Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion MQA - Related technology, products and music Listening to MQA using an Explorer 2 to 861v4?

How will MQA sound after I connect Explorer2 to my 861v4?

The standard IA00 card on the 861v4 digitizes at 48k, so IMO, you'll probably be better off simply feeding the encoded 1x sample-rate digital MQA file to the 861v4.

The IA45 is the only 861v4-compatible analogue input card which digitizes at 2x sample rates (up to 96k); this is where things get interesting and one would need to compare feeding the 861v4 the encoded MQA file vs. the re-digitized decoded Explorer² output. i.e. let your own ears decide.

Hope that makes sense.

Thanks VK

Food for thought in the 861v4 cul-de-sac.

Hector

I thought the Explorer 2 can output optical SPDIF?
This could feed to an optical input on the 861v4.

Or is MQA decoding (and apodising?) only available on the analogue output from Explorer 2??

The Explorer2 only has analogue outputs.

It is a shame so many modern recordings are released with compressed dynamic range in order to keep general listeners happy or for those who use headphones outside.
Also to protect those with poor quality speaker systems which would be easily damaged trying to reproduce full dynamic range material at full level.

I remember many years ago when a centre channel mix of a well known movie (Saving Private Ryan) was accidentally released with full dynamic range. It destroyed many consumer quality centre channel speakers when played loud. At least the 861 can control this by limiting the DR to protect lesser speakers systems.

When i listen to a good uncompressed 16/44 recording with full dynamic range it incredibly realistic. e.g The Chesky CD's for example.

So a full dynamic range recording mastered in MQA is going to be interesting indeed. Assuming one has good enough amp and speakers capable of reproducing full level lifelike dynamic range.

I am happy to wait until an 861 current or new, supports MQA, rather than trying to re-digitize analogue from an Explorer2 via 861 analogue input.

Meanwhile back at the ranch I shall continue to wonder at the 5200SE via the Oppo 105D Special Edition ACD/Bluray audio until the MQA situation regarding hardware and software is more forthcoming, though at 70 plus can't wait for ever!

At 47+ I've been thinking the same way!

I like to think I am a patient 44 year old, and would rather they release when ready, rather than rush something to market.

I hope there will be a 861v9, and a HD621 replacement by end of this year, or latest sometime in 2017.

Plus a nice new Oppo player which supports 4K Bluray, which I understand is due end of year.

After that then my patience will also be wearing thin

Thanks VK,

I am waiting on new Explorer 3 or another option.
I have Explorer1 which does 96k.
I have an IA45 for my Oppo.

What's an Explorer 3?

The new version with integrated wireless Sooloos endpoint. JK