You can use any media management tool you like. The DAC is Roon ready, but that doesn't preclude other programs.

Thanks Jim! I'll give it a go with A+ which is the one I like the most in terms of sound.

Cheers

Sounds like the next mountain top might be called 'Huron'.

Is Brooklyn a high end DAC?

I am thinking of Chord 2Qute or Brooklyn DAC for my Bluesound Node 2 streamer.

Can you share some thoughts, please.

I have had a PS Audio DirectStream DAC now for about 2 1/2 years and for "regular" AIFF-FLAC files, in my system the DirectStream DAC sounds a little better than the Brooklyn, which I'd say "yes" is a "high end" DAC that is about 90% as "good" as the PS Audio DAC...with "regular" files.

It's becoming apparent to me that, to get the full benefit of MQA, one must purchase a DAC that does "end-to-end" MQA decoding, like the Brooklyn. I don't believe that doing the first part of the MQA decoding (the "unfolding") doesn't (to my mind) provide the most significant benefits of MQA.

Keep in mind that the Brooklyn is 1/3 the price of the DirectStream DAC, and it offers a really excellent headphone amp, inputs for turntables and a really fine volume control...very much could be considered a "preamp". I think it's an excellent value, for the money.

...and from Paul McGowen's latest posts, it sounds like he is adamantly opposed to modifying the DirectStream DAC to do "end-to-end" MQA decoding, mainly objecting to submitting his proprietary DAC technology to an outside company.

One of my audio buddies purchased a DirectStreamJr DAC and the BridgeII card, it looks like PS Audio has figured out how to do "full" MQA decoding on the BridgeII. I guess Paul decided it was best to get on the "MQA bandwagon"?

I currently have a Windows10 Pro machine, with Tidal and the Roon "core" installed, one USB to a Mytek Brooklyn DAC, another USB to my DirectStream DAC, controlling Roon from an iPad.

I presume that the BridgeII will show up in Roon as a third "zone"?

Anyone have either a DS or DSJr DAC & BridgeII installed? Comments on how that all works and sounds for you?

DirectStream DAC & MQA on the Horizon?
 

I use DS DAC and Roon. Yes, the bridge2 streams MQA from Tidal, and on the small LCD you can see the format is MQA. In my understanding, it still feeds the DAC with DSD stream.

Regarding sounds, I am unable to tell the difference of tracks with the same mastering but different resolutions, as long as the resolution is higher than red book CD format. However, I do enjoy MQA tracks, just because they are newly mastered.

I have found that the Bridge II connection sounds better than direct connection via usb. My Silenzio now sits in the office upstairs running Roon over the network. Better sound and a cleaner look of the audio system without the computer attached.