No. We’re not using any MQA masters.
Here’s how it works currently: we assemble blocks of programming as 16/44.1 FLAC files. Those are then encoded into MQA. The folding/unfolding is something that happens when MQA encodes higher resolution input files into 16/44.1 output files. That whole part of their encoding isn’t utilized by our MQA stream at this time.
Here’s how it will work in the future: we assemble blocks of programming as 24/96 FLAC files, from uncompressed (non-MQA) masters of the highest available bitrate — 24/192, 24/96, 24/48, or 16/44.1 — that are then encoded, with folding, into a 16/44.1 MQA bitstream. They will also be available as uncompressed 24/96.
In neither case will be be forcing people — like Tidal does — to play MQA streams via non-MQA DACs. In theory, MQA files play back as normal 16/44.1 on non-MQA gear, but there are some who challenge that, and in our case it won’t be an issue.
Our decision to offer our streams via MQA on BluOS is based solely on my opinion that their encoding improves the listening experience. Again, that is an entirely subjective opinion. However, it definitely is not based on anything as simple as dynamics compression or equalization. To my ears, something more sophisticated than that is going on.
Unlike Tidal, we're not describing MQA encoded audio as an accurate delivery of the original master, or a faithful presentation of the artist's vision. We're describing it as something that we think sounds really great, and that our listeners will enjoy.
Bill Goldsmith, Radio Paradise founder.MQA's business practices and promotional methods are a separate issue as far as I'm concerned. We regularly utilize the services of companies that could be fairly characterized in far harsher terms (Google & Amazon, for instance). Where do you draw a line like that?
We will never offer MQA as a sole delivery option. That's where I'd personally draw that line.
FLAC Links
Main Mix FLAC (https://stream.radioparadise.com/flac)
Mellow Mix FLAC (https://stream.radioparadise.com/mellow-flac)
Rock Mix FLAC (https://stream.radioparadise.com/rock-flac)
World/Etc Mix FLAC (https://stream.radioparadise.com/world-etc-flac)
The links below include stream metadata (song title info). Like everything about FLAC streaming, this is still somewhat experimental. If you experience an increase in dropouts or glitches, we recommend going back to the main links above.
Main Mix FLAC (with metadata) (http://stream.radioparadise.com/flacm)
Mellow Mix FLAC (with metadata) (http://stream.radioparadise.com/mellow-flacm)
Rock Mix FLAC (with metadata) (http://stream.radioparadise.com/rock-flacm)
World/Etc Mix FLAC (with metadata) (http://stream.radioparadise.com/world-etc-flacm)
FLAC playback is only supported by some players (like VLC). If your player requires you to go through TuneIn or vTuner to add stations, then our links will not work. They will also not work in iTunes. Player limitations like those are entirely out of our hands.
Note: the FLAC-with-metadata links are http, because some players (like VLC) will not display metadata on https streams.
You can post questions and feedback about the FLAC streams in this forum topic.
Have you updated the app? It also needs it.The update is here but not that well labelled in differentiating between the four CD and MQA stations when setting presets. There are eight icons and not labelled as to type. I’m assuming the top four are the MQA stations in line with how they appear under the Radio Paradise menu. Anyway I’ll find out tomorrow when I start playing no doubt.
iOS automatically updates my apps. I updated the hardware by going into the app and hitting the prompt to update.Have you updated the app? It also needs it.
It's not the BluOS app that needs updating, it's the Bluesound / NAD device's software. This is normally prompted on your app screen but you need to positively respond to it.iOS automatically updates my apps. I updated the hardware by going into the app and hitting the prompt to update.
The ordering is fine within the Radio Paradise section itself, with the four CD and MQA streams in two clearly identified blocks. It is just that when you go into add presets the two blocks are not identified in the same way and there is just a list of the eight stations. But common sense says the top four of those will be the MQA steams to match the order they appear in the RP section. As I say I’ll check I added correctly later when I start playing. The app will tell me the quality of the stream.
Anyway you can always add presets by just playing the MQA stations themselves and then selecting add preset via the three menu dots if you want to do it that way. I just usually use the presets section itself through force of habit.
There's a more reliable way to add a Preset. Select the programme (eg Paradise Radio Mellow Mix MQA) so it's playing. Then press the 3-dot symbol on the bottom bar of the Win app (not sure where it is on other apps) and choose Add Preset. You then know you have the MQA vesion.Yes, as I said I updated the hardware via the app.
Yes that is the Radio Paradise section of the app screen with the two blocks of four CD and MQA streams clearly identified. The point I am making is that if you go into presets option and try to add them from there, then the two blocks are not similarly identified, It just shows icons for the eight streams, without identifying which is CD and which is MQA. But I have now confirmed that the top four are the MQA streams as expected anyway.
It should be clear from the app screen which feeds are MQA. Here's my app screen![]()
Here’s how it will work in the future: we assemble blocks of programming as 24/96 FLAC files, from uncompressed (non-MQA) masters of the highest available bitrate — 24/192, 24/96, 24/48, or 16/44.1 — that are then encoded, with folding, into a 16/44.1 MQA bitstream. They will also be available as uncompressed 24/96.
When we're ready to launch a hi-res stream, it will be available as straight FLAC as well as MQA.
Due to the nature of how we deliver our audio, it will never be a mix of different sample rates & bit depths. Everything needs to be standardized to the same rate, probably 24/96. Even if the only master we have is 16/44.1 it will be upsampled to 24/96 and will read out as such on your DAC.
Because we mix songs together into a continuous flow, there is absolutely no way around that.
Yep agreed, I'm just a stuck in stone creature of habit who has always done it the other way through the preset section. The way you are suggesting is more certain.There's a more reliable way to add a Preset. Select the programme (eg Paradise Radio Mellow Mix MQA) so it's playing. Then press the 3-dot symbol on the bottom bar of the Win app (not sure where it is on other apps) and choose Add Preset. You then know you have the MQA vesion.
The update is here
Have you noticed if the new Radio Paradise MQA streams provided by the update have actually given the Node 2i that quality improvement over the Radio Paradise CD quality FLAC streams that were already available?My Node 2i has been in the drawer recently, preferring to use my Denon streamer. But I’m going to re-add the unit just for this. Anything that attempts to improve the quality of radio gets a thumbs up from me.