MQA, however, is also backward compatible. Play the file on something that doesn’t have an MQA decoder, and you’ll get at least CD-quality audio.

MQA-encoded music, which takes PCM form, can be placed inside any lossless-audio file “container” such as FLAC, ALAC or WAV. An MQA decoder can be built into hardware, or it can take the form of an ...

Indeed, Jay-Z's Tidal is expected to announce soon that it will offer an MQA tier although, as mentioned, you'll need a device with an MQA decoder inside to access the hi-res version.

The MQA decoder in the app recovers all the direct music-related information and also authenticates the source of the original master recording.

MQA solves these problems, and then the MQA decoder in the TIDAL app ensures the conversion back to analogue preserves the music’s pristine clarity. “TIDAL Masters offer the best sound available.

You need special listening equipment to enjoy the level of sound MQA is shooting for, ones with an MQA decoder in either software or hardware form.

With the latest update, the Tidal Android app will now include the MQA decoder, giving on-the-go audiophiles a convenient option for experiencing fuller, richer studio sound via streaming.

This has the effect that a MQA stream should sound about like 13-bit audio (so a noise floor roughly 18dB higher than normal 16-bit CD audio) without MQA decode.

The Eversolo DMP-A6 Streamer is an advanced network player offering a premium music streaming experience with full MQA decode, support for DSD512, and PCM768kHz/32-bit quality. With a 6-inch HD ...

Previously, getting the full benefits of MQA required using a device with a hardware MQA decoder (such as the LG V30), but this is no longer necessary due to a software decoder included with the ...

TIDAL is expanding its selection of MQA music with millions of new tracks for its TIDAL Masters collection thanks to a new licensing deal with Warner Music Group.

This means it can be played back on almost any existing playback device without the need for a special MQA decoder, although without them you 'only' get a sound that's equivalent to CD quality.