Roon Core Machine
Mac Mini M1
Model mgnr3ll/a
Memory = 8GB
Networking Gear & Setup Details
Google Nest Mesh Router
Both Mac Mini and Roon player (iMac Desktop) connected via Ethernet
Incoming Internet speed 200 mbps
Connected Audio Devices
Library is on 6TB hard drive via USB 3.0
DAC is Gustard X16 via USB from Mac Mini (MQA decode + render)
Player is a iMac desktop
Number of Tracks in Library
15000
Description of Issue
I have had multiple dropouts with MQA music on all resolutions from 48kHz to 192 and 16+ 24 bit
I had extensive discussions with Gustard as if I switched Room to be the MQA decoder it seemed OK.
The dropouts were for both downloaded and streamed Tidal MQAs with the Gustard doing the decoding.
I made a short video here for a high res Tidal. Note the Gustard display briefly switches from MQA to PCM
I tried quitting Roon as a player and the core and it seemed better but it still had dropouts.
The I tried using Tidal’s software and played the same MQA album to the Gustard and it was fine. Zero dropouts.
If I play the same album with Qobuz (FLAC) it is fine also - no dropouts.
I had not had problems with MQA until recently and it is puzzling.