Plays on any gear or smartphone.

Original Studio Masters encoded with MQA

*** IMPORTANT *******************************************************
Be sure to download ONLY Lossless PCM formats (AIF, WAV, ALAC, FLAC) to preserve the MQA encoding -- Do NOT use MP3, or AAC or other Lossy formats as they will lose the MQA encoding benefits.

Bandcamp always defaults to MP3 format for download -- Be sure to change this to one of Lossless formats (AIF, WAV, ALAC, FLAC) by selecting from the dropdown list presented when you download. Mahalo! It will play as MP3 but doesn't sound as good!

You may also need to rename the file to either include or end with ".mqa" (ignore quotes) to be recognized by MQA by your playback gear such as NAD or Bluesound.
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Plays on any media player with improved sound quality.
Read about MQA at www.mqa.co.uk
MQA Encoded by MQA Ltd., UK

"The original intention and sounds are much more accurately represented [with MQA] and are therefore much, much more enjoyable to listen to. The convenience of MQA's smaller file size is an additional no-brainer." - DE

** AMAZING TRUTH **
You do not need any special hardware (MQA DAC) or software (MQA Player) to reap the benefits of the MQA encoding. The temporal blurring (aka time smearing) has been greatly reduced especially the pre-ringing/echo from this PCM master. It sounds better than a CD equivalent no matter how you play it. An MQA DAC such as the Meridian Explorer2 (US$299) can further enhance the sound quality as well as unfold any hi-res frequencies above 20k.

You can download an MQA Sampler that contains all resolutions as examples, from 16/44.1 all the way to 24/352.8

It is online at BC Exclusive Here:
davidelias.bandcamp.com/album/de-mqa-sampler
.
This quote from a first time listen and comparison by a non-musician, non- audiophile, whose MacBook had just loaded iTunes with ripped music for the first time (Time Forgets CD), downloaded and added the David Elias Time Forgets MQA CD master from Bandcamp (ALAC format), plugged into a Meridian Explorer2 MQA DAC ($299) with Zipbuds ($25) attached. (MacBook Sound settings changed to use Meridian Explorer2 preference.)
.
She listened and alternated between MQA and non-MQA versions of various tracks. The Explorer2 DAC's Blue MQA Studio Quality Authentication LED light indicated MQA was present on the MQA tracks when expected (lit) and not present on the CD version of the tracks when not expected (not lit):
.
"oh wow - oh my god !
clearer crisp sharp, gawd!!
no question !!
wow!
you can hear everything better, everything being all the instruments
sharper clearer you can hear every distinctive instrument, awesome!"
.
~~~~~ About "Half An Hour Away" ~~~~~~

Pure freshly squeezed acoustic trio, recorded in a natural setting. You will be transported to another time when you sit back and relax with this one. Lyrical with a folky and celtic feel.

Recorded in the dawn of the 21st century, David performed with his sparse trio as The Great Unknown (Lisa Kelly/mandolin, Gary McArthur/sax, flute) on their down home west coast turf in Half Moon Bay, just south of San Francisco on Highway 1.

Using the local performance hall and theater as a working studio, The Great Unknown played these delicate songs to an ambient recording environment, capturing all nuances of the band and the room. No artificial effects such as reverb were used in the recording or mix. It has no overdubs or funny business added. Relax and enjoy...

Compelling is the word for David's new CD
"The light and open quality of this recording lends itself to
the lyrical work David's putting together. His songs have never sounded better as a result of a less is more theory.
David also realizes the benefit of re-invention. I don't think his music will get old, at least not from where I'm watching." -- Reid Dennis, The Mark Reid Band

Catchy melodies...thoughtful lyrics...
"Elias' new work, "Half an Hour Away," is right on time when it comes to mellow acoustic music with catchy melodies and thoughtful lyrics...Elias & The Great Unknown have been making themselves known, locally and beyond, with a combination of gigs and production work." -- Half Moon Bay Review

Intelligent, inspirational acoustic music
"David Elias is the best singer/songwriter in America today,
and his new album with the Great Unknown pulls him farther
from the pack. Engaging lyrics, haunting melodies, and
unique acoustic soundscapes make this gem of a CD an instant
classic of modern folk music. Enjoy." - Tomo

Unplugged? These folk/rock songs were never plugged!
"David is a tremendous songwriter. There are many more songs on his page which are worth checking out. This great folk song [Half An Hour Away] features guitar, mandolin and flute ensemble. Recorded live." -- Unplugged MP3

Celtic Music Around the World
"Largely a folk artist, David's strength is absolutely in his acoustic guitar. Delightful melody [Half An Hour Away]." -- World Celtic Music on MP3.com