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RE: There's no free lunch

Posted by Charles Hansen on May 22, 2017 at 19:33:37:
The question that up for grabs is whether MQA's solution is the best for your needs. While it allows for a "gentle" digital filter on the playback side, it requires that one start with a true high-res file and then discards a significant part of that resolution to maintain a constant streaming bandwidth, and also requires the purchase of new hardware.

When streaming true high-res files (as with Qobuz Sublime+) one can have their cake and eat it too. The full 24-bit resolution is maintained, one doesn't need any new hardware, and if they like the sound of a "gentle" digital filter, they can buy one of many DACs that provides that option.

One thing to note is that the digital filter has a noticeable impact on the overall sound quality of any digital product - along with a couple of dozen other factors. There are many companies that have expended considerable resources to develop their own custom digital filters that they believe outperform the one mandated by MQA. Obviously you as the end customer have the final say as to which you prefer.