What is best? Full MQA or core MQA on a better DAC?

[mrob]

Hi all,

In my setup, I have a Bluesound Node (N130) which does full MQA (in principle) but has a somewhat average DAC.
On the other end, I have a SMSL D300 DAC, which does NOT do MQA, but has a more "natural" sound.

So I am debating: in princple, which one should bring most details out:

1. Bluesound Node -> analog on amp (with Bluesound doing full MQA)
or
2. Bluesound Now (1st unfold) -> SMSL D300 via USB

I have tried both, I do hear a slight nuance, but I can't say whether it's because there's more details, or only because the D300 is warmer in general.

I'm honestly only looking for some facts on the theory - which one should, in principle, be the right way?

Have you experimented something like that before? Should I just ditch MQA? If I do, I would then keep the setup as is - Node as a streamer only, D300 as the DAC. Then I can play my local 192kHz files in all their glory

Thanks,

Mrob

 

[Al ears]

I would question why you are bothering with MQA at all?
are you stuck with a Tidal subscription?

 

[daveh75]

MQA was debunked as audiophile nonsense long ago.

I wouldn't waste any energy on it personally

 

[mrob]

are you stuck with a Tidal subscription?

Haha excellent question! Well, not really, in fact there was an "extend hifi plus for 2$" for an extra 2 months so I took it to try...

But it is a legitimate question. I would say that to my ear, MQA albums do sound a bit better than the "CD" ones from Tidal, whether I unfold once or full. But then one wonders if it is really better, or if their so-called CD are a bit compressed?... Or if there's something else going on?

I can't get Qobuz (not in Canada) and Tidal sounds better than Spotify by a long stretch. I have some local flacs, but I like the exploring streaming offers.

Now, is paying the extra 10$ a month worth it for MQA? Definitely not. So, circling back to your question, it is kind of an answer in itself! I will NOT need / use MQA when I need to pay full price, so my original question will be moot that point.

Mrob

 

[Friesiansam]

Is it possible for you to access Qobuz via a VPN?

 

[nopiano]

Looks likes Qobuz arrives in Canada in May 2023.

Qobuz high-quality music platform soon available in Canada

/CNW/ - Qobuz, the pioneering French high-res online music platform that is a touchstone for audiophiles worldwide, will be coming to Canada in May 2023. And...

www.newswire.ca

 

[mrob]

Looks likes Qobuz arrives in Canada in May 2023.

Qobuz high-quality music platform soon available in Canada

/CNW/ - Qobuz, the pioneering French high-res online music platform that is a touchstone for audiophiles worldwide, will be coming to Canada in May 2023. And...

www.newswire.ca

!!!! I will definitely keep an eye on that!

Thanks!