Unraveling MQA: Converters, Formats, and Superior Audio Quality

In recent years, high-resolution audio has become a buzzword in the music industry. While audiophiles have always appreciated high-quality audio, the advent of streaming services like TIDAL and nugs.net has made it accessible to a broader audience. One technology that has been making waves in this space is MQA.

Master Quality Authenticated, aka MQA, is an audio technology that uses a proprietary algorithm to compress hi-res files to fit within the same size as a CD quality file. Unlike lossless audio formats, MQA offers an even better audio quality by folding high-frequency and ultra-high-frequency data above CD sound quality, and hiding it within general frequency data, such as FLAC, ALAC, or CDDA.

The biggest advantage of MQA is the ability to enjoy high-resolution sound sources with a smaller file size. To experience better sound quality than a CD, you need to use a specialized MQA Core Decoder, MQA Renderer, or MQA Full Decoder for MQA decoding, that is, reopening the folded data to reveal the original master recording.

However, it becomes pointless if you have an MQA sound source but do not have a player/device that can decode MQA. In this case, converting the MQA files to a more universal format like FLAC, MP3, or OGG is recommended.

One of the top choices is HD Video Converter Factory Pro. It is a functional app that is not just used for video conversion as its name implies, it's also capable of handling audio files. It stands out for its user-friendly interface and ease of use.

Download it below. With just 3 simple steps, you can batch convert multiple MQA files to FLAC, WAV, MP3, OGG, etc..

Step 1. Add MQA Files

Install and runInstall and run HD Video Converter Factory Pro. Open "Converter" module from the start-up interface. Then click on "Add Files" button to import your MQA-encoded audio files like FLAC, ALAC or CD-DA.

Step 2. Choose an Output Format

After all MQA files are loaded, press the "Format" image to open the output format library. There are over 500 configured presets divided into different groups. Navigate to "Audio" category, choose a desired audio format like WAV, FLAC, MP3, OGG and more.

Step 3. Start MQA Audio Conversion

Choose a destination folder by clicking on the Down Arrow icon on the bottom. Finally, press the big "Run" button to start converting MQA files to FLAC, MP3 and any other audio format.

MQA is a revolutionary audio technology that promises to deliver high-quality audio that's closer to the original master recording than traditional lossless formats like FLAC. However, to enjoy the full benefits of MQA, you need a specialized MQA player or DAC that can decode MQA files. If you are more inclined to traditional formats, you can still enjoy MQA audio by converting it to a more common audio format using an MQA converter software like HD Video Converter Factory Pro. With its ease of use and fast conversion speed, HD Video Converter Factory Pro is the perfect choice for anyone looking to convert MQA files to FLAC or other formats.

1. Is MQA lossless or lossy?

MQA is a proprietary lossy format. It's not lossless, but it's claimed to be better than lossless. According to Wikipedia, MQA encoding hierarchically compresses the relatively little energy in the higher frequency bands into data streams that are embedded in the lower frequency bands using proprietary dithering techniques, allowing for an apparent reduction in sample rate and hence file size.

2. How does MQA work?

MQA works by folding and compressing high-resolution audio files. The hi-res audio is encoded into an MQA file using a process called "Music Origami" for making it small enough to stream. This process separates the high-frequency and ultra-high-frequency data from the rest of the audio and folds it into the general frequency data.

3. What are the different levels of MQA unfolding?

MQA Core Decoder is the first level of unfolding, which is included in some digital players and streaming services, such as Audirvana, Roon, and TIDAL. It decodes the MQA file once to deliver sound quality higher than a CD.

MQA Renderer is the next level of unfolding, and it requires an MQA Core signal to function. When paired with a core decoder, the renderer can complete the final unfold and provide a fully decoded MQA experience. This level is available in portable products such as USB DACs and headphones.

MQA Full Decoder is the highest level of MQA unfolding, providing the ultimate sound quality. It delivers precise file and platform-specific DAC compensation and management, allowing you to hear what the artists created in the studio. Partners such as Bluesound, Meridian, Mytek, Pioneer, etc. offer products with a full MQA Decoder.

4. Is MQA better than lossless formats like FLAC or ALAC?

MQA and FLAC/ALAC are both capable of delivering high-quality audio playback, but they serve different purposes. MQA is designed to capture the sound of the original studio recording and deliver it to listeners in a way that's closer to the original master recording than other lossless formats. But to fully experience MQA audio quality, you need an MQA-compatible player or device that can decode the folded data.

FLAC/ALAC, on the other hand, is a lossless audio codec that compresses CD-quality audio files without losing any information, which is widely supported by most media players and devices in our daily life.

Both formats are great for high-quality audio playback, but which one is better will depend on your personal preferences and the devices and players you're using.