OK, I agree with your statement about MoOde and MQA.
But, X16 is capable to play MQA files directly. MoOde on RPI4 is only bit perfect transport between my NAS and x16.
The test files are from L2 free database.
Yes, yes: I just want to pass MQA through the RPi4, not for it to decode it. The moOde dev responds to all MQA related questions saying it will never be supported -- mostly because it isn't open source. But he seems to overlook (or ignore) the fact that moOde doesn't HAVE to support it, just pass it through. As long as you don't use resampling, software volume control or DSP, it WILL pass it through bit-perfect.
This obviously applies to MQA files played locally (like the 2L ones) but it ALSO applies to streaming through UPnP, as mentioned in my posts above.
UPnP Config in moOde allows you to enter Tidal username and password, but unfortunately that doesn't work. According to the documentation for the UPnP module (
upmpdcli) this stopped working when Tidal changed their API.
Edit: And some general points:
1) I agree this belongs in a different thread, since it would apply to any USB DAC, not just X16.
2) I am neither a lover or hater of MQA. I understand it pretty well, enough to appreciate its benefits. But I also understand the concerns it raises. I wish we lived in a world where labels would just give us their HiRes PCM or DSD crown jewels, but that is not this world. I have little respect for the blind hate from people who barely understand MQA and haven't listened to it much. In any case does that debate NOT belong in this thread -- just as it doesn't belong in all the other threads where someone drops the word MQA. And that's all I'm going to say about that.