MQA and Coaxial digital connection

Answered

Oz

• February 20, 2020 10:55

My setup: Node 2i connected through digital coax to my Lyngdorf TDAI-2170. The Lyngdorf DAC does not support MQA.

I understand that MQA files played through coax are max. 24 bit and 96KHz. It also feels that it only does 1 MQA unfold - thus limiting the sound quality. This limitation does not exist when the analogue output is used.

So I wonder - is this a hardware limitation or can we expect this to be "fixed' in the future? My Lyngdorf is fully digital so an analogue input would mean two conversions D/A -> A/D.  

If it indeed is a limitation - does this mean that QOBUZ might be the better service for me as it does not limit me to 96Khz?

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• Official comment

  

  Wesley P.

  • February 20, 2020 17:28

  Hello Oz,
  
  With the rendering stages of MQA unfolding being handled by the internal DAC on the Node 2i, this is a hardware limitation that bypassing the internal DAC of the Node 2i will only provide up to 24-bit/96KHz audio.

  With this being a hardware limitation, it does not seem likely that we will be able to work around this through a firmware update.

  Since Qobuz provides its 24-bit/192KHz content in FLAC instead of MQA, it is not restricted by this limitation and will provide full 24/192 through the digital outputs on the Node 2i.

  Regards,
  Wesley P.
• 

  Fabio Dossena

  • December 15, 2020 21:15

  Hi,  i play my node 2i via coax of optical output to my matrix audio mini 2s pro. Even with Qobuz 192KHz content,  my dac provide to 96KHz. Why? Thanks a lot

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• 

  Sam R.

  • December 16, 2020 17:01

  Hello Fabio, 

  In the few times I've seen this happen, it has been because Qobuz was set to 96khz. Under Music Services > Qobuz, ensure you select the HD+ option:

  

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