I realize this an old thread, but adding a few thoughts. I am a big fan of lps to replace switching supplies in my system. This is for three reasons: 1) get switching supplies off my power distributor completely to reduce noise potentially fed back into the mains, 2) clean up the power supply to the supported gear and provide more reserve for transient peaks (yes, even with relatively low current source gear), and 3) this allows me to experiment with different high quality power cables that both affect the sound of the target gear and can reduce noise between cables in my relatively tight space on my rack.
I have just acquired and new Chord Qutest. If I keep it, it will replace a Chord QuteHD that is currently powered by a souped-up 12V MRCU lps with a good PC made from quality Furutech parts. Right out of the box, the Qutest with a switching supply is not as engaging as the QuteHD, with the Qutest sounding harder and less liquid or natural and with a meh soundstage. I have a 5V ifi PowerX switching supply that works very well on my ifi purifier 2, but sounded noticeably worse with Qutest than the stock Chord supply provided with the DAC. Score one for Rob Watts.
This was a surprising result that the three generation older Chord DAC with 1/5 the computing power connected to a quality lps was not only in spitting distance of the Qutest, but bested it in my system. A fair fight would involve reverting to the stock switching supply that came with the QuteHD which is even dinkier than the one that comes with the Qutest, and allowing time for the Qutest to run in which has been noted as important in multiple places. But the positive effect of the MRCU lps on the older Chord is undeniable.
If I do keep the Qutest, I will get an lps to replace the stock supply. If any of you have updates on which supplies have worked for you, I would appreciate your suggestions. Thanks in advance.
kn