Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
Can Drop please partner with MQA and a R-2R DAC manufacture?
Explanation:
MQA is the future of audio files. It sounds so much better to my tastes than 24-bit FLAC files. Even without a dedicated MQA hardware render. Usingh Tidal Hi-Fi my best friend, who doesn't get my passion for Music, and I agree that the MQA (or as Tidal calls them, Master) files sound clearer, and more natural than the normal FLAC file. However my friend did say that it didn't sound as loud in the MQA file compared to the FLAC. We used my audeze mobius hooked up to my PC via USB, on the default sound setting and using 2 channel Hi-res as the mode.
My Request:
I would like a balanced R-2R DAC with MQA support. I know it would cost a fair bit more than the Airist Audio R-2R DAC. I could see the price being $500 to $550 as reasonable if possible. It would be $50 to $100 cheaper than a Schiit Bifrost Multibit, which from my understanding is a similar technology to R-2R DACs. Though it would have more features being much more of a value proposition.
search
close
Sort by: Newest
keyboard_arrow_downdcha12
461
Jun 26, 2019
I'm really not sure of other's experience, but since I've bought my Matrix X-Sabre Pro MQA, I can honestly tell you that MQA sounds like a** vs the regular PCM stuff. Luckily, the MQA version of the X-Sabre Pro does come with the latest XMOS XU216 USB and an updated coax/SPDIF, so some of the increased cost goes towards the hardware (I can tell you firsthand the USB implementation is awesome).
dcha12
461
Jul 6, 2019
DraeftloreThe loudness/compression wars make me sad. You don't have to use MP3 to know this; it's down even to mastering. Using a FLAC format makes no difference.
rastus
1391
Jun 23, 2019
Keep sending them money, and the mqa folks will keep telling you how great the music sounds, of coins falling in their coffers. Another shill scheme mqa is... DSD is a gift from Sony,, take it native, not dop.
rastus
1391
Jul 8, 2019
Sorry, by doing the same, I meant vinyl direct to DSD. I have a Technics SL-1200 that I will be using with the KorgMr-2000S, it is a recorder,, that can also operate as a player/DAC, but not really in a ‘consumer friendly manner’. The Korg DS-DAC-10 is a more consumer oriented DAC/recorder, though you must know that you are beholden to the Korg Audiogate software environment. This is calved off of their studio apps, so excellent math is done here, just a bit clunky in user interface.
The NU board done in collaboration with Audio Note is perhaps the best choice for an internal pc dac. Put a MUSES02 in the headphone out, from a distributor, too many fakes.
The Elex; get one if you can.
Amps; I think having both an SET tube amp,,, and a solid state, is preferred.
Which dac/amp; budget, goals?
(Edited)
Draeftlore
45
Jul 8, 2019
rastusThe EVGA NU board will suffice as a dac then? Cool. I may look into getting an Massdrop X alex cavali hybrid tube, and the solid state one, if possible the MASSDROP X EDDIE CURRENT ZDT JR. looks like a decent tube amp as well.
JJayJJ
472
Jul 5, 2019
still no proof, still just making declaratory statements, but of course, you’re “done with the discussion long ago”. Yet you’re back again repeating the same nonsense yet again. Let’s see, let me try being a beast like you for a day: I can see ultraviolet light, gamma rays, X-rays, I can hear from 5Hz to 500kHz, I can taste things in the air to around one part per billion..
Man this is great, I choose to now illuminate my room with wonderful gamma lighting, you really should give yourself a chance and try it yourself.
Draeftlore
45
Jul 7, 2019
JJayJJokay. There is a difference between seeing individual rays of light. And having clearer And more separation of the sound in music. It doesn’t do anything beyond that. Nice try though
(Edited by moderator AlexPk)
Rt66indierock
1
Jun 17, 2019
It is pretty hard to make a case to include MQA in an audio product. Tidal has too few subscribers in the hi-fi tier. The back end to Onkyo Music, 7digital may be out of business by the end of the month. And all Napster with their Powered by Napter platform brought to Realnetworks was debt. And MQA licensee Deezer hasn't bothered with a hi-res tier yet. How are you going to listen to MQA next year?
Draeftlore
45
Jun 18, 2019
Rt66indierockWell that sucks. MQA was an amazing in sound quality. Which means i have to go with dsd. Does anyone know of a a PC software that functions like Fiio’s M11 All-To-DSD feature, where in real time convert the playback into DSD. I was reading a review on the m11 and this was what it said about it.
“Basically, any sound processed by M11, be it a video file, an audio file or a game will be converted to DSD. With it enabled everything will sound smoother, more natural and very easy-going without touching the transient response.”
zep483
656
Jun 16, 2019
I also would like this with balanced outs and ethernet transfer too... with roon endpoint and MQA capability. AND make it happen for $2-350. It would take over the world... I could give up on the r2r part if I had too to get the price lower.
(Edited)
Draeftlore
45
Jun 16, 2019
zep483balanced outs, ethernet for use with streaming services, MQA support, however I’m not sure I want to drop the R-2R part. If Schiit were to add an optional MQA support to their yggdrasil I don’t care what the price is i would buy it over a dealta sigma dac guaranteed.
Rt66indierock
1
Jun 20, 2019
DraeftloreSorry the Schitt guys were founding members of "The We Oppose MQA" fraternity." I started a membership drive January 2, 2017. That thread has more views than the MQA site itself.
PRODUCTS YOU MAY LIKE
Trending Posts in Audiophile
Simthaniel
Rigs
Modded headphones with qudelix at the core
When I received the Qudelix 5K, I had already modified a pair of Superlux HD-681 headphones. I previously soldered my own balanced connections to the drivers, providing multiple ways to connect and...
Apr 14, 2024
brothamike
A decent set of IEMs
I am in the midst of a 300 hour burn-in but, I will say I am enjoying how this set sounds so far. Before I received these which was btw late by a few weeks, I purchased a Sony/Kimber Kable MMCX...
Apr 12, 2024
merrick97
Should I exchange the PC38X for better headphones?
I bought the PC38X headphones FOR GAMING and they are great, but I have NO use for a Microphone since I don't do competitive gaming and I was wondering if there were better headphone options at a similar price without a headphone, where (presumably) more of the cost was put into making it sound better. I also find that my PC38X don't get quite as loud as I would like and I was wondering if a cheap amp like the iFi Go link would draw a little more volume out of my phones. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN6MM822?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details I went with the PC38X since it was considered the best bang for buck headphones. I care most about using spatial apps like DOlby Atmos and DTS Headphone:X. Suggestions are welcome.
Apr 11, 2024
LostnAmerica
Sound Signature of the Grell Project.
Wondering what type of sound signature the Drop Grell project headphones will have or trying to attain. Any update would be appreciated.
Apr 8, 2024
Fabulous
Looking for a gaming/content audio setup
Hello! I'm looking for recommendations on audio setups. I'd be planning on using it mostly for gaming. Preferably I'd like a pair of large closed back headphones since I have a big head and jaw. I'd also like to hear myself through my mic with mic monitoring. As far as budget goes, I don't really have one. But under 600$ would be nice. I can go higher if needed. The audio setup would be connected to a high performance PC. Thank you in advance for any recommendations!
Apr 4, 2024
1plsd
$10 Drop Coupon Email not sent?
Trying to buy some gear off Drop for the first time. I was told I would receive an email with a welcome to drop $10 off promo. I never received that email. Drop was able to send me emails for my login token and email for Password update. But for some reason the $10 off coupon was never sent to me.
Mar 31, 2024
NMPacella
New here
Hello, I just joined, primarily for the audiophile products. Looking at purchasing the NHT C3 speakers for our new living room. Space is about 15 feet wide by 33 long and they will fire long ways. Space is just for general listening, music room with all equipment is downstairs, so hoping they will fill it with sound nicely. Cheers.
Mar 18, 2024
Drop Refurbished
Like-new products you can trustDrop Rewards
Get $5 for every 500 points you earn! Learn more
Drop Keyboard Club
Become a member and expand your keycap collectionCollaborate With Us
For Brands & DesignersFollow Drop