No, MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) is not a lossless audio format. It 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.
MQA works by using a process called “origami folding” to encode the audio signal. This process reduces the size of the audio file without sacrificing too much quality. However, it is still a lossy format, which means that some of the original audio information is lost.
FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec), on the other hand, is a lossless audio format. This means that it preserves all of the original audio information in the music recording. This results in the best possible sound quality.
If you are looking for the best possible sound quality, then you should choose a lossless audio format such as FLAC. However, if you are on a budget or you need to save space on your device, then MQA may be a good option for you.
Here is a table that compares MQA and FLAC:
| Feature | MQA | FLAC |
|---|---|---|
| Lossless? | No | Yes |
| Audio quality | Very good | Excellent |
| File size | Smaller | Larger |
| Supported by | Most streaming services, some audio equipment | Most devices and software |
| Licensing fee | Yes | No |
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.
