Streaming MQA quality to B&W Formation Duo

[artur_fijolek]

Roon Core Machine

MacBook Air M2 2022 macOS Monterey

Networking Gear & Setup Details

Ethernet, Router Technicolor TG799vac xtream

Connected Audio Devices

B&W Formation Duo. Streaming directly from the Mac.

Description of Issue

I have noticed that resolution quality has become worse when I stream from my Roon Core in my Mac to my Formation Duo speakers. Previously, I got the purple audio icon indicating lossless streaming but now only ‘high quality’ and green dot for the output signal indicator. Not sure if this happened due to the latest software update with Roon? My sole reason for subscribing to Roon was to stream MQA to my speakers…

Any ideas or help?

Best,
Artur

[Henry_McLeod (Henry)]

Checks for you to do. Ensure you are sending bit perfect to the speakers. No volume control, no DSP and speakers properly identified as being MQA capable. A screenshot of your signal path will point to where your issue might be.

[artur_fijolek]

Hi Henry,

Thanks for the reply - how do I ensure that I’m sending bit perfect?
I went into the audio settings for the speakers and set it to decoder/renderer for MQA capabilities. Not sure if that is enough to have them identified as MQA ready - I thought they were ready straight out of the box. I’m attaching the screen shot for the signal.

[Henry_McLeod (Henry)]

Is AirPlay your only option for these speakers? Do they do Roon RAAT natively?

[artur_fijolek]

Thanks - that was helpful. I realised, I happened to name the speakers the same name and opted for the other network devices instead of the Roon ready option.

Best,
Artur