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RE: My position

> > The patent clearly shows that MQA preserves at most 17 bits of resolution in the LF (audio band) and 7 bits of resolution in the HF (ultrasonic band). Stuart's rebuttal to this was basically "we don't do what the patent shows." < <

Here we have a difference of perspective. Yes, this is a point of confusion, for me and likely for others. I don't understand it. Elsewhere, Stuart has made specific, testable claims to the contrary. (However, I've never heard him say "we don't do what the patent shows." Is it online? Can you point me to it?)

On the one hand, I think this sort of intense critical scrutiny is healthy. Keep it up. I intend to, as time allows. On the other hand, I think there is an important difference between me and MQA's most intense critics: Apparently I'm more trusting of people and lest trusting of my own technical insight. I don't believe that stuff like the linked-to plot is fictitious. There's no evidence in Stuart's history of that sort of craven dishonesty. To fake something like that would require extraordinary audacity. Plus, Stuart has provided a brief, vague explanation--I think that's what it is--on the Q&A on the Stereophile website, in that same Q&A--read especially that last paragraph, after the bulleted list. (Go back a page from Sidebar. 3):

> >
With a decoder, in general, the MQA system can reach either:

In excess of either 23-bit dynamic range capability for 1x 24-bit original, or

15.93-bit dynamic range capability for 1x 16-bit original, or

In any case 3-6 bits below the content noise in the audio band, or

24 bits in pure lossless mode, and

In all cases MQA's noisefloor is stable throughout a song or work.

See the Table in MQA Hierarchy earlier.

A crucial thing to understand is that in the majority of MQA files, the signaling noise is reversibly and losslessly removable. It is at the 16th bit primarily for backward compatibility (eg, CD, Airplay, automotive and other 16-bit restrictions in the 'last mile.' The real noise in the recording cannot be seen by normal FFT analysis.
< <

I've got to sign out of this conversation. It's taking too much of my time.

Best,
Jim

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