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 vthokie83

I think rockrider and dinosore are going in the correct direction.....I however only use Qobuz, so I can't confirm. My equipment Node 130 USB to Denafrrips Iris DDC, I2S to Pontus II DAC. Here is an excerpt I found:

"The way MQA describes their content is as origami with 3 folds. These folds consist of the decoding and rendering which when fully rendered will output 24-bit/192KHz audio. When streaming MQA through the Node 2i, the BluOS app will handle the first decoding stage which will process the MQA file to 24-bit/96KHz audio. The next 2 rendering steps are then handled by the internal DAC of the Node 2i which will then allow 24-bit/192KHz audio. 

When using coaxial or optical cable from your Node 2i, you are bypassing the internal DAC of the player which is resulting in only the decoding stage occurring and only outputting 24-bit/96KHz audio. To get full 24-bit/192KHz audio you will need to use the analog RCA outputs of the Node 2i to have the internal DAC of the Node 2i process these 2 rendering stages and output fully unfolded MQA".

Good luck

chocaholic,

That wouldn't be my choice, I'd switch to Qobuz and keep what you have in place. The Node will pass up to 24/192 via USB

The DAC in the Node is fine, and much improved in the Node 130, but NOWHERE near the quality of the Pontus II and even moreso with the Iris DDC in place.

Chocoholic,

Now if you really want to up the ante, use Ethernet directly to the Node from your switch and only use BlueOS for control…..or leave it the hell alone if you’re happy. Unfortunately I don’t understand that philosophy