Node 2i MQA via RCA out to receiver that re-digitizes signal
Answered
Hi, I'm interested in purchasing a Node 2i in order to hear MQA tracks on Tidal. I have a mid-level Denon receiver with Heos, so I currently only get CD quality FLAC. I understand that MQA would only be fully unpacked via the analog out connection because the Denon DAC isn't certified for MQA. However, I believe the Denon and most receivers take the analog signal and re-digitize it through the receiver's DAC in order to output the signal through the power amp section to the speakers (even via "pure direct" mode). Does this defeat the whole benefit of using the RCA out for MQA as ultimately without a fully analog signal path I remain limited by the DAC in my receiver?
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Official comment
That's a question for your amplifier manufacturer, but I doubt they do. I do know our good friends down the hall at NAD Electronics do not run analogue signals through a DAC as that is a lot of work for no added benefit.
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Thanks for the quick reply. Per your suggestion I did some more research on this via the receiver manufacturer side. While I can't speak for NAD, I was correct that most mass market receivers do digitize analog signals, but if you engage a "pure direct" function, all of the extra digital processing (room correction, loudness control, eq settings, crossover, etc.) is defeated and the output will be pretty much transparent from the original signal, and the benefits of the full MQA signal from the Node 2i should be apparent.
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