How do I set up my AXN/MXN with a DacMagic 200M for MQA passthrough?

Question

Accepted Answer

Although the AXN/MXN can receive MQA encoded content, it is not possible for the device to playback full MQA files via TIDAL Connect, because the AXN/MXN does not have an MQA decoder built in to unfold the MQA files.

It is, however, possible to bypass the DAC in the AXN/MXN, and have the MQA file processed by an external DAC that supports MQA, such as the DacMagic 200M. This will allow the full unfold of the MQA file to take place in the DacMagic 200M, and you will still be able to control and queue your MQA files via the AXN/MXN.

Please follow the below step-by-step guide on how to set this up:

How do I set up my AXN/MXN with a DacMagic 200M for MQA passthrough?

1. Connect either of the Digital Outputs (SP/DIF Coaxial or Toslink Optical) of AXN/MXN to the corresponding DacMagic 200M Digital Input (D1 or D2)

2. Connect the Balanced or Unbalanced Output of DacMagic 200M to your amplifier

3. Select the relevant D1/D2 Input on your DacMagic 200M

4. Open the TIDAL app 'Settings' on your smartphone or tablet, and confirm that the streaming quality is set to ‘Master’

5. Select the AXN/MXN within the TIDAL Connect menu as your output device

6. Processing of the MQA files will now be passed through to the DacMagic 200M, and MQA playback should be indicated on the DacMagic 200M by relevant the LED light.