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How do I setup my 851N with a DacMagic 200M for MQA Passthrough?

Updated

Although the 851N can receive MQA encoded content, it is not possible for the 851N to playback full MQA files via TIDAL Connect because the 851N 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 851N, 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 851N.

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

USB Audio

  1. Connect either of the Digital Outputs (SP/DIF Coaxial or Toslink Optical) of 851N 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 851N is set to USB Audio Class 2, and then connect your PC or Mac via the USB Audio In on your 851N.
  4. Select the 851N as your PC or Mac's output device via your computer's audio settings.
  5. Select USB Audio as the Input Source for your 851N. 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 851N 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 either of the Digital Outputs (SP/DIF Coaxial or Toslink Optical) of 851N 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 851N within the TIDAL Connect menu as your output device.
  6. 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.

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