The UK audio tech company has previously signed deals with Universal Music and Warner Music.
In recent years it's likely that more people have written about hi-res audio streaming than have actually listened to it, but that hasn't dented its appeal to music companies eager to tap into the high-spending audiophile market.
Independent label organization Merlin is the latest to strike a multi-year deal with U.K.-based audio tech company MQA (Master Quality Authenticated), which is certified by the RIAA and already has deals in place with Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group, as well as a steadily-growing number of music services, including Tidal, 7digital and hi-res download store Onkyo Music. MQA's hardware partners number Pioneer, Technics, Onkyo, Bluesound and Meridian, among others.
"Today's future-facing agreement makes perfect sense -- offering our independent label members a fast track entry point to an exciting segment of the streaming market, and ensuring they remain at its forefront," commented Merlin CEO Charles Caldas in a statement.