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DAC compatibility

Hi all. I'm encountering a problem that does not have a satisfactory solution. I own a BSN 130 which functions fine using the internal dac. I recently acquired a Topping D90 MQA DAC to receive the USB out of the BSN. I get a lot skips when playing MQA files. Otherwise it seems fine. However, my macbook seems to like the D90--no issues playing back MQA streams via Roon, BluOS, Tidal.

Based on what I've read about this issue, the solution inevitably becomes: use optical or digital coax or don't play MQA. Topping blames BSN and vice versa. That drives me nuts.

Now, I read something interesting about BSN UBS: it doesn't love 'desktop' DACs because of its unique linux USB architecture. Also, desktop dacs only like CPU/laptop USB. 

It may be a Topping specific issue. I swapped in a Dac magic 200 and all was fine. How do I sort this out? Is there any truth to the USB compatibility argument? 

I am considering going to an integrated dac/streamer. 

Thanks in advance for any input or solutions. 

tee_dee

Showing 1 response by tee_dee

tee_dee OP
32 posts
 

Thanks for that. I tried the renderer setting but no luck.

BTW, The D90 only does MQA via USB, so no go on the optical/coax.

The issue may be related to the USB out on the BSN.

I'm reluctant to give up the BSN as I bot a TP power supply and a $1k USB cable!

I bot the D90 used and can't put to the seller.

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