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Chord Cutest or Wadia 321

Has anyone here had a chance or spent some time with either of these DACs? I currently have the Chord Cutest and have the opportunity to trade for the Wadia 321 which I haven’t heard. The Wadia is an older DAC released in 2014 vs the Chord which I believe was released 2018. The Wadia does not support DSD. However, most of what I listen to is 24/192 or lower. I’m curious if the older Wadia might out perform the new Chord. Or, should I stick with the Chord? I am currently using Magnepan LRS Plus or Martin Logan CLS depending on the mood. Thank you for any input or advice.

I am using a Ifi Zen Stream to the Chord DAC using a Audioquest Diamond USB. 

rick_hilton

Showing 2 responses by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
6,382 posts
 

OP,

 

Congratulations. I have been. Wadia fan since back in the 1990’s. Chord is very popular but it’s emphasis on detail can loose track of musical reality.

ghdprentice
6,382 posts
 

It certainly does not hurt to get opinions on interconnects, but which will sound best will be strongly dependent on the rest of your system and your values in sound. So generalities can be helpful.

 

In general Cardas will add a touch of warmth… the lower level the interconnect the more warmth. Transparent dead on neutral to get the most of detail and dead quiet background. DHLabs excellent neutral to bring out details for a budget price. Power cords will have similar effects. 

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