PCM shows instead of MQA on Element X from External MQA Player

[Mahalarp]

Just bought Element X and use Bluesound Node 2 feeding MQA via optical cable to Element X (MQA external DAC enabled on Bluesound)

From X screen, it shows PCM instead of MQA (MQA Album playing)

When using MA App playing Tidal, Element X shows MQA.

Is this normal or I’ve missed something?

[Ricardo]

Just bought Element X and use Bluesound Node 2 feeding MQA via optical cable to Element X (MQA external DAC enabled on Bluesound)

From X screen, it shows PCM instead of MQA (MQA Album playing)

When using MA App playing Tidal, Element X shows MQA.

Is this normal or I’ve missed something?

You have to select in the Node configuration that the device is attached to an MQA Dac. Nevertheless pls check if mqa passthrough is possible through optical output.

I’m curious why you use the Node as a streamer and the X as just a Dac vs using the X as a streamer + dac. Sound wise the latter would be much better, specially vs using optical connection. On top, the Node is limited to 24/192 (less through optical?) and no Dsd

[Wei Cao]

Hi Mahalarp,
The element X only unfold MQA materials through USB port. So the MQA stream from optical connection was processed as a regulat PCM stream.