Streamer MQA Question


I was wondering if in order to stream TIDAL (which I have a sub to) do both the Streamer AND the DAC need to be MQA compatible/capable?

 

 

reg887t

To get the full unfold an MQA DAC would suffice with any streamer with a digital output OR a streamer with RCA outs that has an internal DAC.

https://www.mqa.co.uk/playback-devices

I'm assuming that USB-A is considered digital out?

 

So as long as the DAC can do MQA, I should be good to go?

Only a DAC can perform the full unfold. Streamers without an integrated DAC, or software like Roon can do the first unfold only, also called the “core decode”.  

What I'm looking to do is build a hires system a piece at a time due to $$$ constraints. Starting with the Bricasti M5 with the Audioquest Dragonfly Red (which I already have on hand) plugged into the M3's USB-A Output. The AQDR would then be plugged into Genelec 8030Cs using a Mogami 3.5mm to 2-XLR Male cable.

I would trigger playback from Audirvana which would do the "1st unfold". 

 

Sounds feasible?

 

Down the line I would replace the AQ with another better DAC (hopefully under 2K).