Whether MQA is as good as FLAC depends on your needs and preferences.
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is a lossy audio format that is designed to provide a more accurate representation of the original audio recording than other lossy formats such as MP3 and AAC. FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec), on the other hand, is a lossless audio format that preserves all of the original audio information in the music recording.
Advantages of MQA:
- Higher audio quality: MQA can provide better audio quality than FLAC, especially when listened to on a high-end audio system.
- Smaller file size: MQA files are smaller than FLAC files, which can save space on your device and make them easier to download and stream.
- Exclusive content: Some streaming services, such as Tidal, offer exclusive MQA content that is not available in FLAC.
Disadvantages of MQA:
- Requires special hardware: MQA requires special hardware to decode and render the audio. This means that you may need to upgrade your audio equipment in order to enjoy the full benefits of MQA.
- More expensive: Some streaming services, such as Tidal, charge a premium for MQA access.
Overall:
If you have a high-end audio system and you are looking for the best possible sound quality, then MQA may be worth it for you. However, if you are on a budget or you do not have a high-end audio system, then FLAC may be a better choice for you.
Which tier should you choose?
Ultimately, the decision of whether to choose MQA or FLAC is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer. It depends on your needs and preferences.
Here are some additional things to consider when choosing between MQA and FLAC:
- What kind of music do you listen to? Some genres of music, such as classical music and jazz, can benefit from the increased detail and clarity offered by high-resolution audio. However, other genres of music, such as pop music and rock music, may not benefit as much from high-resolution audio.
- How do you listen to your music? If you listen to your music on a high-end audio system, you may be able to hear the difference between MQA and FLAC. However, if you listen to your music on a smartphone or a laptop, you may not be able to hear the difference.
- How much money are you willing to spend? Some streaming services, such as Tidal, charge a premium for MQA access. If you are on a budget, FLAC may be a better choice for you.
If you are unsure which tier is right for you, I recommend trying the free trial of a streaming service that offers both MQA and FLAC. This will give you a chance to try out both formats and see which one you prefer.
