MQA Explorations

[Beaur]

Now that it looks like Roon is going to take some more time to decode MQA I want to do a little "research". Looking for MQA capable DACs that won't break the bank. The Dragonfly and Explorer seem to be the only lower priced DACs with MQA compatibility. Does anyone know of any others that wouldn't require a large investment? Yes I can just stream out of Tidal directly but it's not as easy to control remotely as Roon and I am interested to see if some dedicated hardware can work wonders!!

[Mrjazz]

Try a Bluesound Node 2. Great streamer with a decent interface and an onboard MQA Dac. The Dac is not bad and will allow you get a sense of what MQA can do, however I prefer the sound of my outboard Dac with only partial MQA decoding (via Tidal). My out board Dac is a PS Audio JR.
Reasonably priced too (500.00 MSRP)
Cheers.......

[Beaur]

Thanks for the recommendation. I am looking for something I can insert into the system in parallel so I do not have to change anything. Just insert into another USB port and different input of my converter.

[Alrainbow]

One I heard was the Manhattan , but the Brooklyn is close of you don't need headphones. Also there are some
mkds for a linear psu as well. You can build on it. Mbuy a used one search. Good luck

[Beaur]

I have heard both the Mytek units and like them a lot. Was looking for something a little less expensive as I don't need to be stuck with a Betamax quite yet! . My choices seem to be limited at the moment. Will see if Bel Canto trickles MQA capability down to their non Black products and makes it a simple upgrade. I will wander the hall at the Munich show this year and see if MQA pops up in more places.

One I heard was the Manhattan , but the Brooklyn is close of you don't need headphones. Also there are some
mkds for a linear psu as well. You can build on it. Mbuy a used one search. Good luck