Should I hear any difference when playing back MQA material with non MQA DAC?

Answered

Keith

• April 07, 2023 22:36

I have a newer NODE (N130) and I also have Radio Paradise and I tried listening to some MQA material from RP going through the NODE's DAC via RCA and to be honest,I could not tell any appreciable difference in sound quality as opposed to listening to the same tracks playing back 'regular' non MQA material via Coax on my external DAC.

If I listen to some MQA tracks via RP going through my non MQA supported external DAC,should I hear any kind of difference? Thanks,Keith

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• Official comment

  

  Seppi Evans

  Hi-Res

  • April 08, 2023 07:29

  It’s a tough one… if you can hear the difference between a CD quality stream and higher bitrate one then you should be able to hear the subtle differences.

  As a test use the analogue outputs and try both the MQA and non MQA versions but without having the same tracks queued up it would be very hard to discern a difference. The Nordic 2L website used to have have test tracks at different bitrates / MQA which you could pop onto a USB memory stick but it’s currently off line.

  if you can’t just don’t worry as the majority of listeners find CD quality more than adequate but the ability to play MQA or higher bitrates appeals as the tracks / albums have had more care in the mastering and it’s often this that makes them sound better. I personally find MQA from PR less fatiguing when listening for a long period through headphones, perhaps MQA is more enjoyable the older your ears get?
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  Keith

  • April 08, 2023 13:32
  • Edited

  Thanks,but looks like MQA is on it's way out anyway,so not to worry..Keith

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  Seppi Evans

  Hi-Res

  • April 08, 2023 13:19

  Ha ha…well on the surface the insolvency looks damming but…

  Following the recent positive reception to MQA’s latest technology (SCL6), there has been increased international interest in buying MQA Ltd. At the same time, MQA’s main financial backer is seeking an exit. In order to be in the best position to pursue market opportunities and expedite this process, the company has undergone a restructuring initiative, which includes entering into administration and is comparable to Chapter 11 in the US.

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