Onkyo adds MQA support to its networked streamers following on from its support for DEEZER HiFi with a firmware update in August 2018. The updates activate MQA audio playback capability and support for TIDAL Masters audio streaming on its network-enabled stereo hi-fi components. A paid TIDAL HiFi subscription is required to stream TIDAL Masters on MQA enabled Onkyo network HiFi audio equipment.
MQA delivers HiRes sound in a file that’s small enough to stream and download. TIDAL Masters is TIDAL’s bandwidth-friendly MQA-based Studio Master audio streaming format.
MQA (Master Quality Authenticated)
MQA files are small enough to stream or download. The format is backward-compatible, meaning MQA music can be enjoyed on any device, but full HiRes performance will only available on devices which are MQA enabled. For more information on the MQA audio format, visit www.mqa.co.uk.
TIDAL Masters
TIDAL has partnered with MQA to deliver master-quality recordings from the original sources enabling HiRes audio (typically 24-bit/96 kHz) giving users a studio sound experience. TIDAL offers a catalogue of thousands of TIDAL Masters albums for TIDAL HiFi subscribers.
MQA enabled music can also be obtained from Onkyo Music, an online HiRes audio retailer with an extensive MQA catalogue available in Germany, the UK and the US, and the United States. To browse the Onkyo Music music library, visit www.onkyomusic.com.
This firmware updates are for the following Onkyo models:
Network Audio Players NS-6170/NS-6130
Network Stereo Receiver R-N855
Network CD Receivers CR-N775/ CR-N775 D
Network Stereo Receivers TX-8270/TX-8250
To automatically update your compatible network-connected Onkyo product, navigate to the system setup menu and follow the instructions, or visit www.eu.onkyo.com to download the update and perform installation manually.