So is there a verdict on MQA at this time?
Even before it came out, "Worthless to the Audio Fans" Robert Harley, representing the industry point of view in his usual ways, promised that MQA will be a game changer. Supposedly, thousands upon thousands of titles were going to be released in MQA by the record companies. Although people spent thousands of dollars on MQA-ready gear, I don't think this has happened. (If anyone has a list of MQAd music, please share.)
Computer Audiophile Geek seems confused by MQA. Like most everyday guys plugging network wires in and out, he doesn't seem to understand it. After several years of MQA being available, he had an article called "MQA - It's complicated", or something like that. Obviously he's confused by it. Not exactly a profile in courage, but exactly what we come to expect from our leaders.
John Wilson-Atkinson of Stereophile, in his usual milquetoast ways, has never been enthusiastic about it. Again, unclear why. Confused by it? Bogus technology? Doesn't make much difference?
Has MQA been just another excuse for an audiophile debate? Surprisingly, it has been calm lately on this subject.
In the end, has MQA lived up to its promised and made people's lives better?