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Pontus ii and Hi Res

A bit new to streaming so apologies for a naive question. I’m streaming Tidal from a Bluesound Node into a new Denafrips Pontus ii via optical cable. Regardless of resolution (hi res or MQA), the DAC stays on 44.1 kHz x 1 multiplier. I tried setting the streamer audio to “MQA to external DAC”, but no difference. Also no difference toggling between OS and NOS  

What am I missing? If the Pontus can’t unfold MQA or resolve anything above 44.1 (x1)  is there any reason to keep Tidal’s highest res service?  The DAC should certainly recognize higher res files...no?

Appreciate any ideas. 

chocaholic
marco1's avatar
marco1
511 posts
 

What is your monthly charge?  You might think you're subscribed to hi res but if you not paying for it you won't get it despite what your Tidal menu says.

bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,597 posts
 

I don’t believe any Denifrips unfolds MQA. So, keep that in mind.

I have an Aries II, and dropped down a tier in Tidal after its purchase, and Tidal changing its subscription offerings, as it (MQA) is somewhat worthless to me.

I do have some DSD and other hi res files on a server though, and the Denifrips can handle it all. Just not MQA.

patrickdowns's avatar
patrickdowns
503 posts
 

If you use Roon, it does the first MQA unfold, I recall, so you'd get get benefit even if your DAC doesn't decode MQA.

chocaholic OP
201 posts
 

@marco1 … monthly rate is $19.95. I purposely signed up for the highest SQ they offer.

@bkeske Does your Aries2 indicate the resolution being played? My concern is the Pontus seems to recognize everything as 44.1 x1. Hi res or not.

We have a family Spotify account and honestly, I’m not sure I’m hearing much/any difference with Tidal (normal, Hi-fi or MQA). Or, is my DAC not working correctly?

dinosore
105 posts
 

The Node should do the first unfold of MQA files.  I have a Node 2i connected to an Ares II via coax and I'll see 24/96 when playing Tidal MQA files.  Maybe try another cable?

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