Mqa tidal aurender
 

Can somebody please explain? I’m a bit confused. When streaming Tidal MQA files using the Aurender N100h, I thought the files were going threw the first stage of unfolding. I’m using the Aurender N100h with McIntosh C52. When streaming Tidal MQA Files the DAC reads either 44.1 or 48khz.
So I quess, if I understand correctly the only way to get the first stage of unfolding is with Tidal streamed threw a computer.

I know Aurender is preparing a paid upgrade for MQA core decoder which does first unfolding for MQA contents.
Once unfold is done the output will be 24bit 88.2kHz or 96kHz.

I thought Tidal was an MQA core decoder doing the first unfold, but I guess not because it is out putting 44,1 or 48khz not 88.2 or 96khz. Why does Tidal do the first fold on a computer but not on the Aurender.

Does anyone think McIntosh will upgrade their DAC’S to be MQA certified to complete the unfolding?

Thanks look forward to hearing to see if I am understanding the MQA Process correctly.

rottikid

Is your "Master" turned on in Tidal? Not sure how you are listening and if anything changed but Master was only selectable from a desktop/laptop not tablets or smartphones.

I could be wrong but I believe Aurender had an update that enabled HIFI on tablets and phones. I get half of the unfold provided by Tidal and my Dac does not support MQA so l get 24/44 or 24/48. I believe the full unfold gets 24/192. Take this with a grain of salt. I don't pay much attention to MQA just yet.

From tidals website:

Currently TIDAL Masters audio is supported via our desktop application only.

That is in reference to TIDAL's own apps, meaning MQA is not supported in their browser based apps. MQA is also supported with TIDAL streaming by various other company's products and apps including Lumin, Aurender, Bluesound, etc. :thumbsup:

Thank you! This is quite confusing :thumbsup:

I hope I helped to clear it up a bit but you're correct - it can be confusing! If you have any further related questions just ask and I'll do my best to answer. We're all in this together! :music: