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Best Match

My longtime friend of 65 years just turned 70. He currently has  a Classe Amp CAP-151, Magneplanar MG3.6/R, Bluesound Node X anniversary edition. He primarily streams from his phone with Bluetooth using Tidal. I was thinking of getting him a Chord Qutest as a 70th birthday present. I'd appreciate opinions on whether or not this will noticeably enhance his listening experience. He's not a tech savvy person and prefers keeping things simple. Thanks in advance for any meaningful suggestions.

beijinglarry
mahler123
3,586 posts
 

If it is a step from Bluetooth then he should note an improvement.  Whether he cares may be an issue to resolve before your well intended gift is purchased 

kofibaffour
382 posts
 

He should stop Bluetooth and use his network to stream @beijinglarry 

 

That is a more appreciable thing to adjust than a new DAC

beijinglarry OP
10 posts
 

Thank you. I'll certainly help him to move to the network. I was told that a Denafrips Pontus ll 12th Anniversary maybe a better match than a Qutest for his existing components. I realize these are individual preferences so it seems this type of gift may not be the way to go. Thank you

soix
10,188 posts
 

I was assuming you misspoke when you said he was using Bluetooth with Tidal, but if he’s really streaming using Bluetooth that needs to end because it’s a nonstarter and a complete waste of Tidal.  Incidentally the Pontus 15th is apparently a big step up from the 12th, and maybe he could do a demo through @audioman58 here who offers nice discounts and is a distributor for Denafrips products.  Here’s a link in case it helps…

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisbcg07-denafrips-pontus-15-dac-excellent-review-da-converters

beijinglarry OP
10 posts
 

Thank you for this information.  I'll check it out. I'll definitely follow up with my friend to be sure he's using the network 

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