Node 2 MQA vs CD quality

Beantwortet
Trevor McCarthy-White

Hi Guys, My profile details my setup so wont go into this.

I'm using my Node 2 with Tidal to evaluate MQA and getting some unexplained results.

I understand that I need to select a Tidal Master as a favourite and then play this from the BluSound iOS app. When I do this I hear very little difference between MQA tracks and their CD equivalents. I wasn't expecting too much as this will be subtle but I really can't discern a difference at all.

However when I play the same track from my NAS store of ripped CD FLAC files (dbpoweramp) I'm perceiving a better sound than with the Blusound Node 2 DAC playing CD quality. The MQA files show the correct icon and the blue dot when playing.

How does the BlueSound DAC perform against the Benchmark USB1 DAC ??

I'd like to know if it some improvement would be made by using an external MQA DAC . . if this is likely what level/model/product would give me better fidelity.

 

Regards

-1

Kommentare

8 Kommentare

Datum Stimmen
  • Offizieller Kommentar
    Tony W.
    Product Support Manager

    Hi Trevor

    We are very happy with the performance of the Burr Brown DAC in our Players. If however you wish to use an external DAC, you can. When you use the Optical or COAX output (rather than the RCA connectors), you bypass our on-board DAC and can use which ever DAC you like. If you do decide to go DAC shopping, it's probably in your best interest to select an MQA Certified DAC. When you do, in the NODE Audio Settings, please ensure you have disabled Tone Controls, selected Fixed Output and that you have an external MQA DAC. Please use the amplifier on the other end of the DAC to control volume.

     

  • Trevor McCarthy-White

    Thanks for your reply.

    Well I guess you should be pleased with  your product. But that's not really the question here.

    I'm asking why is there so little difference between the CD and MPQ versions of a title. Also why does my Benchmark DAC appear to sound better than the BlueSound DAC playing CD quality??

    I am aware how to route BlueSound Node 2 to an MQA DAC, but this is not the scenario we are discussing, I'll try this if I can't resolve the above question.

     

    Regards

    0
  • Tony W.
    Product Support Manager

    Hi Trevor

    Differences between MQA and CD may vary depending on how the original CD was recorded. This can vary from recording to recording. As for DAC differences, that is actually a subjective answer. I always tell listeners 'What do you ears tell you?' Everyone is different so we do recommend you go with what sounds best to you.

     

    0
  • Trevor McCarthy-White

    Hi

    Soz for delay, professional responsibilities kicked in for a few hours.

    OK, I appreciate some recordings may have more or less fidelity so the differences between CD/MQA will vary.

    Can you recommend a reference recording with both CD/MQA recordings that I can use that would demo that I am definitely unfolding the MQA 100% using the Node 2 and that I should hear the difference. I don't mind what genre but typically acoustic and electric jazz.

    Regards 

     

    0
  • Tony W.
    Product Support Manager

    Hi Trevor

    You are unfolding MQA 100% when using the NODE (regardless of generation) through analogue outs. If you are a TIDAL Subscriber, there are plenty to choose from.

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  • Trevor McCarthy-White

    Well that is dissapointing. I'm aware it should be unfolding I juts want to hear some evidence of this. I feel certain you would be aware of a demo that shows this beyond doubt, I then would have something for use in subsequent testing. I know tidal has a lot . . . that the issue. So from people who should know  . . . please may I have a recommendation.

     

    Thanks

    0
  • Trevor McCarthy-White

    Well that is disappointing. I'm aware it should be unfolding I juts want to hear some evidence of this. I feel certain you would be aware of a demo that shows this beyond doubt, I then would have something for use in subsequent testing. I know tidal has a lot . . . that the issue. So from people who should know  . . . please may I have a recommendation.

     

    Thanks

    0
  • Neutrikxlr

    Hi Trevor

    New to the forum but a long time user of Bluesounds Node 1 and a NAD C388 i can recommend Riders on the storm - The Doors

    The rain in the beginning is definitely different in both formats

    There is a comparison list on google somewhere... forgot its link.

    0

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