Krell Digital Vanguard has 32 bit ESS Sabre DACs. The Digital Vanguard’s coaxial and HDMI inputs support PCM audio up to 24bit/192kHz. The optical digital input supports up to 24-bit/96kHz audio. DSD is only supported through HDMI. I believe the chip is an ESS Sabre 9018.
Appreciate Some Dac Advice
Looking at improving on my main DAC which is currently at Krell Digital Vanguard.
My systems...
Windows 10 system running Logitech Media Server 8.2 connected to Synology DS920+ NAS where flac and dsf files are stores. Significant portion is either 96 mHz flac files from blu ray audio, 96mHz and 48 mHz files from DVDs or dsf files from SACDs. Other than that, have Tidal and use the LMS Tidal plugin.
Main system: picorePlayer 8 on Raspberry Pi 4 with Hifiberry Digi2 Pro > Coax > Krell Digital Vanguard > Dynaudio Focus 360
Outside System: picorePlayer 8 on Raspberry Pi 4 > USB > Cambridge Audio Dacmagic 200m > NAD C325BEE > Definitive Technology AW6500
Home Theater: picorePlayer 8 on Raspberry Pi 4 with Hifiberry Digi2 Pro > Coax > Denon AVP A1HDCI > Dynaudio Focus 220 MK II
Everything is played using Squeeze Ctrl on my phone.
Mainly listen to main system and outdoor system.
Looking to improve on the sound in main system. Think I will not see significant improvement with the outdoor one unless I want to upgrade speakers and Amp. But, don't think you can do much better than AW6500's for outdoors (open to hearing other options).
So, been looking at the Chord Qutest and RME ADI-2 DAC FS as possible options to improve on the sound over the Krell. Also had looked at Ifi Pro iDSD. Haven't auditioned any. Just a lot of research. Prefer a ceiling at $2K. While, I don't mind tinkering, prefer set it an forget it. Which had me thinking about Chord Qutest. I would like DSD as I have a significant SACD collection. However, not hung up on native DSD and DOP and PCM are okay.
Thank you for yous thoughts and help.
Showing 10 responses by btscott
@fuzztone , pretty happy with Squeeze Ctrl. I've been through all of them. Really liked Squeeze Commander, but stopped being supported and dropped off Play Store. Of the controllers out there though, Orange Squeeze and Squeeze Ctrl seem to be the best supported. |
I received my Gustard X26 Pro today and immediately connected it. Logitech Media Player 8.2 > picorePlayer > USB > Gustard X26 Pro > XLR > Krell Digital Vanguard > Dynaudio Focus 360. All I can say is WOW! Even without burn in and straight out of the box with default setting, this sounds so much better than the DAC in the Krell or the Oppo 105 DAC I have also tried using. I also use a Cambridge Audio 200m for my outside system and have tried that in my main system and also no comparison. I hope to do some comparisons, but this is going to be tough to beat. I super impressed by the soundstage. |