As we by Hifistudio79 already say for a couple of years that MQA is not needed!  (see our earlier news items)

Tidal Adopts FLAC as Preferred High-Resolution Format, Discontinues MQA

Tidal, the high-fidelity music streaming service known for its commitment to superior audio quality, has announced a major shift in its streaming format. Effective immediately, Tidal will adopt FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) as its preferred high-resolution format. In conjunction with this transition, Tidal will discontinue its support for the MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) format.

Tidal Music AS (Tidal) has announced that users “will no longer be able to access music in the MQA or 360 Reality Audio formats via any TIDAL application or integration.” So that’s that…MQA is done and gone…as of July 24, 2024. The company says it will replace all MQA tracks with “the highest quality FLAC version” available.

Why FLAC? FLAC is a widely acclaimed format in the audiophile community, known for its lossless compression which ensures that the audio is preserved in its original, unaltered quality. This move is part of Tidal’s ongoing commitment to deliver the best possible listening experience to its subscribers.

Tidal’s Statement: “We are excited to announce that FLAC is now our preferred high-resolution format. This decision reflects our dedication to providing the highest audio quality and the best user experience. FLAC offers superior sound quality and greater accessibility, aligning with our mission to bring the most authentic music experience to our users.”

Impact on Subscribers: Subscribers will notice the change as Tidal rolls out updates across its platform. The transition to FLAC will ensure that users can enjoy their favorite tracks in true high-fidelity audio, preserving the richness and detail of the original recordings. Tidal assures users that this transition will be seamless and enhance their overall listening experience.

End of MQA Era: With the introduction of FLAC as the preferred format, Tidal will phase out its support for MQA. While MQA has been praised for its ability to deliver studio-quality sound, Tidal believes that FLAC provides a more versatile and universally accessible high-resolution audio solution.

Looking Ahead: Tidal’s shift to FLAC is part of its broader strategy to innovate and lead in the high-fidelity music streaming space. Users can expect continuous improvements and updates as Tidal strives to offer the best in audio streaming technology.

Dolby Atmos Wins Out over Sony 360 Reality Audio

While the Sony 360 Reality Audio is also being dropped, Tidal has chosen to move forward with Dolby Atmos as its immersive audio format of choice. Why?

“Dolby Atmos was chosen as the format we will support going forward due to the number of compatible devices, catalog availability, and artist adoption of the format,” Tidal says.

For more information on this transition and to experience the new high-resolution FLAC format, visit Tidal’s official website or update your Tidal app.

Stay tuned for more updates from Tidal as we continue to revolutionize the way you experience music.