- Thread Author
- #1
The Ayre QX5 Twenty.
Firmware update coming.
Firmware update coming.
Ayre QX5 Twenty
- Thread starter Mike
- Start date
Ctsooner
New member
Ayre QX5 Twenty now fully MQA compliant
Guys, I want to make sure that everyone understands that the QX5 (as well as many others) will only do the first unfolding of MQA and not more. You will hear better sound, but it's not the full monty as some feel it is. Alex and I were talking about this before he left for AQ. Still well worth it.
**Moderator Update: we have learned, this is incorrect. See pages later on for update. **
Guys, I want to make sure that everyone understands that the QX5 (as well as many others) will only do the first unfolding of MQA and not more. You will hear better sound, but it's not the full monty as some feel it is. Alex and I were talking about this before he left for AQ. Still well worth it.
**Moderator Update: we have learned, this is incorrect. See pages later on for update. **
Ctsooner
New member
Re: Ayre QX5 Twenty now fully MQA compliant
I havne't been in touch with Ayre since Alex left for AQ. Mike, any word on the MQA? I know I just had an update to the firmware, but didn't know if it was for the MQA too. If so, can I just use my mconnect app using Tidal to stream it directly into the Ayre and get MQA if I'm listening to the Masters stuff or will I need a computer to stream it into the QX5? Thanks all.
I havne't been in touch with Ayre since Alex left for AQ. Mike, any word on the MQA? I know I just had an update to the firmware, but didn't know if it was for the MQA too. If so, can I just use my mconnect app using Tidal to stream it directly into the Ayre and get MQA if I'm listening to the Masters stuff or will I need a computer to stream it into the QX5? Thanks all.
- Thread Author
- #6
Ctsooner
New member
Re: Ayre QX5 Twenty now fully MQA compliant
Thanks Mike. Before Alex left, he got in touch and told me that they were MQA ready and I posted that. Then later on he said he was premature (fill in the blank) and that they weren't quite ready. Then he also told me that it would do the first unfold only, which I guess is what many of the DAC's will be. I don't fully understand, but am trying to, lol.
Hopefully soon as it sounds great though my Noble can's and the little AQ Red Das on the computer.
Thanks Mike. Before Alex left, he got in touch and told me that they were MQA ready and I posted that. Then later on he said he was premature (fill in the blank) and that they weren't quite ready. Then he also told me that it would do the first unfold only, which I guess is what many of the DAC's will be. I don't fully understand, but am trying to, lol.
Hopefully soon as it sounds great though my Noble can's and the little AQ Red Das on the computer.
- Thread Author
- #8
Re: Ayre QX5 Twenty now fully MQA compliant
No company can get MQA certified that quickly. It can take come companies 2 years for the legal/hardware/software verification process. I chuckle when I read about some companies thinking they can do it in a week.
No company can get MQA certified that quickly. It can take come companies 2 years for the legal/hardware/software verification process. I chuckle when I read about some companies thinking they can do it in a week.
Ctsooner
New member
Re: Ayre QX5 Twenty now fully MQA compliant
That makes more sense. I wonder though if it was somehow easier and quicker, if we'd see it in more devices? Hope they can get it done soon though as I'm really wanting to be able to use it
...like many others.
That makes more sense. I wonder though if it was somehow easier and quicker, if we'd see it in more devices? Hope they can get it done soon though as I'm really wanting to be able to use it
...like many others.Re: Ayre QX5 Twenty now fully MQA compliant
You basically have to hand over control of your Dac's inner working to them, in order for them to fully implement the antidote for the filer notch used in the original ADC.
Honestly, it better to have 2 Dac engines in one box, as possibly MQA circuitry may interfere with the Dac's non-MQA playback (from an absolute purist point of view). Nobody says this, but I could see MSB Select2 having such an internal bypass/workaround for when MQA is disabled. Just my speculation.
That makes more sense. I wonder though if it was somehow easier and quicker, if we'd see it in more devices? Hope they can get it done soon though as I'm really wanting to be able to use it
You basically have to hand over control of your Dac's inner working to them, in order for them to fully implement the antidote for the filer notch used in the original ADC.
Honestly, it better to have 2 Dac engines in one box, as possibly MQA circuitry may interfere with the Dac's non-MQA playback (from an absolute purist point of view). Nobody says this, but I could see MSB Select2 having such an internal bypass/workaround for when MQA is disabled. Just my speculation.
- Thread Author
- #12
Re: Ayre QX5 Twenty now fully MQA compliant
Pete - I think there is so much misinformation out there about MQA.
On one hand, I hear that to build a full blown MQA DAC, the company must agree to use certain specific hardware components - in addition to specific code, in addition to contractual compliance and this process takes +/- 2 years.
On the other hand, I see Lumin has had no trouble usurping the hardware part of it and it was my understanding that only Berkeley received and official "carve out" of those hardware requirements because, the former HDCD boys presented a better hardware alternative. As a side note, the folks at Berkeley have told me, as good as the MQA is, the changes they've made to the code have made PCM even better than it was.
As to those who believe that by Tidal delivering the first unfolding of MQA gives you 90% of MQA, I met with Bob Stuart at Munich and he fell over laughing at such comments. He said, "at best, it's not even close to 50%".
At the end of the day, we will have to just wait and see what manufacturers decide to do.
Pete - I think there is so much misinformation out there about MQA.
On one hand, I hear that to build a full blown MQA DAC, the company must agree to use certain specific hardware components - in addition to specific code, in addition to contractual compliance and this process takes +/- 2 years.
On the other hand, I see Lumin has had no trouble usurping the hardware part of it and it was my understanding that only Berkeley received and official "carve out" of those hardware requirements because, the former HDCD boys presented a better hardware alternative. As a side note, the folks at Berkeley have told me, as good as the MQA is, the changes they've made to the code have made PCM even better than it was.
As to those who believe that by Tidal delivering the first unfolding of MQA gives you 90% of MQA, I met with Bob Stuart at Munich and he fell over laughing at such comments. He said, "at best, it's not even close to 50%".
At the end of the day, we will have to just wait and see what manufacturers decide to do.
Ctsooner
New member
Re: Ayre QX5 Twenty now fully MQA compliant
Thanks Mike. That makes much more sense than what's been told by most. As customers, we just want the best and easiest way to listen to our music. I know that Ayre will only do the first unfold which is only a software change (or am I off here?).
Thanks Mike. That makes much more sense than what's been told by most. As customers, we just want the best and easiest way to listen to our music. I know that Ayre will only do the first unfold which is only a software change (or am I off here?).
- Thread Author
- #14
Re: Ayre QX5 Twenty now fully MQA compliant
It is my understanding that Tidal does the first unfold. That means, you can play MQA files through your Ayre QX5 Twenty (but you can with any DAC, soooo....).
It is my understanding that Tidal does the first unfold. That means, you can play MQA files through your Ayre QX5 Twenty (but you can with any DAC, soooo....).
Ctsooner
New member
Re: Ayre QX5 Twenty now fully MQA compliant
Ok, I thought that's what it was all about. So why is it a big deal for these DAC's to be 'MQA Compliant'. Is it just marketing or is there something else going on here? I didn't worry about an MQA DAC when I bought and I assume that if Ayre feels it needs to do the full monty MQA, they will offer a hardware upgrade like they with the 9 and DSD after a few years of it being out.
Digital is just so confusing for many of us. I am close with a few of the digital guys on CA and other boards and they are walking me through things when it comes to servers and set ups for the network. So far the Aurender N10 is beating out so many of the computer based servers on SQ and ease of use. Heard that Lumin is doing nice job also and is very very simple to use and to rip your stuff to. I want to learn as much as I can, but with the MS, I lose so much of what I hear or read, so in the end, it will just be all about simple and sounding the best for my budget. Simple as that, but I'll still try and keep up the best I can....or can't, lol.....
Ok, I thought that's what it was all about. So why is it a big deal for these DAC's to be 'MQA Compliant'. Is it just marketing or is there something else going on here? I didn't worry about an MQA DAC when I bought and I assume that if Ayre feels it needs to do the full monty MQA, they will offer a hardware upgrade like they with the 9 and DSD after a few years of it being out.
Digital is just so confusing for many of us. I am close with a few of the digital guys on CA and other boards and they are walking me through things when it comes to servers and set ups for the network. So far the Aurender N10 is beating out so many of the computer based servers on SQ and ease of use. Heard that Lumin is doing nice job also and is very very simple to use and to rip your stuff to. I want to learn as much as I can, but with the MS, I lose so much of what I hear or read, so in the end, it will just be all about simple and sounding the best for my budget. Simple as that, but I'll still try and keep up the best I can....or can't, lol.....
- Thread Author
- #16
Re: Ayre QX5 Twenty now fully MQA compliant
Aurender, Auralic and Lumin are the leaders in the "awesome sound, keep it simple" categories. If you like to play computer, than there is no shortage of discussions. If you want to play music, stick to the KISS principle.
I do worry about the confusion between marketing and true technology. As you said, it creates confusion. There is so much misinformation out there. When we add Roon into the mix, it can really add to the level of confusion.
There are a handful of DAC manufacturers who have been around the top digital products for many many years: Berkley, MSB, DCS, Lampizator, etc. to name a few.
Man, it seems like yesterday that I was loving my Weiss and Wavelength DAC's. Where are they now?
Aurender, Auralic and Lumin are the leaders in the "awesome sound, keep it simple" categories. If you like to play computer, than there is no shortage of discussions. If you want to play music, stick to the KISS principle.
I do worry about the confusion between marketing and true technology. As you said, it creates confusion. There is so much misinformation out there. When we add Roon into the mix, it can really add to the level of confusion.
There are a handful of DAC manufacturers who have been around the top digital products for many many years: Berkley, MSB, DCS, Lampizator, etc. to name a few.
Man, it seems like yesterday that I was loving my Weiss and Wavelength DAC's. Where are they now?
Ctsooner
New member
Re: Ayre QX5 Twenty now fully MQA compliant
Totally agree Mike. My friends just got his new Light harmonic mk 2 yesterday and the USB board was broken right out of the gate. Broken.... It was their first mk 2 shipped and they will replace the unit, but that's a 35k unit. Things that make you head shake to be honest. Some of the costs for digital only make sense when you realize that for the Asian markets, they need to have a huge mark up and then discount the hell out of the piece as that's the Asian way for purchasing. Spent a lot of time over there in the past and can fully understand that. It does screw with the prices in the rest of the world though. I haven' heard his Davinci yet, but I know his ear and he feels it's the best DAC by far he's had. He and I both have owned the Empirical Audio (Steve Nugent) DAC's and they sound incredible, but again, it's a one man show and he'll retire within the next 5 years or so most probably and good luck getting it fixed.
I own Steve's server that is a rebuilt Mac Mini with Paul Hynes LPS. I've had the N10 and W20 in the house and mine sounds just as good. Just a different sound, but better than any computer based server I've ever heard. That said, I am not a computer guy and I know I am able to somehow put it on the net and run Room and HQPlayer with it if I want ....er wait.....
I'll sell it as it's well worth the price for someone just for the well recorded (some high rez) songs and the Paul Hynes LPS, which takes years to get and I don't think he's even taking orders anymore. Then I'll see what the companies are up to and probably just get the Aurender, load my 1k or so CD's and use their own software, which is easy and looks nice on a pad or phone. As much as I loved working with Room when I've been able to, I just don't think I'm going to go there.
I was talking with the SGM guys and they showed me a simple ethernet adaptor to get rid of the noise on the line so I don't need to even finish my optical converter. Ease of use just sounds great now days and I want a company behind my gear to fix any problems as digital seems to have more user problems as well as equipment fails than analog gear.....jmho
Totally agree Mike. My friends just got his new Light harmonic mk 2 yesterday and the USB board was broken right out of the gate. Broken.... It was their first mk 2 shipped and they will replace the unit, but that's a 35k unit. Things that make you head shake to be honest. Some of the costs for digital only make sense when you realize that for the Asian markets, they need to have a huge mark up and then discount the hell out of the piece as that's the Asian way for purchasing. Spent a lot of time over there in the past and can fully understand that. It does screw with the prices in the rest of the world though. I haven' heard his Davinci yet, but I know his ear and he feels it's the best DAC by far he's had. He and I both have owned the Empirical Audio (Steve Nugent) DAC's and they sound incredible, but again, it's a one man show and he'll retire within the next 5 years or so most probably and good luck getting it fixed.
I own Steve's server that is a rebuilt Mac Mini with Paul Hynes LPS. I've had the N10 and W20 in the house and mine sounds just as good. Just a different sound, but better than any computer based server I've ever heard. That said, I am not a computer guy and I know I am able to somehow put it on the net and run Room and HQPlayer with it if I want ....er wait.....
I'll sell it as it's well worth the price for someone just for the well recorded (some high rez) songs and the Paul Hynes LPS, which takes years to get and I don't think he's even taking orders anymore. Then I'll see what the companies are up to and probably just get the Aurender, load my 1k or so CD's and use their own software, which is easy and looks nice on a pad or phone. As much as I loved working with Room when I've been able to, I just don't think I'm going to go there.
I was talking with the SGM guys and they showed me a simple ethernet adaptor to get rid of the noise on the line so I don't need to even finish my optical converter. Ease of use just sounds great now days and I want a company behind my gear to fix any problems as digital seems to have more user problems as well as equipment fails than analog gear.....jmho
CPP
Active member
Re: Ayre QX5 Twenty now fully MQA compliant
You know I was wondering, since to have a totally certified MQA device of course you send it in and MQA and the Dac maker work out the little items that make it a certified MQA Dac But ! Does MQA sign any documents that forbid MQA for sharing any design charcterictisc of the sent in Dac/streamer ? Makes you wonder what's in the paper trail or as they say "it's in the fine print"
You know I was wondering, since to have a totally certified MQA device of course you send it in and MQA and the Dac maker work out the little items that make it a certified MQA Dac But ! Does MQA sign any documents that forbid MQA for sharing any design charcterictisc of the sent in Dac/streamer ? Makes you wonder what's in the paper trail or as they say "it's in the fine print"
audio.bill
Active member
Re: Ayre QX5 Twenty now fully MQA compliant
Unless you're under a non-disclosure agreement, would you be so kind as to share the details on that recommended Ethernet adapter with us? Could be very helpful for others, TIA!
Ctsooner
New member
Re: Ayre QX5 Twenty now fully MQA compliant
Bill, no non disclosure. Let me ask first. They aren't expensive and they also aren't selling them. He offered the advice. Let me check. thanks.
Bill, no non disclosure. Let me ask first. They aren't expensive and they also aren't selling them. He offered the advice. Let me check. thanks.