Dyson

Thanks both of you for clarifying. Should we conclude that all around MQA launch is very a well orchestrated campaign? And that in fact with regards to real hi-res streaming, it's a step backwards? Glad that I finally know.

iFi Dac's is hybrid, only least significant part is reproduced with sigma-delta converter.

It needs a well designed analog filter. Add-on: that's the main reason why up sampling was introduced: easier and cheaper filter

iFi Audio DAC's have a BitPerfect setting where they do not upsample. It is even the best sounding setting!

Sorry Jud, I do not agree. If unfolding is what MQA allows/is doing then it is not equal to upsampling. MQA allows to rebuild the original sample rate from the content of the file (all the data is stored), there is no guessing/calculation of missing information. If my description if wrong, then I haven't understood what MQA is and even worse I would not see the interest of it.

A+ is unfolding MQA files to 88.2/96kHz, but is displaying (on the right) the max resolution of the file, meaning from 44.1kHz up to DXD (352.8kHz). Without upsampling I get: MQA 352.8kHz track plays at 88.2kHz MQA 44.1kHz track plays at 88.2kHz There are wonderful test tracks at 2L. Size performance of MQA is hard to believe: a 9:24 file in DXD is 760MB, the same with MQA 98MB !!!

It isn't negative. All the lower end is there, controlled. Many versions gave the feeling to have more low end extension, but in fact had something like "boomy" basses. One version: 2.6b16 (2.5.9.16) had very controlled low end (probably too controlled BTW). Version 2.6.6 gives the impression to have more bass but not as well mastered as 3.0. Not speaking of the other sound improvement of 3.0.

Is there a definition of the color on the side of the MQA logo?

I do agree. The latest bottom end lost some body but it's better controlled overall.

the Sound Quality improvement, really! No risk you can try 15 days before buying.

little issue: my network folder (NAS) remains offline I disconnect the folder, launch A+: nothing happens When I start playing a track, the folder is mounted and the track is played, but in the library management the folder remains offline Any idea?

I own the 2 versions of the iDSD and the iDAC2. All used as desktop DAC. Yes I have compared them but at DSD256 only, because Mac can't go higher. Sent from my iPhone using Computer Audiophile

iDAC2 is "limited" at DSD256... and yes it sounds more refined than the iDSD BL.

I made an interesting experience with my LPS-1 and two REGENs. I have been powering the REGENs with one Breeze Audio (El Cheapo) LPS and an Y-cable. When I received the LPS-1, it found its place between the Breeze Audio (energizing the LPS-1) and the REGENs powered by the LPS-1 with the Y-cable. That was subtle but very nice improvement, especially increasing the precision in the lower and medium ranges. I tried the other day: the Breeze Audio is still energizing the LPS-1 but now as well powering the first REGEN (computer side). The LPS-1 is powering only one REGEN, the one attached to and powering the DAC (iFi iDAC2 currently). This changed dramatically the lower range, much more defined and with more body. I'm very surprised of such a change, but I like it! (The Breeze Audio is delivering 9V, this is not at risk for the first REGEN because no current is taken except for its own need. It remains cold.)

Sure! It's a perfect match, highly recommended.