Marantz Av8802a, Bluesound Node2 MQA

[Doug Lax]

If I were to get the node2 and subscribe to Tidal would my AVP be able to decode MQA ?


Secondly
What would be the best digital candle to use a high quality toslink or an rca digital cable?

[mcpaf76]

Can’t comment on the Marantz, but I can vouche for the analog out on the Node being solid. I did a direct A/B comparison to a Bel Canto Dac which was around $2500, it was indistinguishable. This would give you full MQA.

[Doug Lax]

Thanks !

[doggiehowser]

Run analog RCA from the Node2 to the AV8802A and you will be fine.

The DAC in the 8802A isn’t MQA compatible.

Not sure if the next gen 8804/5 will. That’s coming later this year.

That said, I’d rather have a dedicated stereo system for MQA rather than using the 8802 as a preamp.

Get an integrated amp with HT bypass for the front LR channels - or if you already have power amps, add a preamp with HT bypass and use the MQA DAC to the stereo preamp/integrates. And connect the AV8802 Pre out to the HT input of the stereo pre or integrated.

[Doug Lax]

I may be restricted space wise from doing that. But will go withe the RCA