I want to use an external DAC, but don't care about MQA (Node 2i)

Answered

Jeff Cummings

• December 15, 2020 23:36

Hi,

I read that when using an external DAC and MQA Eternal DAC turned on, the Node 2i converts (downsamples?) the stream to 24-bit/96KHz audio before sending to the external DAC.  

But I also read on the community that you can use an external DAC without converting the stream to 24-bit/96KHz.  

Does that mean that I can bypass the internal DAC and maintain the 24-bit/192KHz as long as I don't turn the MQA External DAC on?

Thanks,

Jeff

1

• Official comment

  

  Sam R.

  • December 16, 2020 15:36

  Hello Jeff, 

  No downsampling happens on Bluesound's watch. 

  The way MQA describes their content is as origami with 3 folds -- these folds consist of the decoding and rendering which when fully rendered will output 24-bit/192KHz audio. When streaming MQA through the NODE 2i, the NODE will handle the first decoding stage which will process the MQA file to 24-bit/96KHz audio.

  The next 2 rendering steps are then handled by the internal DAC of the NODE 2i which will then allow 24-bit/192KHz audio. If you are using Coaxial or Optical output from your NODE 2i, you are bypassing the internal DAC of the player which is resulting in only the decoding stage occurring and only outputting 24-bit/96KHz audio. To get full 24-bit/192KHz audio you will need to use the analog RCA outputs of the NODE 2i to have the internal DAC of the NODE 2i process these 2 rendering stages and output fully unfolded MQA.
  
  Regards,
  Sam R.
• 

  Jeff Cummings

  • December 16, 2020 16:07

  Hi Sam,

   

  But I dont want to use MQA.  I only want to bypass the Bluesound DAC without MQA.  

  What is the signal that is sent to the DAC if I do NOT have the MQA External DAC turned on?

  Thanks!
  Jeff

   

  0
• 

  Sam R.

  • December 16, 2020 22:28

  Just to set the record straight:

  MQA External DAC > set to OFF > assigns the NODE will do all MQA unfolding

  MQA External DAC > set to ON > assigns the external DAC to do all MQA unfolding (if your external DAC is unable to, you may not even hear audio)

  If not playing MQA content, your external DAC should receive the original bitrate (i.e. if playing 24/192 from Qobuz (non-MQA), your external DAC will get 24/192). 

  There's no real way to 'bypass' the MQA unfolding step; you would need to play a non-MQA source at a 24/192 sample rate for that to be sent to your external DAC.

  Hope that makes more sense!

  Regards,
  Sam R.

  2

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