Add MQA processing/unfolding

Feature Suggestions
1

Add the ability for Plex Media Server to correctly handle, unfold and transcode MQA encoded content. I would like this to be both for items in my music library, as well as for the Tidal online source within Plex. Until this is added, Plex will not be able to utilize Tidal Masters.

Roon has built a core decoder for this, and handles all MQA flawlessly: https://kb.roonlabs.com/Roon_x_MQA

2

Was on the fence with subscribing to Roon for just this reason. But Tidal integration seems like a step in the right direction at least and keeping my hopes up for Plex/MQA.

3

MQA is an attempt to make lossless streaming proprietary again and to reintroduce DRM.
And of course you have to license it for a fee.

So it is pretty unlikely that this “technology” will make it into Plex.

2 Likes
4

Understand there is an additional licensing fee for using the format to Plex so it would be reasonable to pass it on to customers who want to take advantage of the Tidal Masters quality. That way it gives customers more choice and removes the religious debate about whether or not it’s worth it. Similar to Tidal they could provide the option and charge a fee for Masters quality audio decoding in the app.

I really enjoy the Masters sound quality and have been using the Tidal App instead of PLEX to stream to my Dragonfly Red DAC and would love to have that quality of source file seamlessly integrated with my own library of 24bit FLAC files when playing playlists. I’d use PLEX more rather than switching to the Tidal app.

4 Likes
5

If I could downvote something this would be it. Putting resource towards Qobuz integration instead of the lossy and end to end licensed MQA would get my vote.

1 Like
6

I 2nd the addition of MQA processing/unfolding as part of the Tidal Integration. I love having certain tidal albums integrated into my plex library, and if those are available in Master Quality Audio on Tidal, I’d like the option to stream in that quality in Plex.

3 Likes
7

I for one am hoping this happens. Many of Plex’s partners (i.e. Nvidia and Tidal) utilize MQA. As a subscriber to Plex Pass and Tidal, it feels like a bit of a slap in the face that this isn’t already available.

3 Likes
8

we need this feature added a soon as possible having tidal without mqa is not worth to have Tidal in Plex.

9

I added my vote. I would like the ability to seamlessly stream via Plex whether it is my own library, or Tidal, and from within Tidal, the ability to choose master recordings!

1 Like
10

I’d rather Tidal support to be dropped entirely. MQA would add huge licensing costs. Qobuz support would be better.

11

Is there any news on this topic?

12

I was able to get this working through the latest version of the Plexamp app on Mac OS to my S.M.S.L M500 DAC while on my local network. On the Plexamp app I:

  • Set Audio Output to my DAC (under playback settings)
  • Turn off “Loudness Leveling” (under playback settings)
  • Turn off “Sweet Fades” (under playback settings)
  • Turn off Equalizer (under playback settings)
  • Set Quality to Wi-Fi / Maximum (under Music Quality settings)
  • Set Preamp to “0 dB” (under advanced settings)
  • Turn off “Limiter” (under advanced settings)

With these settings - it seems to be a bit-perfect stream and my DAC now displays the MQA mode if the track has it. I’ve been trying to get this working for weeks, so I’m thrilled and wanted to share in case it helps anyone else.

1 Like