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Pontus ii and Hi Res

A bit new to streaming so apologies for a naive question. I’m streaming Tidal from a Bluesound Node into a new Denafrips Pontus ii via optical cable. Regardless of resolution (hi res or MQA), the DAC stays on 44.1 kHz x 1 multiplier. I tried setting the streamer audio to “MQA to external DAC”, but no difference. Also no difference toggling between OS and NOS  

What am I missing? If the Pontus can’t unfold MQA or resolve anything above 44.1 (x1)  is there any reason to keep Tidal’s highest res service?  The DAC should certainly recognize higher res files...no?

Appreciate any ideas. 

chocaholic

Showing 4 responses by rockrider

rockrider
181 posts
 

Pretty sure the “MQA to external DAC” option turned “on” means your Node is not performing the first unfold since it expects the external DAC to do everything, and in that case your non-MQA DAC will always see 44.1 kHz. Disable “MQA to external DAC” and the Node should do the first unfold. 

rockrider
181 posts
 

Do you have a Coax cable you could try instead of optical? Optical SPDIF (Toslink) is not generally considered the best connection choice. 

rockrider
181 posts
 

Bluetooth? No no no no no. The iPad should be connected to your WiFi (on same network as Node) then the iPad only works as a controller and the audio signal goes directly to the Node. 

rockrider
181 posts
 

Glad you figured it out @chocaholic! Enjoy, and happy holidays from Arizona!

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