Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems How to get the MQA light on a 218 using a computer?

What do I need to have besides a computer and a 218 and Tidal Masters to get the MQA light on the 218 to come on?
Thanks

The computer would need to have a bit perfect digital output to the 218.

Are you using the Tidal desktop application?

You need to install the latest Meridian USB drivers available here.

And you need to setup the Tidal desktop application as follows:

File, Settings, Streaming.

Select Quality = Master.

Select the sound output device you created when installing the drivers above. Then hover to the right of that source to reveal the tool wheel, click on it.

Select (make them turquoise blocks) all of: Use Exclusive Mode, Force Volume, and Passthrough MQA.

Hope that helps.

And Control:PC does not provide this

You would not be using Meridian USB drivers in this case.
As mentioned above you need bit perfect SPDIF out, which Meridian currently doesn’t Offer. Damn shame/insane that the 218 DOESN’T have USB input. It would be perfect way to hook two channel SE speakers to a computer.

You want to use something like this to feed it.

M2Tech Hiface

But a 218 can be an end point on the network if your source supports it. Meridian still trying to keep it a closed system, on an “open” format.

You are absolutely correct Fiddler. And I too am shocked, it never occurred to me that it wouldn't.

Then, the only thing I need is a bit perfect SPDIF out like the M2Tech Hiface?
In the Explorer 2 the SPDIF out is not bit perfect. Is that correct?

Thank you all.

The Explorer2 does not have SPDIF output, only analog.

Fiddler, could you explain this: But a 218 can be an end point on the network if your source supports it.

Thanks

The 218 supports the Sooloos audio network protocol... AFAIK only Sooloos or Roon are able to stream to it via the LAN connection.

If you have a suitable QNAP NAS, then the Sooloos Core [free download] could be installed.

Alternatively Roon [anual or lifetime subscription] could also be used to stream to the 218’s LAN port.

Regards,
Carl

At max 24/96? (which may matter to some)

Yes, unfortunately it’s a limitation that Meridian still impose even with their new hardware.

I’d like to think a software / firmware would resolve ... but I’d not hold my breath.

Of course it’s not an issue with MQA encoded audio with the 218 driving either analogue or SE DSPs speakers hooked up to to the 218.

Regards,
Carl