Partially correct,, because your understanding is an understatement. MQA decoding on the D90 MQA is done through the USB input and only the USB; if any other input is used, there is no MQA decoding at all. (For example, if you used Tidal through a non-USB input, you would have to set Tidal to decode MQA via its software.)
While i'm a long time audiophile, i'm new to this Windows 10 usb output to external DAC and installing audio USB driver situation.
I have the Astell and Kern Kann Alpha and the Empyreans now and am happy with the combination, but as i'm at my home computer desk from 3 to 8 hours each day, i am seriously considering the D90+A90 for my computer desk (ability to navigate using the Windows 10 Tidal app via my desktop PC's generously sized monitor, no need to recharge, etc.).
i do have concerns about how to install the USB drivers properly to avoid issues, as well as how to set my Windows 10 pc tower to the proper/ideal bit rate and kHz settings, etc., in order to get optimal results.
i would be most grateful if there is someone who has gone through this process successfully and know how to make Windows 10 audio settings optimal for the D90/A90 who might be willing to talk to me on the phone in case something were to come up that i don't understand or can't resolve. it would help make me feel more confident about buying the D90/A90, as i've read that while the hardware is good, there is a steep learning curve on how to use the products, which is strange because one would think that they would have good manuals, but they are very simple manuals and don't really give sufficient details.
may i please ask the good folks here to see if someone might be so kind as to be willing to talk to me should something come up with my setting up the D90/A90? i'm located on the east coast, US, so Eastern time zone.
thank you so much in advance. please feel free to private message me.