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MHDT Pagoda question on use

Hi all,
I have been using this DAC and really like it but am having some issues and wonder if anyone has any tips or experience with this.
I know this is not a MQA DAC but when I try to play a MQA file using usb audio player pro the sound is slowed down and digitized. Is this because the DAC cannot recognize the MQA?
I mainly use Linux and have no problem with Tidal. I switched to Amazon and i noticed they do not have a Linux app so needed to switch to Windows.
When i use Windows, any sound through this DAC is slow and digitized, this can be youtube, amazon via the web, or the desktop app. I did install the provided drivers.
When i try to use the Amazon app via my andriod phone the sound is slow and digitized.
I am at a loss as to how to get Amazon or windows or andriod to work.
jpphun
5 responses Add your response
big_greg
6,658 posts
 
I have an Orchid and have it connected to my PC by USB.  I am not sure what you mean by this "slowness" you describe, but I certainly don't hear it.  I mainly listen to Qobuz and Tidal using their apps on Windows.

What do you have your Sound settings at?  Do you have any "enhancements" turned on (bass boost, virtual surround, etc.)?

Could it be the player you're using?

The Orchid doesn't support MQA either, but there are no issues playing MQA files from Tidal with it on my system.

I think your issue lies somewhere else than the Pagoda.
melvinjames
416 posts
 
Saw this on another forum and thought it might be of interest to you:

https://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=14070322011&tag=mfconvert-20

Of note .. "At this time, external DACs are not supported on Android."

jpphun OP
2 posts
 
Thanks, sounds like I will start looking into streamers, probably the bluesound 
melvinjames
416 posts
 
Many find sound quality improves using a purpose built audio device instead of a computer. As to your original post .. sorry to say I can't help you with your particular issues (not a Windows guy and I don't ever wire my Android phone to the DAC).

I also have the Pagoda and it works great with my Bluesound Node 2, Chromecast Audio, and Sonore microRendu. It also worked just fine with my Mac mini when I tried it. I'm trialing Amazon Music HD and streaming two ways:

  1. Bluesound Node 2 - nice sound quality up to and including 24/192. Unfortunately the Amazon implementation is very rudimentary.
  2. Sonore microRendu - running Shairport (AirPlay emulator) in conjunction with Amazon's iOS app on my iPad. Works well and sounds great. Honestly, I think this implementation sounds better than the Node 2 despite the AirPlay limitation (24/48).
Best of luck. I hope someone chimes in with some insight for you.
jpphun OP
2 posts
 
So maybe change to the question, why should I use a streamer like bluesound node instead of laptop, what is the benefit?
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