I want to set the record straight, because the misunderstanding and misinformation surrounding MQA is high.
MQA is only lossy in the sense that it doesn’t encode the entire rectangular Shannon space… because it doesn’t need to. Most of that Shannon space (e.g. 192k x 24-bits) is literally a complete waste of space and there is no information whatsoever in this discarded space which is relevant to human hearing.
MQA samples the audio three times, once for each “mode” of human hearing (environmental, animal noises, speech). This is revolutionary.
MQA makes use of non-linear sampling techniques for efficiency without compromising audible audio quality in the slightest. This is revolutionary.
MQA goes beyond digital to characterize flaws in the ADC itself, allowing for correction in a suitable (MQA-compliant) DAC. This is revolutionary.
MQA achieves an end-to-end smearing in the time domain of less than 10 microseconds, which it is now realized is critical for faithful reproduction of audio. This is an order of magnitude (10x) less than achieved by a simple, but state-of-the-art, studio system consisting of microphone, ADC, and DAC. This is revolutionary.
MQA was recently described as the greatest single advance in digital audio. Not only do I agree, but I’m basing all my future music plans around it.
I don’t work for Meridian, but am a fan and Meridian users forum moderator. I’ve heard MQA on three separate occasions and after blowing me away on the first, continued to leave me with a massive grin on my face after occasions two and three. It is the real deal, and Bob Stuart’s legacy to the world.