Universal signs-up with MQA for more hi-res music streams

MQA and Universal Music have entered into a "a multi-year agreement" that will see Universal's catalogue of recordings encoded with MQA technology.

MQA makes hi-res audio streaming possible thanks to its smaller file size - MQA claims its tracks use a similar bandwidth to that required for CD-quality streams. Tidal launched hi-res MQA streams with its Tidal Masters catalogue earlier this year.

Universal Music's artists include Robbie Williams, Meat Loaf, Miles Davis, Robert Plant and The Eagles.

Mike Jbara, CEO of MQA, commented, "We're very pleased to be working with Universal Music to achieve our goal of moving studio-quality sound into the mainstream. Universal's timeless catalogue and impressive artist roster will fuel music streaming services worldwide and enable the premium listening experience for all music fans."

MQA recently partnered with Tidal to improve its 'Tidal Masters' service, adding MQA encoded audio to music from Beyonce, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, David Bowie, and others. Expect to see more hi-res music on Tidal - and perhaps other streaming services - thanks to this new deal.

MORE: Warner Music Group becomes the first big label to adopt MQA

Adam was a staff writer for What Hi-Fi?, reviewing consumer gadgets for online and print publication, as well as researching and producing features and advice pieces on new technology in the hi-fi industry. He has since worked for PC Mag as a contributing editor and is now a science and technology reporter for The Independent.

Latest in Streaming & Entertainment
Lucknow Super Giants' Marcus Stoinis plays a shot during the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket match ahead of Delhi Capitals vs Lucknow Super Giants in the 2025 Indian Premier League
DC vs LSG live stream: how to watch IPL cricket online, Delhi win toss and bowl first
Kolkata Knight Riders' Rinku Singh plays a shot during the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket match between Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on April 9, 2023. (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP) (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images)
IPL live stream 2025: how to watch Indian Premier League cricket online from anywhere, teams, schedule
Qobuz
Qobuz reveals average payout per stream – and claims it is higher than rivals
George Benson Give Me the Night album cover
This Quincy Jones-produced disco tune has become my go-to test track – and taught me a valuable lesson about hi-fi, too
A woman flicking through stacks of vinyl records in a Rough Trade shop.
Vinyl records and music streaming both hit landmark highs – but the one growing faster in revenue may surprise you
Google TV Streamer video streamer
Google TV Streamer
Latest in News
Sony Bravia Projector 8 home cinema projector
Terrible news: Sony is about to stop selling projectors in Europe, including the UK
Audiolab 6000A MkII amplifier in silver
Audiolab upgrades its five-star 6000A amplifier with a new DAC chip, enhanced circuitry and HDMI ARC
Qobuz
Qobuz reveals average payout per stream – and claims it is higher than rivals
Sonos Beam Gen 2
Quick! This five-star Sonos Dolby Atmos soundbar has dropped close to its lowest price
The Google Pixel 9a being held horizontally at waist-height so only the back is visible.
The Google Pixel 9a launches at £100 less than the iPhone 16e with a better screen
A woman flicking through stacks of vinyl records in a Rough Trade shop.
Vinyl records and music streaming both hit landmark highs – but the one growing faster in revenue may surprise you