Thoughts/Observations on Pricing of MQA DACs

[nicoff]

I was looking at a list of MQA DACs and noticed that there are not many "cheap" DACs with MQA.
The cheapest MQA DAC currently available appears to be the Oppo 205 (about $1.4k), followed by the Mytek Brooklyn at about $2.2k.
Then there is a jump to the $5k-$7k range (different Lumin offerings, PS Audio, Mytek Manhattan). Some of the highest priced units are in the $20k territory (Esoteric N-01, Berkeley Alpha).

I wonder if the availability of MQA in Oppo 205 at $1.4k will push manufacturers to offer cheaper MQA-capable DACs.

[W9TR]

Audioquest Red $200
Audioquest Black $100
Both fully decide/unfold MQA
Those are street prices.

[nicoff]

Originally Posted by W9TR

Audioquest Red $200
Audioquest Black $100
Both fully decide/unfold MQA
Those are street prices.

You are right! Although those devices I believe are primarily for headphone use as opposed to line level/integration with a stereo system.

[Karl Maga]

I sure hope full MQA unfolding becomes ubiquitous. I’m very pleased with my Bel Canto 2.7 except it does not support MQA.

I have yet to audition MQA, but I’m optimistic based on people I trust who have. Have you tried it yet? What was your impression?

[PHC1]

Cheapest MQA DAC is the Audioquest Dragonfly for headphone use. $90 I’ve never tried but i suppose one can drive a a high gain preamp with it.

[W9TR]

All you need is a 1/8" stereo male to stereo male rca adapter cable and you're good to go with a Dragonfly!

My initial perception of MQA, without the complete DAC unfolding, is that it sounds really, really good.

I have purchased my last non-MQA DAC.
Benchmark, Schiit, etc. - make a note of it.

Tom

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by W9TR

All you need is a 1/8" stereo male to stereo male rca adapter cable and you're good to go with a Dragonfly!

My initial perception of MQA, without the complete DAC unfolding, is that it sounds really, really good.

I have purchased my last non-MQA DAC.
Benchmark, Schiit, etc. - make a note of it.

Tom

Doing just fine without MQA here.

[Karl Maga]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Doing just fine without MQA here.

Same here Serge, but if I like MQA when I audition it, I will purchase a new DAC.

[W9TR]

For me it's simple. All else being equal, (it never is) I will go for an mqa DAC over one that doesn't support the format. I too am happily listening today without an MQA DAC.
Tomorrow? Who knows.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by W9TR

For me it's simple. All else being equal, (it never is) I will go for an mqa DAC over one that doesn't support the format. I too am happily listening today without an MQA DAC.
Tomorrow? Who knows.

Just don't let the MQA be the determining factor in your decision. There are much more important aspects of choosing a DAC over a simple MQA unfold.