Hidden MQA files are found on TIDAL months after the supposed FLAC transition.
When TIDAL announced in July 2024 that they’d ditch MQA tracks for FLAC files, music lovers were thrilled. Finally, we’d get pure, untouched audio files without any fancy processing getting in the way.
But, it turns out TIDAL hasn’t quite followed through on its word. TIDAL is still serving up MQA-encoded tracks in its catalog without the knowledge of most users four months after the promised deadline.
The Broken Promise of Going MQA-Free
In July 2024, TIDAL announced it would replace all MQA tracks with FLAC or other lossless formats. However, as GoldenSound’s recent investigation shows, TIDAL has not delivered on this promise.
Testing revealed that MQA-encoded tracks are still present on TIDAL and can be identified by MQA-compatible DACs.
The most concerning part? Unless you’ve got special MQA-capable equipment, you won’t even know when you’re getting these processed files.
What makes this even more confusing is that TIDAL seems to be playing a mix-and-match game.
Some albums have both MQA and true lossless versions available, while others don’t. So, without the right equipment, you never really know what you’re going to get.
For users who signed up specifically for guaranteed lossless quality, this lack of transparency is a real letdown.
Why Hidden MQA Matters
MQA’s encoding process fundamentally alters how audio data is stored and played back. It uses a trick called “folding” to squeeze high-frequency sounds into lower-frequency bands.
This makes the files smaller and easier to stream. But, it often adds noise and reduces sound quality, especially in the higher frequencies you might hear in things like cymbals or violin harmonics.
MQA’s special filtering approach also creates its own set of problems by introducing phase anomalies and temporal distortion. This leads to measurable degradation in audio quality that particularly affects non-MQA DAC users, whose devices can’t properly decode these files.
Beyond the technical issues, MQA’s approach to verification also raises more concerns.
MQA has an “authentication” feature that shows a blue light on compatible devices when everything’s supposedly perfect. But, tests have shown you can actually remove up to 30% of the file’s data and still get that reassuring blue light.
That’s like having a security system that gives you the all-clear even when windows are wide open!
So, everyone was so excited when TIDAL said they were switching to FLAC files. Finding out that TIDAL didn’t actually fulfill this promise is disappointing, to say the least.
TIDAL’s Troubling Response
TIDAL’s silence on this issue has only fueled frustration.
When pressed for answers about their transition plan, TIDAL reportedly closed inquiries without comment.
Plus, their official statement merely offers a vague commitment. It simply says they’re “working hard to ensure MQA tracks will be replaced with a FLAC version in a timely manner.” But, it doesn’t provide concrete timelines or transparency.
Look, we’re not being unreasonable here. TIDAL told us point-blank that all MQA files would be gone by July 24 this year. So finding these files still hiding in their library is like discovering your roommate didn’t actually clean their mess… they just shoved it under the bed.
More troublingly, some tracks were only ever delivered to TIDAL in MQA format by content providers. In these cases, TIDAL admits the FLAC files available for streaming are produced from an MQA source file, which certain DACs can detect.
TIDAL says they’re “working with content providers to replace these files with HiRes FLAC versions if available.” But, their track record isn’t exactly inspiring confidence.
For example, GoldenSound found out that a major music publisher hasn’t received any requests from TIDAL for lossless copies of their catalog, even though they’ve got them ready to go.
The Path Forward
What TIDAL owes its subscribers is transparency.
First, the platform should label any remaining MQA tracks so users know exactly what they’re listening to.
Next, TIDAL should set a clear timeline for replacing all MQA content with true lossless FLAC. They need to address this point-blank to earn back the trust of their users. Simply releasing a statement that they’re fixing the issue without a set deadline won’t do the trick.
The bottom line? TIDAL’s reputation is on the line here.
Their loyal listeners aren’t going to stick around if they keep finding hidden MQA tracks in what’s supposed to be a lossless library. Especially those who can tell the difference,
Having “Hi-Res” or “Master Quality” labels doesn’t mean much if what’s underneath doesn’t match the wrapper. It’s time for TIDAL to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.
Thank you for highlighting the problem, and the worrying fact that they only have some records in MQA coding , that they now convert to flac and actually push lossy material.
The response is so bothersome and tone deaf..
Let us hope they ger of their high horses and do the right thing.