Rhapsody Adds MQA Studio-Quality Audio to Napster Platform

Rhapsody International Inc. has completed a global agreement with MQA, the company that delivers master-quality music in a file small enough to stream. Rhapsody’s Powered by Napster platform service now offers partners the option to choose high-resolution and studio-quality audio for those who select MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) as their format of choice.

Powered by Napster will offer MQA music tracks across multiple platforms including mobile, automotive, and home.

“Powered by Napster brings new and innovative branded streaming music services to partners intent on transforming their customer experience. High-resolution audio is a powerful tool to have in our box,” said Angel Gambino, chief commercial officer of Napster. “Our work with MQA signals the growth of high-resolution audio streaming and quality becoming a bigger part of the conversation.”

Powered by Napster is a complete music and audio platform service. It offers companies a suite of technologies and solutions, including music and media streaming and download infrastructure, applications, rights management, customer billing, royalty administration, and business intelligence. The addition of MQA positions Powered by Napster as the leader in high-quality audio music services.

The Napster/MQA partnership means that the original, highest resolution versions music can be delivered and authenticated at the time the consumer streams it.

“Artists and creators are very clear that they want to give their fans the best possible sound quality,” said Mike Jbara, CEO of MQA. “With this agreement, Napster has positioned themselves as strong advocates for creators and its global reach makes today’s announcement a great milestone for MQA’s many global hardware partners.”