The embrace of MQA by audio companies and labels has widened. At last weekend's IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin, MQA announced that its technology will be embedded in LG's new, globally distributed V30 flagship smartphone. In addition, two Sony Walkmans, the WM-ZX300 and WM-A40, will become equipped for MQA music playback. Pioneer and Onkyo also offer Tidal Masters (MQA) mobile streaming on their latest XDP-30R and DP-S1 models, and iFi is developing a nano iDSD Black Label DAC that features MQA integration.
At CEDIA, which takes place September 5–9 in San Diego, both Electrocompaniet and Rotel will announce new MQA partnerships. By the end of 2017, Electrocompaniet will integrate MQA into several of its high-end and custom installation lines. Rotel's first MQA-integrated units will roll out in mid-2018. On the hardware front, the word is that dCS is preparing for an MQA rollout on its Rossini DAC and players.
Anyone in the audio industry with an international presence will tell you of the importance of the Korean market. Hence, that Groovers, a Korean-based hi-rez streaming service will implement mobile and desktop streaming of MQA content by the end of 2017 is major news. Equally important, the Japan-based music store, e-onkyo music, has added the Warner Music Group's hi-rez MQA catalog for download.
Onkyo Music, which serves the US and UK as well as Germany, will offer MQA downloads when it rolls out its redesigned store in September. HighResAudio already distributes MQA downloads. MQA has also completed deals with Sony and Universal Music Group, as well as Merlin, which is the global music rights agency that represents the world's leading independent labels.
Worldwide music streaming platform Deezer is also planning to go the MQA route, with Bluesound, LG, Onkyo, Moon by Simaudio, and Sony among its partners. Given that Deezer's music streaming service offers over 43 million tracks to more than 12 million active users in 185 countries, this is major news. Deezer's signature feature, FLOW, offers personalized soundtracks and recommendations based on smart data and algorithms.
In addition, 7digital, a UK-based digital music and radio services platform that offers over 30 million music tracks for download in the US and other countries, will power a forthcoming hi-rez streaming service, HDmusicStream, using MQA technology.
Nugs.net now offers thousands of on-demand, MQA-encoded live concerts from artists including Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, and Dead & Company. This fall, the HiFi tier of nugs.net will offer MQA steaming on iOS and desktop players. Putting this news all together, it sounds as though Tidal's about to have competition in the MQA streaming department.
In September, Sonic Studio's Amarra Luxe 4.1 media player will become available for playback and streaming of MQA hi-res music. As with music player Audirvana Plus, which also decodes MQA, Amarra Luxe 4.1 will offer full Tidal integration. Rumor has it that music player Roon, which offers full Tidal integration, is not far behind in the MQA-unfolding department.
