I have the Node 2i and and am thinking of buying a Topping D90SE. Having read this thread, I am still not completely sure if I can fully use the Toppings MQA capabilites when using the Node:s output. Please enlighten me.

TOPPING E50 DAC (Digital-to-Analog-Convertor) – Apos Audio TOPPING E50 DAC (Digital-to-Analog-Convertor) – Apos Audio

Also, I don't have an issue running more through the TV and then to the E50 but I'm trying to maximize performance while keeping it simple for my wife and kids. With an auto on/off function for all inputs, the E50 is a true “set it and forget it” DAC. It automatically turns on and decodes whichever input is receiving a signal, and when it hasn’t received a signal for sixty seconds, it automatically turns off.But, of course I still like to understand why it wont give me full MQA (but that boys and girls is a story for another time). And yes, am aware the specs of the NAS is not up to Roon Requirement but there’s only minimum amount of traffic and CPU usage in the NAS and so far, everything’s working fine when running Roon, apart from the E50 MQA issue.

Topping E50 MQA Full DAC ES9068AS XU216 32Bit/768kHz DSD512

If you operate the volume without knowing this, it will cause serious troubles such as destroying the speaker. I immediately reported this issue to Topping. I hope it will be improved as soon as possible. Stable operation is the most important thing for me when choosing a DAC. Even if the measurement data of amirm is good, there are very few products that operate correctly according to the product SPEC. Just wondering why a raspberry pi wouldn't work as a direct streamer, you'd have to use volumio, roon or one of the free alternatives? https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/rm7e4t670b1ybnh/MQA%20Render%20&%20Decode%20Disabled,%20Core%20Decode%20Enabled.mp4?dl=0 The E50 offers top-of-the-line decoding via USB with the XMOS XU216 2nd generation 16-core processor. It supports 32-bit/768kHz PCM, DSD512 native, and MQA full decoding. Windows 10, Max, Linux, iOS, and Android users can plug-and-play the E50 without installing drivers. Only Windows ASIO applications require a driver.Audiophonics is a company created in 2005, specialized in the distribution and sale of Audio, HiFi, Do It Yourself and electronic products on the internet. To propose qualitative products at the best price, here is the philosophy that guides us every day. We put a strong emphasis on being the first to offer innovative products that match the expectations of the market and customers. I have tried and change all sort of settings available both in the NAS and in Roon but couldnt get the E50 to unfold any MQA, to any degree. If you only need a DAC to use with powered speakers, you can skip buying an amp completely. That’s because the E50 has a preamplifier mode. WIth this mode selected, you can control the output volume with the remote control. Product highlights Utilisé en USB sur une installation haute-fidélité, ce simplissime DAC est parfait; neutre, dynamique, il est meilleur que son petit frère le Topping E30 qui ne suffira pas dans ce contexte. https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/z3s1kgggsusstka/MQA%20Render%20+%20Decode,%20Core%20Decode.mp4?dl=0

MQA Support for Topping E50 connected directly Question about MQA Support for Topping E50 connected directly

Same SINAD at both 2V and 4V which is crazy at 120dB for BOTH. But alas, the 50mV spec is missing. (I wonder, could we get SINAD and not just SNR for 50mV?) I know you don't do it for DACs, but still :\ The PA5 is a dinky Class D power amp claiming to deliver 65W RMS per channel into 8 ohms for less than 1% distortion, or 85W into 8 ohms with distortion rising to 10%. It measures 150x130x40mm and has a chunky outboard power supply. There are two sets of balanced inputs using TRS connectors and a single set of loudspeaker outputs for spade terminals or 4mm plugs. The front panel has a power on/off switch and a selector for the two balanced inputs. I have an SMSL DAC that is also not “recognized” by Roon in the sense that it is not Roon Tested. It shows up as an “Unidentified Device”. But Exclusive mode is a USB protocol thing, I am pretty sure, regardless of who makes the DAC.

Ok, thanks. And is that because a) Bluesound wants it to work that way and forces it or b) that's how Tidal behaves on the Node or c) because the DAC is not actually capable of that first unfold over coax and the Node knows that so it does it. Or d) some other reason?