Reputable YouTube reviewers and in forums it has been said that MQA equipped DACs have the ability to improve non-MQA files because of the MQA DAC’s impulse response filters used in the MQA rendering process. I have noticed regular FLAC files seem to have more depth, better separation, better soundstage, better dynamics, and bass response when using DAC’s certified for MQA. Is there any science behind these claims than an MQA DAC can improved regular FLAC sound quality?
Maybe it's something else?
I listened to four different DACs that came onto the market without MQA and then got MQA in the next generation, so a total of 8 DACs.
Actually, I wanted to find out for myself whether MQA has any advantage for my sound experience, which I can only deny.
But there was another difference for me. The DACs with MQA had 2 advantages for me, the resolution and clarity (with non MQA files) was "better", not worlds, but it was noticeable.
The second point was more interesting to me. The slight differences/sensitivities (also here only nuances) with different USB cables no longer occurred with the MQA devices, it didn't matter at all.
And the only difference was that the non-MQA DACs used an XMOS XU208, while the MQA DACs used the XMOS XU216.
Even if many people claim that the XU208 is the end of the road, maybe the XU216 will bring a little more "cleanliness" to the USB interface.
With all other inputs (i2s, SPDIF, AES) I could not find these differences between MQA and non-MQA devices.