How to Get Tidal MQA Download after Tidal Dropped MQA

Part 1. Tidal MQA: More You Need to Know

What Is Tidal MQA?

MQA, which stands for Master Quality Authenticated, is also called Master on Tidal. It is a method of preserving the original music quality by delivering master recordings straight from the artist to the listener. Distinct from traditional compressed audio files, MQA features small file sizes. So, it's easy to download or stream without sacrificing sound quality. Tidal MQA provides high-resolution audio (typically 24-bit/192 kHz), which is much higher than Tidal's HiFi (16-bit/44.1 kHz). If you get the Tidal MQA download, you can enjoy high-quality audio offline, especially on high-end audio devices.

Why Is Tidal Dropping MQA?

While MQA has long been considered one of the best quality formats available on Tidal, many users have pointed out that MQA is not truly lossless, leading some to question its value. As of July 24, 2024, Tidal announced that they replace Tidal MQA with FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) for its high-resolution audio offerings. Besides, music in 360 Reality Audio format will no longer be available on the platform.

⭐ FYI: Tidal Audio Format Updates

Now, let's check the detailed reasons why Tidal removes MQA audio streaming.

User Feedback and Demand: One possible reason for this change is user feedback. If a large portion of Tidal's user expressed a preference for other high-quality formats, lossless formats over MQA, Tidal may have decided to align its offerings with consumer demands.

MQA Ltd. Financial Troubles: Another factor could be the financial difficulties faced by MQA Ltd., the company behind the technology. Reports in 2023 indicated that MQA Ltd. had entered administration and Tidal's decision to drop MQA could be partially influenced by the uncertain future of the company.

⭐ FYI: High-Res Stream Provider MQA Loses Backing, Enters Administration

Preference for Lossless Audio: Many audiophiles prefer pure lossless formats like FLAC, which preserve the original sound quality without compression. In contrast, MQA uses a form of lossy compression, which some users claim affects sound fidelity.

See also: How to Download Tidal music to lossless FLAC

Device Compatibility Issues: MQA requires specialized hardware, such as MQA-certified DACs or players, to fully decode and reproduce its "folded" high-resolution files. This added hardware requirement limits MQA's accessibility for many users.

What Happened to Tidal MQA Music Collection?

Transition to FLAC: Tidal has replaced many of its MQA tracks with FLAC versions. FLAC is an open-source, lossless format that delivers high-quality audio without the need for specialized hardware, making it more accessible to a broader audience. This shift aligns with Tidal's move toward a more universally compatible and truly lossless audio experience.

No More MQA Masters: The "Tidal Masters" collection, which previously highlighted albums encoded with MQA, may have been phased out or transitioned into other categories, such as high-resolution or HiFi content. This means the iconic "Masters" label will no longer be tied to MQA but instead will reflect Tidal's new FLAC offerings for high-quality audio.

See also: How to Download Tidal Hi-Res Music

Does Tidal Still Use MQA?

Tidal's recent shift away from MQA has left users divided - some are pleased with the adoption of FLAC, while others are disappointed and still hope to access or download Tidal MQA music. In the latest version of the Tidal app, MQA support has been removed, and tracks labeled as "MASTER" are no longer available. However, for those still interested, there may be a workaround. That's you can downgrade to the old version app to make it.

How to Find MQA Tracks on Tidal for Listening (Using an Older App Version)

If you still use an older version of the Tidal app that supports MQA, simply open it and find tracks labeled with 'MASTER'. Then you can start to play MQA on Tidal.

If you had updated to the latest app version, you can uninstall the current version app from your device. Then search for and download an old version on web browsers. Just search for 'Tidal old version' or similar.

⚠️ Note: Downloading and installing older app versions from unofficial sources may pose security risks. Always proceed with caution and ensure you trust the source.

Part 2. How to Get Tidal MQA Audio Download Free

In addition to using an older version of the Tidal app, some users turn to unofficial tools or modified apps. There are two free ways for you. One is Tidal-Media-Downloader. Another way to download Tidal MQA music free is to use Tidal Premium APK.

5.1 How to Get Tidal MQA Music Download Free via Tidal-dl/Tidal-gui

Tidal-Media-Downloader includes two versions: Tidal-dl and Tidal-gui. Tidal-dl features a command-line interface while Tidal-gui is a graphical user interface tool. Both of them can be used to download HiFi and Master audio from Tidal in various local formats, such as MP3, FLAC, AAC, etc. Since you are new to this free Tidal MQA downloader, we have listed the detailed steps to use it below.

Step 1. Download and install Tidal-dl or Tidal-gui from GitHub.

Step 2. Open the 'tidal-dl.exe' or the 'tidal-gui.exe' file on your device to launch the downloading window. For Tidal-gui users, you may need to log into your Tidal account.

Step 3. Then you can start to download MQA music free from Tidal. On the Tidal-gui downloader, you can browse and search for the Master or HiFi music you want. Then tap on the lower-right 'Download' button directly to download Tidal songs onto your computer.

Step 4. For Tidal-dl users, please enter the specific number on the command-line interface. Then follow the prompts to download Tidal MQA files from it.

5.2 How to Get Tidal MQA Download Free via Tidal Premium APK

Tidal APK Premium Mod is a modified version of Tidal, allowing users to use Tidal Premium features on Android phones without cost, including the ability to get Tidal MQA downloads freely. Please note that this software is unofficial and it may damage your devices and Tidal account potentially.

Step 1. Download the Tidal Mod Premium APK file from a reputable source on your Android device.

Step 2. Enable installation from unknown sources in 'Security/Privacy' under your device's 'Settings'.

Step 3. Find the downloaded APK file on your device and tap to install it.

Step 4. Open the Tidal app after installation. Create a new account if you're a new user or login if you already have one. Then, you can use this modified Tidal version to play and download MQA music on Tidal.

⚠️ Note: Both of these methods bypass Tidal's official platform and terms of use. Using them may result in account suspension or legal consequences, and they could expose your device to malware or data breaches. Always consider the ethical and legal implications before using unauthorized tools.

Part 3. How to Download MQA Music on Tidal on PC/Mac

Like most music streaming services on the market, Tidal employs protection technology to protect music copyrights. That is to say, even if you subscribe to Tidal HiFi Plus plan, you cannot download MQA music from Tidal onto your computer's local folder. Also, you cannot save Tidal MQA downloads on the Tidal desktop app because Tidal only has the download feature on its mobile app. So, you'd better use a professional Tidal MQA downloader to download Tidal music on computers locally.

AudFree Tidal Music Downloader is dedicated to downloading Tidal music to different types of local formats (Lossless/MP3/WAV/FLAC/AIFF/M4A/M4B). This smart Tidal downloader preserves 100% lossless music quality and ID3 tags of all Tidal songs. Besides, it allows you to change the output parameters for Tidal music. For example, you can customize the bitrate, sample rate, audio channels, etc. to keep the lossless Tidal audio quality.

Due to its precise interface and up to 37 times faster conversion speed, the operation process is very simple and short. With the help of this tool, you can download and transfer Tidal MQA downloads to any streamers.

How to Get Tidal MQA Download on Computers Losslessly

Simply click on the green 'Download' button above to install the free trial version of AudFree Tidal Music Converter. Then follow the steps below to save Tidal MQA audio downloads and other Tidal music to MP3 or more formats on a computer with 100% original sound quality.

Step 1Import Tidal MQA Music to AudFree Tidable

Open the AudFree Tidal Music Converter and sign into your Tidal account in the built-in Tidal music web player. Copy the link to the MQA tracks from Tidal. Then please paste it into the search box on the AudFree Tidable homepage. After that, simply click the '+' button to add it. Or you can try another way: find, click, and + the Tidal songs.

Step 2Reset the Tidal MQA Output Format

You can define the output format of Tidal music according to your requirements. On Mac computers, you have to click the 'AudFree Tidal Music Converter' icon on the menu bar located on the top left corner. On Windows, you need to click on the 'Menu' button that looks like three horizontal lines in the top right corner, and then select the 'Preferences' > 'Conversion' bar. There is a settings window. You can customize the output format of your Tidal MQA music to a common one.

Step 3Get Tidal MQA Music Download to Computers Locally

Simply click the 'Convert' button from the Converting's bottom right corner. The program will then run at up to 37X faster speed to download music from Tidal and save it in the format you set before. The conversion process won't take long, depending on the number of songs or playlists you've imported. After the conversion, navigate to the destination folder on your computer to get all Tidal MQA free downloads.

Video GuideHow to Get Tidal MQA Songs Download

Watch the video and learn how to get Tidal MQA music downloads via AudFree Tidal Music Converter step by step.

Part 4. How to Get Tidal MQA Downloads on Android/iPhone

Tidal HiFi Plus users can play Tidal MQA audio downloads offline. Please upgrade to this high-end plan of Tidal in advance. Now, you can follow the steps below to download Tidal MQA songs on mobile devices.

How to Download Tidal MQA Music on iPhone/Android

Step 1. Open the Tidal app for Android or iOS and go to 'Home'.

Step 2. Tap on the 'search' bar to find your desired music. Once there is a 'MASTER' symbol, then you can download it in MQA music quality.

Step 3. Now, please tap on that item to hit the 'Download' option to download Tidal music in MQA quality on iPhone or Android devices.

Step 4. When this process is complete, you can find all Tidal MQA downloads in the 'My Collection' > 'Downloaded' section for offline listening.

📢 The saved songs are only temporary cached audio files and cannot be accessed on other devices or platforms. You will fail to access those Tidal MQA downloads after your subscription ends. Therefore, a powerful Tidal MQA downloader like AudFree Tidal Music Converter should be considered.

Part 5. Best Tidal MQA Streamers and DACs for Audiophiles

To get a full MQA music listening experience, you need to have compatible hardware such as a music streamer or DAC(digital-to-analog converter) to connect your computer. Here we list some top best Tidal MQA streamers and DACs for your reference:

Top Tidal MQA Streamers

• Cambridge Audio CXN (V2)
• Mytek Brooklyn Bridge
• Aurender A10
• Naim ND 555/555 PS DR
• Cambridge Audio Edge NQ

For more options of music streamers, please visit this page: Top 10 Best Tidal Music Streamers for MQA/HiFi.

Top DACs for Tidal MQA

• Mytek Brooklyn DAC+
• Bluesound NODE 2i DAC for Tidal
• FiiO K3 Tidal DAC
• iFi Zen DAC for Tidal
• SMSL M500 MQA DAC

For more options of the best DACs, please visit this page: Top 10 Best Tidal DACs for MQA.

You can just select one from the above list and then start your amazing music journey. Or if you already have a DAC or music streamer but it is not compatible with Tidal, don't worry, AudFree Tidal Music Converter can help you. It allows you to transfer Tidal MQA file downloads to any DAC and streamer.

Part 6. FAQs about Tidal MQA

Q1: Tidal HiFi vs MQA, Which Is Better?

A: Tidal MQA claims that its data stream is like the bandwidth required for CD-quality tracks. According to the description on the Tidal website, MQA audio is an authenticated and unbroken sound that is typically stored at 9216 kbps or 192 kHz / 24-bit (the highest possible resolution).

HiFi music is an excellent sound with a resolution of 1411 kbps or 44.1 kHz / 16-bit. Thus, we can see that MQA provides better quality music than HiFi provides.

Q2: Is It Better to Play Tidal MQA via DAC or Streamer?

A: Of course. If you connect your device to an MQA-enabled DAC or streamer, you'll get certified lighting and better audio quality.

Q3: What Is Tidal Master Quality (Tidal MQA Bitrate/Sample Rate)?

A: We can find the Tidal MQA quality from Tidal subscription plans. It indicates that with a Tidal HiFi Plus account, you can enjoy Tidal MQA with the Max sound quality at 24-bit/192kHz. And Tidal claims that in the future, it will change its MQA quality to 24-bit/352kHz.

Q4: What Is Passthrough MQA on Tidal?

A: Tidal passthrough MQA means that Tidal gives MQA sound to an external MQA-enabled DAC particularly older DACs, or audio systems without any alteration or decoding by Tidal's software. It enables your DAC to address Tidal Master recordings while disabling MQA unfolding in Tidal. This endows you with the full MQA experience, including high-quality audio and authentication of the original source.

Q5: Is Tidal Moving away from MQA?

A: There are many users who say on Reddit that Tidal will end MQA music. But we still can find songs in MQA quality in Tidal now. Tidal didn't mention important information about MQA in its new Tidal plan but you can save MQA audio downloads as local files first to avoid Tidal dropping MQA.

Q6: What Is the Best Tidal MQA Downloader?

A: From the Tidal MQA music downloaders we recommend above, we conclude that the AudFree Tidal Music Converter is easy to use and can keep Tidal music forever.

Part 7. In Conclusion

Although Tidal has officially discontinued MQA, you can still access it by using an older version of the Tidal app. However, keep in mind that this method may not always work, so it's a good idea to save your Tidal MQA downloads to a local folder. For a more reliable solution, AudFree Tidal Music Converter is highly recommended. This tool allows you to download Tidal tracks in six popular formats, making it easy to listen to your favorite MQA music on any device, even offline.

Alternatively, you can explore some free tools like Tidal-dl, Tidal-gui, or Tidal Mod Premium APK. While they may not offer the same advanced features as AudFree, they can still help you download Tidal music, including MQA tracks, and are worth trying out if you're looking for a free solution.