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How many of you believe in MQA?

I have recently purchased a Bluesound Node 2i.  The dealer suggested I connect the Bluesound by way of digital coax to a Pro-Ject S2 DAC by way of RCA anologue to my ARCAM AVR550.  However, I found out I will not be able to control my Bluesound with an iPhone, iPad or PC notebook.  The only way to hear MQA completely unfolded is to plug in a computer USB.  This would mean I would have to get up from where I am sitting, go to the computer to change songs and albums.  I believe the Pro-Ject RS2 DAC would work, but not sure what the sales price is or if this is a good option.

The dealer asked me why I wanted to even bother listening to MQA completely unfolded when the DAC sounded better than the DAC inside the Bluesound.  He thinks MQA is way over rated and it may not be around a year from now.  If I hook things up with the Pro-Ject S2 DAC I will be able to hear one unfold which would be at 24 bit/88.2 kHz.  If I do this, I will be giving up the opportunity to hear MQA recordings recorded at 24 bit/96 kHz or 24 bit/192 kHz.  

How many of you are enbracing MQA?  
128x128larry5729

Showing 4 responses by gdnrbob

gdnrbob
4,411 posts
 
I agree with your dealer. I think of MQA as the Dolby of the 21st century. Though it sounds nice on paper, why do I have to buy equipment to fully extract the beautiful sound? - Oh yes, money...
I will take either a high resolution track, or use my Memory Player Mini, thank you.
Bob
gdnrbob
4,411 posts
 
@big greg 
@2psyop .
I use a Bluesound Node and control it with a PC desktop app.
Though you could use an Android or Iphone, too. Either way, there is a computer.
I don't any other way to play music through the Node.
Bob
gdnrbob
4,411 posts
 
@bkepke,
Nice first post and welcome to Audiogon!
Also, nice system.
I asked Ken Forsythe of MQA if he could compare an MQA and non-MQA file for me. He gave what I thought was a valid answer: He couldn't do this because he could not guarantee that the non-MQA file came from the same master as the MQA file
Though it sounds reasonable, I have some reservations.
If MQA is superior, why not have comparative MQA and non-MQA tracks available for comparison?
Second, is asking this question to someone from MQA is kind of like that Robert Klein skit on Hair Club for Men:
'I wouldn't lie to you for a very good reason- I am President of the company'.
'WHAT POSSIBLE MOTIVE COULD I HAVE'?


Bob
gdnrbob
4,411 posts
 
I have no experience with Bel Canto, but I can say I use my Node with an Ayre Codex. The difference between the onboard DAC and the Ayre is significant. And, considering the price, the Codex is a steal. If you are patient, you can score a used on for under $1500.

You say you traded your old speakers in. So, what are you using now?

If you are finding the onboard Bluesound DAC sounds better, then I think you might want to make sure all connections are correct. 
If I recall correctly the DAC in the Node was 'warm', but when connected to the Ayre, became much 'cleaner' and 'livelier'. Also, I would try playing either CD or higher rez material first-rather than MQA, in order to get an idea of what the DAC is doing. (And, remember, some recordings are just plain lousy recorded, even a high rez or MQA iteration won't help it).

Lastly, the AQ cables are great cables. Trust me.

Bob
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