Why MQA?
Because
MQA is a true paradigm shift, here and now. It really does "take you
there" to the emotional content, the expressions, the nuances, the
textures, the foundation, the intent of the artists known as musicians;
the heart and soul, the hands, belly and feet of the music.
The
increased realism and fidelity of MQA mastered and encoded music
recordings is such a paradigm shift, that many top studios, mastering
engineers, producers, musicians are happily embracing MQA, often with
sighs of relief as this is what their music was meant to sound like.
As
MQA is compatible with existing formats, standards, infrastructure;
here is what you need to do to enjoy the incredible fidelity of MQA:
Absolutely nothing.
Except,
relax and enjoy the incredible fidelity that MQA offers. To get the
full benefits, known as unfolding and rendering MQA, if you are so
inclined as an audiophile, there are many MQA certified audio DACs,
streamers, all in one players available. Consult your local dealer
(audio that is!) and have an audition.
It should be pointed out
that 33 Bowls has no fiscal or other remuneration from MQA. It's just
love of good music, intact to the listener.
~~~~~~~
Here's the deal:
I've met Bob Stuart, spent some time in a social setting breaking bread
and sharing stories. In spite of such limelight, he is kind and humble,
a wide bandwidth, multi faceted, yet down to earth genius who genuinely
has a love, a passion for music. The legendary genius Keith O. Johnson,
whom I have also had the pleasure of spending time with, looks up to
Bob Stuart as smart, very smart. As to credibility, Bob Stuart is a
recent recipient of the Prince Philip Medal from the Royal Academy of
Engineering, for his pioneering work in advancement of digital audio
reproduction, which became MQA. The Royal Academy of Engineering does
not take considerations for the Prince Philip Medal lightly; there is
considerable gravitas behind such an award. Bob Stuart joins the list
of esteemed innovators as the first and only recipient in the field of
audio. Trying to nitpick, second guess or outsmart Bob Stuart (or Peter
Craven) is as futile as trying to out punch Mike Tyson, or out listen
Bob Ludwig. They know what they are doing. None of the detractors, no
matter how shrill they shill, have that kind of track record on their
resume.
Link to The Royal Academy of Engineering
award
Link to some light reading, an AES paper by
Bob Stuart and Peter Craven documenting the genesis of MQA
Link to set of AES papers from 2019
Link to MQA, about MQA
Quote from Bob Stuart:
"MQA
has shifted the perspective and frame-of-reference so we need only
consider how to deliver the highest sound quality with astonishing
clarity and transparency. By designing for human listeners (instead of
scientific instruments) and for real music (instead of artificial
signals) we were able to put all the available power of digital
delivery into a human-appropriate system that values time over
frequency, that preserves micro-dynamics by enforcing a lower and
stable noise-floor, that identifies the whole music and delivers it
intact, but that does not waste energy on artifacts of technology."
An
automobile analogy:
MQA compared to previous digital audio is like
comparing a Tesla S Plaid to an internal combustion engine car: an
entirely new and greatly improved experience. Not everyone will get it,
but those who do are in for an exhilarating treat.
Deep
Gratitude to countless generations of Artisans
who listened to the Grand Muse; who practiced,
even mastered the Art of expressing the resonance
and coherence of the Universal Aum;
who crafted these and other Singing Bowls.
Your
memory lives on.