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Best MQA capable DAC without any Preamp Module?

pogballistics

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Can anyone suggest an MQA capable DAC without any Preamp module. Looking at a budget of less than 500$

I am considering the Schiit series cos of the fact that they don't have a preamp module in them. However, the fact that they don't do any MQA decoding and rendering is sad for me since I do quite a lot of Tidal streaming.

Can anyone suggest something with good measurements etc.
 

solderdude

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The 'pre-amp module' usually is simply digital attenuation. A soft/firmware feature rather than an actual extra circuit that would affect SQ.
 
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Jimbob54

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Can anyone suggest an MQA capable DAC without any Preamp module. Looking at a budget of less than 500$

I am considering the Schiit series cos of the fact that they don't have a preamp module in them. However, the fact that they don't do any MQA decoding and rendering is sad for me since I do quite a lot of Tidal streaming.

Can anyone suggest something with good measurements etc.

The MQA is the stinger- but the SMSL M500 V2 fits the bill. As @solderdude says , its a dig pre-amp but you can leave at full volume and dont let that worry you.

Not sure what else lives in that price with MQA- The Topping D90 MQA is over budget.
 

SMSL-Mandy

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Can anyone suggest an MQA capable DAC without any Preamp module. Looking at a budget of less than 500$

I am considering the Schiit series cos of the fact that they don't have a preamp module in them. However, the fact that they don't do any MQA decoding and rendering is sad for me since I do quite a lot of Tidal streaming.

Can anyone suggest something with good measurements etc.
https://hifi-express.com/products/smsl-m500-mqa-es9038pro-dac

Recommend the SMSL M500 V2 DAC.;)
 

Racheski

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Ifi Zen Dac in fixed mode will bypass volume control and can decode MQA for $129. However, the Burr Brown chips do not measure well and Ifi marketing is obnoxious :facepalm:
 
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pogballistics

pogballistics

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Asked cos you mentioned the device so I thought you have it. The review says it doesn't measure well.
 
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pogballistics

pogballistics

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Customs is a big headache. They probably will charge a lot making this a very sad / bad deal.
 

m8o

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"Preamp" actually means it can amplify. A digital attenuator utilizing attenuation native within the DAC chip is not a "preamp". Thus, the Gustard X16 qualifies. And is about the best MQA DAC for the money tested to date.
 
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