The latest dogfight on MQA at Stereophile

[Rust]

Warner Music Group jumps on the MQA bandwagon, the discussion in the comments section gets heated, Charles Hanson from Ayre makes some pretty good technical points, and reveals the new Ayre will decode HDCD encoded files or discs.

[MylesBAstor]

Here's the link:

http://www.stereophile.com/content/w...VhM4bIlwzpM.97

Deja vu all over again. Shades of 1980 and best thing since sliced bread. Cram it down people's throats and then find out the problems after it's been adopted.

[Hugh]

I really don't understand why people love to fight over, IMO, frivolous things.
One man trash is another man treasure.
Why can't we just enjoy the music!

[1morerecord2clean]

I really don't understand why people love to fight over, IMO, frivolous things.
One man trash is another man treasure.
Why can't we just enjoy the music!

Really good point Hugh. Everyone seeks their audio nirvana, where have I heard that phrase before? Unfortunately digital has been such a broken bag of tricks since its inception that the powers that be out there keep trying to make it better and keep coming up short even with the best gear and the best software. Records and turntables just won't quit as we can easily see from Munich. It's too bad. Digital has so much going for it-better bandwidth, better channel separation, more easily controlled bass management. Unfortunately it continues to fall short of the best musical presentation.

[rbbert]

I really don't understand why people love to fight over, IMO, frivolous things.
One man trash is another man treasure.
Why can't we just enjoy the music!

That would be best, but the problem is these "format wars" get in the way of that, either by making the music harder to obtain, or not sound as good as it can, and probably other negative effects as well (to say nothing of the effects on our pocketbooks)

[Rust]

I am somewhat put out by the near hysteria displayed by the Stereophile reviewers/staff over critical commentary regarding MQA. In particular Atkinson essentially stating their opinions should be accepted as gospel and any other opinion thus irrelevant. And sounding somewhat shrill and alarmed in the process. On the other side of the gushing glittering bandwagon hype, many folks whose opinions have merit are less than impressed with MQA based on listening to the same demos.

So, from my perspective, to enjoy the "benefits" of I must purchase new hardware, must purchase new software to replace my existing library at likely $25.00 or more a pop and believe that there is no DRM or spyware involved. Oh, and I am not actually purchasing the music but an end users agreement which likely completely indemnifies everyone except me. With no verifiable proof it actually does anything better.

Over the years I've skipped El-Cassette, Beta, HD-DVD, DVD-A, SACD, the so far stillborn Music Blu-Ray and downloads in general based on a wait and see attitude and limited discretionary funds. Other than convenience I see no advantage in a file based system, and for that I can rip the music I already own.

[Billy Shears]

If someone brings up the second world war in a discussion about Audio, that means the discussion has lost all contact with reality....A clear sign to get out with your sanity still intact...

[MylesBAstor]

That would be best, but the problem is these "format wars" get in the way of that, either by making the music harder to obtain, or not sound as good as it can, and probably other negative effects as well (to say nothing of the effects on our pocketbooks)

It seems to me to be the same old ploy by the record labels. Go to the record labels and tell them you have developed something makes their music releases sound like you are there. What do you think the first thing will be out of their mouths? Will it make me more money. Plain and simple truth.

[rbbert]

And a frequent corollary; will it make money for just "me" ("me" being the record company in this case)?

[atmasphere]

In particular Atkinson essentially stating their opinions should be accepted as gospel and any other opinion thus irrelevant. [snip]

So, from my perspective, to enjoy the "benefits" of I must purchase new hardware, must purchase new software to replace my existing library at likely $25.00 or more a pop and believe that there is no DRM or spyware involved. Oh, and I am not actually purchasing the music but an end users agreement which likely completely indemnifies everyone except me. With no verifiable proof it actually does anything better.

Over the years I've skipped El-Cassette, Beta, HD-DVD, DVD-A, SACD, the so far stillborn Music Blu-Ray and downloads in general based on a wait and see attitude and limited discretionary funds. Other than convenience I see no advantage in a file based system, and for that I can rip the music I already own.

Atkinson has been at that game a long time.

I know a technology that has that 'you are there' quality... the LP. What's old is new again

+1

[Long Live Analog]

+2

[cpp]

All I see is another format for the music labels the music streamers, the Hi-Rez download sites and the DAC makers to make a little but of money off the next wiz bang thing to hit the audio world. What's next the reintroduction of the 8 track tape.

[mep]

All I see is another format for the music labels the music streamers, the Hi-Rez download sites and the DAC makers to make a little but of money off the next wiz bang thing to hit the audio world. What's next the reintroduction of the 8 track tape.

Nah. Everybody whoever owned an 8 track tape player back in the day always knew they sucked and they didn't suck any less on their way out of the commercial marketplace.

[MylesBAstor]

All I see is another format for the music labels the music streamers, the Hi-Rez download sites and the DAC makers to make a little but of money off the next wiz bang thing to hit the audio world. What's next the reintroduction of the 8 track tape.

Cassette.

[mep]

I'm going to wait until my NAK deck is worth at least $1k and then I will sell it. Hopefully to some hipster with black glasses and some facial hair that looks just like every other hipster who is trying to look uniquely cool.

[Rust]

Believe it or not, there is a market for refurbished Nakamichi decks, I believe it is the 1000 (?) more so than the Dragon.

[MylesBAstor]

All I see is another format for the music labels the music streamers, the Hi-Rez download sites and the DAC makers to make a little but of money off the next wiz bang thing to hit the audio world. What's next the reintroduction of the 8 track tape.

And the million dollar question. What happens to Pono?

[Rust]

I'm afraid the PONO will die on the vine, despite the quality of the circuits (designed by Ayre) and the provenance of the files.