Quick How to Stream MQA via Tidal to Bluesound


Just recently (yesterday?), Tidal started offering "masters" recordings that are in MQA format @ 96khz as opposed to 44.1khz. But, the catch--at least right now--is that such offerings are limited to (a) <200 albums; and (b) streaming only through Tidal's desktop app--not through iPhone, iPad, etc. 

Here's how I got the MQA to work in Bluesound.  It's only a temporary fix. 

1. Go to Tidal on my computer/desktop app. 
2. Open Tidal. 
3. Go to "What's New"
4. Next to Albums just above the album artwork you'll see, "New, Recommended, Top 20, Masters."  Select Masters. 
5. When you see an album of Masters you like, add it to your Favorites. 
6. Open your Bluesound app on your favorite device (does not have to be your computer/desktop). 
7. Go to Favorites, Albums, and find the album.  It can be a bit difficult if you already have, for example, a previous non-masters version in your favorites.  But, when you stream the proper album your DAC--if so equipped--will indicate that it's streaming in 96khz as opposed to the standard 44.1khz. 

Tidal needs to make this browsing functionality available in its own app. That may not help identify the "Masters" in Bluesound's app, but til those two things are updated you can use this workaround. 

I tested Van Morrison's Moondance and several Led Zeppelin albums.  The 96khz is subtlely different streaming through Tidal - Bluesound - my NAD M51 DAC.  I like the sound of vocals, drums, bass and transients. 
jbhiller

Showing 3 responses by wanders

Question:

If I have 1) Tidal, 2) Bluesound iPhone app, 3) Meridian Explorer 2, can I stream full mqa through my iPhone?

Thanks

Question:

If I have 1) Tidal, 2) Bluesound iPhone app, 3) Meridian Explorer 2, can I stream full mqa through my iPhone?

Thanks

Good question (& thx for the reply).

I have Tidal app on my iPhone (dropped the service bc imo the sq was not worth the $). I read, somewhere, that Bluesound + an mqa dac would play Tidal mqa streaming. Haven't, yet, purchased a mqa dac or resubscribed to Tidal. Don't want to install a computer in my sound room. Hoping to find a way to get full mqa at least investment. Trying to learn how.

Thanks