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. 
128x128jbhiller
You need the desktop app to select the masters and add it to your favorites. No need to stay running or even the PC to stay on.
Kalali said:  "You may want to try bypassing the Bel Canto and see/hear if those same contents sound better."

The fully decoded analog output of the Bluesound Node 2 is quite pleasant and a screaming deal for a $500 streamer-DAC, but it is not up to the SQ out of the Bel Canto 3.7 via SPDIF after the first MQA decode in the Node 2.
@jank 
Are you sure you're getting the MQA software decoded through the Oppo? I attempted doing what you said with the Oppo 103 and only getting 44.1 according to the Anthem D2 processor.  I would like to remove the laptop and just use the 103, but I don't think it's possible yet. 
I agree with mcroth. I don't think the Oppo can access the higher res Tidal MQA info. MQA argue that their un-decoded files in the standard FLAC wrapper will sound better than Redbook 16/44, but I have not been able to discern that by listening.
I have the Bluesound Node 2 and Rotel ra-1592 integrated amp connected via a Transparent Optical interconnect. I too was initially confused about whether my Rotel DAC was decoding the mqa. Someone above said it first, but I want to validate that not all Tidal MQA albums are 96 kHz - Beyonce comes in at 44.1, though Joni Mitchell comes in at 96 - my Rotel automatically switches its display from 44.1 to 96 when the data being send to it changes.

Bluesound’s app lets you stream the MQA via your phone/ (I have the iPhone 6s) - Bluesound also sorts all the MQA albums for you on my phone app which is really helpful.

I’m sort of a audiophile newb, why does my Rotel only display the 44.1 vs 16/44.1, it does this for the 96khz too - doesn’t display the "24 bits" portion of the frequency - do those numbers go hand in hand? - should i assume 96khz is also 24bits? thanks