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THX's Onyx is a tiny USB-C headphone DAC that supports master-quality audio
THX's first consumer hardware is a portable USB-C DAC that gives wired headphones a powerful audio upgrade for $200.
Tidal adds high-resolution audio to its iOS app
You don't have to grab an Android phone if you want to listen to Tidal's Master audio on your phone. Tidal has introduced support for the "studio quality" format to its iOS app, giving you an option if standard compressed music doesn't do your headphones justice. If you insist on listening to the Beatles or Janelle Monáe as if you were in the recording booth, this might be your best shot.
Tidal brings master-quality audio to its Android app
At CES two years ago, Tidal enabled studio-quality music streaming on desktop through a partnership with MQA. The feature later arrived on Essential Phone and LG V30, and even more people will be able to access Tidal's master recordings, as they're now available on all devices running Android 5.0 or above.
Essential's second smartphone module adds a headphone jack
Despite rumors it's up for sale, Essential is still operating as if everything is just fine. After releasing a new beta for Android P, the company has just launched its second modular accessory. The Audio Adapter HD packs a pre-amp and an ESS Sabre DAC that can handle high-resolution MQA (master quality audio) used by Tidal and other services. More importantly for most Essential PH-1 smartphone owners, it has a 3.5mm headphone jack, so they can soon dust off their favorite cans or earbuds.
LG’s V30 offers customizable high-quality audio
Along with a nearly bezel-less display, a great camera and face and voice unlocking, the LG V30 will also have impeccable audio. LG announced a handful of features today that will put its latest V series model well above other phones on the market when it comes to sound quality.
Tidal now offers studio-quality 'Master' audio
It's easy to forget in the Jay Z era, but Tidal's original marquee feature was its above-average audio quality, not its many exclusives -- this was your service if your headphones were too good to be sullied with low-bitrate streaming. Tidal hasn't forgotten, however. It's stepping things up with Masters, which use MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) technology to promise studio-grade sound. If you're the sort who wants to get as close to the sound booth as possible, this may be your best choice right now.
