How do I setup my CXN (V2) with a DacMagic 200M for MQA Passthrough?

Question

Accepted Answer

Although the CXN (V2) can receive MQA encoded content, it is not possible for the CXN (V2) to playback full MQA files via TIDAL Connect because the CXN (V2) does not have an MQA decoder or renderer built in to unfold the MQA files.

However, it is possible to bypass the DAC in the CXN (V2), 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 CXN (V2).

Please follow the below instructions on how to how to set this up via USB Audio or TIDAL Connect.

USB Audio

1. Connect the either of the Digital Outputs (SP/DIF Coaxial or Toslink Optical) of CXN (V2) to the corresponding DacMagic 200M Digital Input (D1 or D2).

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

3. Check that CXN (V2) is set to USB Audio Class 2, and then connect PC or Mac via the USB Audio In on your CXN (V2).

4. Select the CXN (V2) as your PC or Mac's output device via your computers audio settings.

5. Select USB Audio as the Input Source for your CXN (V2). This can be done via the front panel controls, or the StreamMagic app.

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

7. Select the CXN (V2) as the Output Device within the TIDAL desktop app 'Settings'. In ‘More Settings’ enable ‘Exclusive Mode’ and ‘Passthrough MQA’.

8. Processing of the MQA files will no be passed through to the DacMagic 200M, and MQA playback should be indicated on the DacMagic 200M by relevant the LED light.

TIDAL Connect

1. Connect the either of the Digital Outputs (SP/DIF Coaxial or Toslink Optical) of CXN (V2) 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 CXN (V2) within TIDAL Connect menu as your output device.

8. Processing of the MQA files will no be passed through to the DacMagic 200M, and MQA playback should be indicated on the DacMagic 200M by relevant the LED light.