lossly format could ever be better than a lossless one. There has been other companies who have added MQA support in order to meet market demand while also not drinking the Koolaid and continuing the charade. Such things are bad for the industry and bad for the customer who seeks to receive a lossless master.

@fluxtothemax23

3 жыл бұрын

@@zeroibis I'm sorry but from my experience working in sound design and production sound mixing as well as being a pretty hardcore audiophile, I don't really think there's a major difference between 24-bit lossy and 24-bit lossless formats. Sure, you and I might be able to tell the difference but the average consumer doesn't. I don't think MQA and Tidal is fair towards music distribution and the licensing war for Hi-Res Music and MQA-decoded media is an entirely different debate where I often criticize MQA. But, at the end of the day, I still use Tidal on my smartphone and THX is trying to get high end audio onto the market for the average consumer. YOU don't need to buy this dongle, you probably have a decent audio system at home with all the lossless media you can own. I own lossless formats on my PC because I'm huge into owning music and I have this "What-If" scenario where I can just use the 24-bit track for a sound design scenario. Other than that, on my phone, everything is either streamed through Tidal or played back through purchased FLAC files through Qobuz. I respect your dedication to knowing the differences but audiophile shit is subjective. Don't bash someone for showing interest in an entry-level product, it was never designed for us in mind.

@fluxtothemax23

3 жыл бұрын

@@zeroibis Also, have you tried keeping an eight minute track at 24-bit, 192 kHz in WAV on your phone? Not worth the 525.46 MB of space. I'd rather repackage that in FLAC for space sake. That figure came from a WAV file size for Miles Davis' "The Man I Love".

@zeroibis

3 жыл бұрын

@@fluxtothemax23 FLAC is a lossless format and is open source for that matter, who is claiming an issue with FLAC? I completely agree, all my music storage is in FLAC.

Will this do 24bit/192kHz? I’m just trying to find out if this will work for Apple Music at the absolute highest settings.

Any chance this would work with car audio? Plugging into USB port and using an iPhone? This THX Onyx is amazing. Thanks

I'd like to hear you compare thee sound of these with that using a Dragonfly Red or Cobalt

Awesome! Thanks for the informative video.

How's it compared to AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt? Does it drain phone battery really quick like the dragonfly?

@damau5687

3 жыл бұрын

Much better than cobalt.

MQA is so shady and overrated. Added audible noise? Check. Scamming users? Check - Neil Diamond had even pulled his library from Tidal. He did not give them the master recordings, and yet they claimed to be streaming “studio master quality”.

@ceddy1031

3 жыл бұрын

Totally ! Moved to Qobuz Hi-Res. True 24/192khz

Should I get the 80ohms or 250ohms Headphones while using this THX device?

Can this work and enjoy the THX feature? Connection PC -> THX dongle - Gaming Headphones? Or PC-> Rode NT USB mini -> THX Dongle -> Regular Headphones

I’d like to use this for just the amp quality on my truck audio

Any dongle dacs recommendations for the pixel 6? Heard there was some compatibility issues.

Might a pair of Sennheiser IE 200's that are coming soo. Would I need something like this, or would the samsung usbc to 3.5 adapter be good enough?

Can I connect a speakers on it, or only a headphone? Thank you.

I'm not a big fan of sabre dacs but they are low power, I'm thinking the main selling point is the excellent AAA amp technology.

Thanks for a great review.

For those who wonder: it has a little different sound signature, comparing to DragonFly, and they both inferior to Lotoo PAW S1. If you want TOTL dongle-DAC, go Lotoo or Luxury & Precision W1/W2.

Would this be a decent desktop amp?

I might upgrade to the THX Onyx someday. Before I ask any questions though, I must share my knowledge of and experience with MQA. I know that it removes distortion and noise from the recordings, but I’ve read that it replaces it with its own distortion and noise because of the leaky filters it uses. I have a Lenovo YOGA 730 laptop and a Dragonfly Red DAC that is paired with two AudioEngine 5 Bamboo speakers and when they’re all connected, the result sounds blurry like a Compact Disc of an Analog recording that was quickly transferred from the master tapes. Before the speakers broke in, MQA files sounded like a very harsh version of the studio performance. I also have a Fiio 10 DAC and amplifier that is paired with a pair of Sennheiser HD 650 Headphones and when I hook that up to my laptop and play an MQA file the results sound very open and spacious but dry and very electronic. Drums and bass sound somewhat closer to an old Razr phone than how they should actually sound in a recording studio. This only happens with MQA files. Are these results of improper implementation of MQA, improper deciding of the file, or counteraction between the sound signatures of my laptop and speakers or laptop and headphones, or both? I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t hear such blemishes when pairing the THX Onyx with my laptop and with my headphones or speakers.

I'm a bit late to the topic, but I gotta say.....My go to device was a dragonfly red and I was happy with it but I found the Onyx through a open box sale at just over half price so I ordered it. I ended up selling my dragponfly and use this exclusively now with my LG phone. I inherited a large number of MQA encoded classic rock songs and I find it difficult to express just how much better they sound via the Onyx. I went looking for the Onyx on your recommendation, so thanks a bunch. I would have gladly paid full price for it.

@stuffmikebought

Жыл бұрын

I was literally watching this video trying to decide if I needed to upgrade from my DragonFly Red to the Onyx

Does this work on avr receiver. If not does anyone know if there are similar lossless dac streamers that will work with avr’s

Hello, Is it possible to use this device with a Bose Companion 3 or lies the focus only on headphones? Thanks for any comment you might have!

@gilbertrenebogaert2316

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, great idea in the car!

Like the video! Think it would help quality connect to iPhone 13 to a JBL flip 4 or 5?

Thoughts of using this to run audio through a vehicle vs just using Bluetooth.

Simply said, AMAZING ❗️👌

For the love of God, will someone please test this device out with gaming systems?

Anyone know which is better : This or E1DA 9038D ?

I wonder how this compares to my dragonfly black DAC

Where did you get that stand behind you for the Quest VR?

This is the greatest dongle DAC I have heard. I love this DAC!

Found Asus Rog Clavis with the same chipset. Would you say they are the same?

Will it drive my Audeze magnetic planars?

How can I use this with my stereo receiver at home

I'm curious how this sounds when used in combination with an iPhone and the Airpods Max?

@johncreech6012

3 жыл бұрын

If you're using Airpods Max in wireless, then you're still just hearing Apple's DAC (since the conversion from digital to analog occurs in the headphone). I believe the Airpods Max can be used in a wired configuration, but only with Apple's Lighting to analog adapter... so again, you're using Apple's DAC built into that cable.

I have this DAC does anyone know if it can power the moon drop para

I really like the concept of this little device. I have the Creative S-XFi AMP which works very similarly. Also have the Geek Out 450 which is also a very clean and powerful little USB DAC, but it’s a bit bigger....Unfortunately I am now convinced that MQA is a rip-off that hikes the price unnecessarily for no benefit or even added distortion. Thanks to MQA we have a device that could have been $30 to $50 cheaper making it more accessible to people.

Would this work on a Projector?

Great content, mate! Thx 😊

@9to5toys

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

@lolkenen6249

3 жыл бұрын

lol ”Thx”

How does this compare to the AudioQuest Dragonfly series (black, red, cobalt)?

@varunu4176

3 жыл бұрын

I would also love to know how they compare to the LG V30's internal DAC.

@al201103

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah - given that this video is titled "I've never heard anything like it" I would hope that he's heard some of the MANY audiophile type options which are out there. Dragonfly would be top of the list for comparison.

@praxis22

3 жыл бұрын

I have the black, I tried the cobalt but sent it back the next day as the rolloff in the bass was really off-putting.

@herbertsaugust

3 жыл бұрын

@@praxis22 I've got the red and absolutely love it. Definitely worth the money.

@gullibleskeptic3237

3 жыл бұрын

@@praxis22 Bass rolloff? Its perfectly flat on mine.

Can I use this on my iPhone 11 and newer?

Is there a huge bass sound on thing?

So wireless headphones/earbuds are sol?

I was looking threw your video list.. Dam.. You have a long list of videos.. A lot of them that look cool 😎. Some stuff I did not know. Thank you for having a cool tech channel 😎..

Can you use this with a ps5 or xbox series x??

I'm sure you're going to get a lot of people complain about MQA, it has a bad rep with Audiophiles. That said I have a THX AAA 789, it's a good amp.

Order. Waiting!!!

Does it work with Samsung S21 ultra?

MQA is a huge scam, it's kind of like a gimped flac file with extra DRM sauce. The gaming industry returned from this DRM shenanigans after gamers noticed the decreased performance. The THX dongle measures worse than dongles at half the price. Don't be fooled people. It looks nice though.

@SRC267

2 жыл бұрын

What's a good portable DAC for my phone?

@aviatoFPV

2 жыл бұрын

@@SRC267 unironically, apple dongle

@SRC267

2 жыл бұрын

@@aviatoFPV will it work for my new Xperia I IV I just got this week, or is this phone good enough that o don't need a DAC?

Will buy it if they release the lightning version.

@CxdyDxniel

3 жыл бұрын

They made it usb c so it can be used with any device. You have an iPhone so you need an adapter since Apple is greedy. Literally everything else from windows, Mac, android and headphones is usb c. Usb C is the future!

@allansh828

3 жыл бұрын

NYC Person The only Hi-Fi lightning headphone amp that I know is Fender AE1i. Although Fender is reputable brand, I doubt if it is any good at mere 1/2 of the price of AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt.

Does it work for Consoles like PS5 or Xbox SX?

Can you use this with a goxlr

I wonder how this would sound say playing cod mobile or similar mobile apps?

I wonder if this will work in the xbox series x?

Could you use this with quest 2

If I get a hold of this, the first thing I'm gonna do is get the best pair of headphones I have (probably my Logitech G430) and play the THX Deep Note at maximum volume. That way, I know that I - the audience - am listening.

@charlestannehill7537

3 жыл бұрын

Use some beyerdynamics dt770's or sennheisers hd600's. You'll appreciate it.

@bardenhick2121

3 жыл бұрын

Or even better, a set of planars. Planar sub bass is insane

@charlestannehill7537

3 жыл бұрын

@@bardenhick2121 yes, but really expensive.

@bardenhick2121

3 жыл бұрын

@@charlestannehill7537 depends, he400 series is sub 200

@charlestannehill7537

3 жыл бұрын

@@bardenhick2121 don't have any experience with the he400's. They may have insane bass reproduction, but what about mids and highs? Usually hard bass drowns out.

What about taking calls? If I take a call will this handle mic of the earphones?

@TheRusselmuscle

3 жыл бұрын

The literature I read about the onxy says it will operate an inline mic. That's one totally necessary thing for me too, along with the inline controller being operational too. The literature didn't say anything about the inline controller. I have to be on call when playing with my audio equipment.

@imopn

3 жыл бұрын

@@TheRusselmuscle Agree. Hopefully some reviewers will test it. I think most of us will use it for work and play so feels a bit like it should be tested more broadly than just audio playback.

MQA is a bummer... can you disable it? And how is MQA best quality? Better over DSD? HOW?

Does it work with lossless?

Price is a bit discouraging since we should have healthy competition in this department, but for top notch, small and sleek design, not so many yet. As someone else said, if it's touted to offer master quality but it's not true, and lossy, then nah. Asking too much then.

How is this for gaming?

I found it difficult to ignore the annoying background audio bleed.

Was super interested till we got to iPhone dongle city... I'll stick with the Fiio i1 till they work that out

When this available in India

Why the fuck is that headphone input named after the orgy scene passphrase from eyes wide shut?

Does it work with CarPlay?

Dam.. Dam... You sir have a new subscriber.. Dam.. This was an incredible video. Very informative, & educational as well..

I can't help but be afraid that this "dongle" will break or get damaged just as easy every other dongle I've used that eventually breaks over time. Has anyone experienced this with the onyx?

@jonathanoxlade4252

3 жыл бұрын

Everything breaks eventually don't headphone cables wear out aswel Everything wears out eventually

@KenStarks

Жыл бұрын

I've been using mine daily for over a year and was apprehensive about this too. No need. it folds over nicely without any strain or wear into my shirt or pants pocket without any breakage. I ended up damaging my dragonfly red within the first 2 months.

Ok I’m confused. Latency please?

DSD and high-bitrate PCM (96/192) are FAR better than MQA

@Dave30867

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah we know , The people who do not are not switched on they just read what they see and believe it .

What a nightmare for anyone wanting lightning DAC. I’m about to buy a Fiio but hate that it will only work with my PC & iPad and requires that damn adapter for my iPhone. The frustration of this has made me just hold off on buying while debating which two(!) devices would be best for my situation/use cases. Seems that someone should be able to make a DAC that converts more easily between lightning & type C…. But not so far. :/ I did however enjoy your review of the Onyx though and it gives hope that the legendary THX could come out with other consumer products-maybe even a desktop version.

@Kaiser333333

3 жыл бұрын

I would consider myself and audiophile (have multiple dacs/amps/high end headphones/ etc I use with my computer) and honestly I’d tell you just use Bluetooth headphones with your iPhone like Sony/Bose/surface, etc. it’s not worth the hassle to cart around all these stupid dongles to try and get better audio out of your iPhone. Just accept Bluetooth convenience (but lower quality) and enjoy not carrying around tons of extra bullshit. One day there might be some Apple headphones with h1 chips which aren’t stupidly overpriced.

I need to watch this again. The first time around I did not understand. This gadget is an external sound card over USB with some fancy certifications. MQA sounds (metaphorically) like a scam. I am honestly interested in this, just I don't grasp the idea the first time.

The next iPhone will most likely have a hi-fi DAC built in. Since Apple Music will have Lossless I have heard rumours that they are going to provide a better DAC in the next iPhone.

Spotify's highest audio quality is called "Very high" and says "equivalent to approximately 320kbit/s." I don't know the conversion. Where does that put Spotify on the chart @ about 2 min 3 sec? Many thanks!

@Frana908

3 жыл бұрын

Hi, Spotify uses the Ogg Vorbis codec to compress the tracks and the "very high quality" music that Spotify claims, in reality, is very lossy. For instance, a CD track (16bit/44.1kHz) has a 2x bitrate than the best Spotify quality. A "very high quality" audio would be a 24bit/192kHz (More than 10x bitrate) FLAC like Qobuz and Amazon Music HD provides. Note that the MQA codec is closed-source, and it has a horrible rep because of upsampling, licensing etc.. I can link you some Wikipedia pages so you can understand better. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vorbis en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FLAC en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sampling_(signal_processing) audiophilestyle.com/ca/reviews/mqa-a-review-of-controversies-concerns-and-cautions-r701/ I hope this comment is helpful for you!

@Corrupted-file

3 жыл бұрын

@@Frana908 Nice. 🤘🏼

@garyz777

3 жыл бұрын

@@Frana908 thank you so much for answering my question and with great thoughtfulness, detail and expertise. I love music and chose Spotify Pandora to build my libraries and stations. The sound quality is only fair on their highest quality. I'll do more digging into the links you provided.I have a lot to learn. Blessings!

I'm a bit confused. If the phone doesn't decode mqa then plugging this in my phone won't decode mqa either right? I mean most phones makes all music 44khz right? This can't remake that to mqa right?

@Max-ll9dq

3 жыл бұрын

right

@kellycny65

3 жыл бұрын

Depends on your music source. Tidal is the only streaming service that supports MQA. Qobuz doesn’t because its streams come directly from the masters, so MQA isn’t needed. I’ve used Qobuz and Tidal, and I think Qobuz sounds better.

@herbertsaugust

3 жыл бұрын

Both FLAC and ALAC can contain the MQA codec, so it's possible to listen to MQA files on phones that play these formats. And, using the data port (USB C or Lightning) bypasses the onboard DAC/AMP on these phones allowing the THX or AudioQuest DAC to decode the lossless files. Also, as mentioned, even lossy MP3s recorded above 320kbps will benefit from the DAC's ability to boost certain levels in the translation. Granted, most of the nuance will be lost if the user isn't using higher impedance (at least 32ohm) cans.

@kellycny65

3 жыл бұрын

@@herbertsaugust Understood. But there are DAC/amps with equal or better specs for less than half the price. That's my point. MQA is a bit of a gimmick, as proven by Qobuz. That streaming service doesn't require or use it because its files are taken directly from the master. MQA is just a BS, proprietary format that creates a walled garden and a need for unnecessary (and higher-priced) equipment to use Tidal and Amazon Music HD. I A/B/C'd Tidal, Qobuz and Amazon Music HD extensively over the holidays in 2019, and Qobuz was the clear winner, pun intended.

@herbertsaugust

3 жыл бұрын

@@kellycny65 I agree that HiFi audio is lost on the majority. Improvements in the compression codecs for MP3s has narrowed the gap for acceptable recordings. That said, for everyday listening and general improvement over the DAC embedded in the phone software, devices like the THX and Dragonfly do improve (to my ears) the overall sound of the recording. So, while THX is touting its ability to decode the MQAs at the consumer level, if it operates like AudioQuest, it should make listening to good recordings a little more fun.

Nice review. How about high ohm headphones? Like a sennheiser hd650 or something similar? If it shines with those, then I am sold.

@allansh828

3 жыл бұрын

Jimi Mostler HD650 is a trap. It requires a desktop setup, but the sound quality of 650 doesn't deserve that kind of expense. You'd better find another slightly more expensive but easier to drive pair of headphones over HD650.

@charlestannehill7537

3 жыл бұрын

@@allansh828 my LG V60 drives my beyerdynamic Custom studio's just fine. You just have to have quality hardware. Not necessarily a pc.

@houssamalucad753

3 жыл бұрын

@@charlestannehill7537 says that while having the best phone dac around, an easier headphone to drive than the HD650 and thinking the op meant a PC and not a desktop amplifier...

@charlestannehill7537

3 жыл бұрын

@@houssamalucad753 the custom studio's are 80 ohm, not 32. So, most phones can't drive them properly. The 32 bit quad DAC makes a huge difference. Plugged them into my daughter's phone and they sounded muted. I also have a pair of 250 ohm dt770's which I use on my V60 as well. But any decent pc with a sound card will drive high ohm impedance headphones. Making this portable DAC useless in that aspect. This is best for phones with a standard headphone jack. And it sounds like you're implying that I don't know what I'm talking about. I have two friends who have audio engineering degrees. I learned everything I know from them.

@houssamalucad753

3 жыл бұрын

@@charlestannehill7537 the HD650 is 300 ohm, even more than your studios. I'm not implying you are ignorant, just that you have a better dac in your phone and an easier headphone to power, which means you can't really make comparisons with him. Also I believe he meant a desktop amplifier like the Schiit Magni or Heresy, not motherboard audio...

Thank you but what about those of us who don't use Apple and prefer better codecs?

@9to5toys

3 жыл бұрын

It’s usb-c native so works with pretty much any other other device, esp with the included usb-a adapter. But the MQA rendering is pretty neat!

@allansh828

3 жыл бұрын

Jimi Mack Use USB Audio Player Pro on Android or Audirvana on Win/Mac for bit-perfect audio transport.

MQA? No thanks.

MQA is a breakthrough technology? High res has been around for decades though....

@elk3407

3 жыл бұрын

MQA is pretty garbage. It's worse then every other high res audio standards

It's only for MQA? no thanks, i'll stick to my higher quality FLACs

THX Onyx vs sxfi amp?

Chord Mojo is still the king 👑 of portable Dacs. Not ultra portable like this or the Dragon flavors nor as cheap but literally no comparison in overall soundstage, dynamics,and smoothness. Your source is high quality and your speakers/headphones are also up to the task! If this guy says he's never heard anything like it he is clearly out of his lane to be reviewing this equipment IMHO. The iFi xDSD is suppose to also be in the league of the Mojo but have not heard it.

I just recently purchased this product and had I knew the truth about mqa and after hearing Neil Young say that the product that Tidal was pushing as Master Quality couldn't be because he's the only one that has access to those files and he never sent them to be rendered... Anyways my Onyx is still a really good product and I have no regrets except for the one month of Tidal.

Did I miss the price ?

OMG look at that dongle war 0:58

FIRE!! must get!!!!!!!!!!!

Very rare for me to thumbs down a video, but this comes across much more like a sponsored infomercial than a review. I'm sorry. No comparisons to relevant competing tech - Audioquest Dragonfly, iBasso USB DAC/Amps, low to mid tier DAPs No mention of frequency range, either on paper or in real life. No mention of output power wattage No mention of battery drain in use Majority of spoken information seems to be taken directly from marketing literature. It's the lack of comparisons that really marks this down - essential in any audio review in my opinion. With so many people providing informative, balanced, well-produced reviews of audio gear, you really need to at least match their level of content. Sorry to be harsh - hope this is helpful for the future.

It always blown my mind away when people claim MQA is better than DSD or even lossless FLAC.

Is the Panda worth getting??

@gullibleskeptic3237

3 жыл бұрын

Not really. Check out Oluvs gadgets video about it. The soundcore life q30 sounds better for a fraction of the price and has more features.

Sooo.. digital audio converted to analog back into a digital device ?

@Silberarm

3 жыл бұрын

No. You convert a digital information into a analog signal that can be used by f. ex. a headphone. Digital information is represented by 1 and 0 like pictures, video, etc. The DAC takes the information and generates an electric signal based on the information. Imagine the DAC as a graphic card and the headphone as a monitor.

My Main Use Would Be For Watching Movies At Work During Breaks

*THX portable Circuitry is UNRELIABLE* I've had the THX Onyx and a Fiio Q3. I had the Q3 and used it for testing headphones, but at some point the amp made a weird popping noise and the treble was just done. Since I liked the sound, I got the THX onyx, and lo and behold, same issue happens when switching headphones. I'm skeptical of THX AA ratings now

"DSD - Better Quality | MQA - Best Quality"???? For real? What a joke...

this little devices same what im using Dragon Fly Red the downside is the price but audio amazing do

In what strange world is MQA (lossy) superior to DSD (lossless)? This sounds like a contractual obligation for those who buy licensing from MQA. No audio purist or audiophile would ever make that claim. I am a supporter of MQA and enjoy the way it accentuates the sound, but I also fully recognize that DSD is superior in term of purity of sound, sampling rate and amount of data within the file itself. This is where you need to know your equipment and recognize whether you system is set up for pure analog, digital with MQA focused hardware/streamer, digital with a DSD focus or a mix of all three. For the average person, MQA sounds great because of the way it lets the instruments bloom at a very low price. Once your ears go beyond the bloom and seek a ruthless reproduction of the original recording, DSD and an serious investment in audiophile equipment is the next step along the endless pursuit of the best sound for you. There is a reason Beats sold a gazillion sets of low cost headphones. It accentuates the bass to the levels where people get the same euphoric feeling of standing in front of a huge PA system while plugged into their iPhone. From a purist’s perspective though, no audiophile would ‘waste’ their money on Beats and see cans north of $1-2K, a $1K amp and a $1K DAC as decent start into personal audio. I wouldn’t refer to MQA as snake oil, nor would I say it’s the best thing since sliced bread. Rather, it is what it is....a audio format that sounds fun and lively which one can enjoy but it certainly isn’t the best audio format out there.

"MQA , the best quality"?......LoL

@Nonx47

3 жыл бұрын

For streaming, yes

@ceddy1031

3 жыл бұрын

@@Nonx47 Of course not. Qobuz Hi-Res is.

@Nonx47

3 жыл бұрын

@@ceddy1031 ehhh I wouldn't be so sure about that. Touting the highest data doesn't always equate to better sound. I would read link I have pasted down below... this is just to give you a better idea... A lot of the master tracks sound better on tidal, and not only that, but tidal has more options of songs and albums even if they're not in the highest sound quality. Here's an excerpt - But when it comes to hi-res streams, Qobuz is distinctly second best. In our previous review of the Sublime+ tier, we noted “a lack of unity to the sound, compared to the same recordings delivered by Tidal Masters”, and that remains the case.- Here's the link, if you'd like scroll down to the sound section. www.whathifi.com/us/qobuz/review There's more too. I have tried both, and I prefer tidal for many reasons.

@ceddy1031

3 жыл бұрын

@@Nonx47 Yes I agreed. Tidal has more selections but sorry it didn't pass the audio test from my systems. Tidal Album who claims 24/192khz, it shows only 24/96 from my McIntosh preamp. Then I played the same Album with 24/192khz , My MC shows exactly what the source playing. I could care less what-hi wrote on their review. I only trust my ears and what I see.

@ceddy1031

3 жыл бұрын

@@Nonx47 I agreed with you that Tidal has more songs selections and albums. But I tested their MQA 24/192 albums on my system, it shows only 24/96. When I playback the same Album from Qobuz Hi Res, my McIntosh preamp shows exactly from the source Qobuz provided which is 24/192khz. I have tested that many many times with different songs and albums, little disappointed. All their MQA sampling numbers don't match. Don't get me wrong, they don't sound as bad. I could care less what-Hifi' review say about Qobuz, there are always fake reviews. All I trust is my equipment, especially my Focal No3, my eyes and ears. Btw I still have both accounts for comparison lol