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Comparing Chord Qutest Dac with the Built in Dac in Lumin T3 Streamer

  • My system is as follows:
  • 1. Martin Logan 11A impression speakers. 
  • 2. Conrad Johnson Power Amplifier Classic 62   
  • 3. Rogue Pre-amp     
  • 4. Lumin U2 mini streamer 
  • 5. Chord Qutest Dac

Seeking to upgrade by replacing the Lumin U2 mini streamer and the Chord Qutest Dac with the Lumin T3 streamer.  I would use the DAC that is built into the Lumin T-3 streamer. 

Would this be an upgrade? I short, does the Dac in the T3 sound better than the Chord Qutest Dac. Would appreciate any advice. Thank you. 

 

 

 

128x128kjl1065
soix
9,456 posts
 

You’re unlikely to find someone who’s compared these two directly.  I’ll just say at the $5k price level for the T3 I’d go with separates both for overall better sound quality potential and flexibility of upgrading in the future.  DACs (and streamers) are important, and what are the odds the DAC in the T3 is the best match for your specific tastes?  I’d say next to zero.  Just my $0.02 FWIW, and best of luck. 

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,782 posts
 

The dac in the t3 isn't better you would be better off upgrading to a far beyond dac like a bricasti t3 or aqua hifi lascala

 

DAVE AND TROY 

AUDIO INTELLECT  NJ

FORMER LUMIN DEALER 

CHORD BRICASTI AND AQUA DEALERS 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
samzx12
1,220 posts
 

Of course Audiotroy sells both 🙄 😂. 

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,825 posts
 

Such a turn off.....    just to say former Lumin dealer is a bottom feeder type of move.  Is Lumin bad?   No.... I find posts like these akin to free advertising .   No place for that here , is there ?

There are a number of other dealers who contribute here and it's not a turn off.  It's often good honest, valuable info.     

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,920 posts
 

I had U1 Mini / Qutest combo and in my opinion it will be tough to beat. What you’re looking to do is most likely a sideways move. I would upgrade either the streamer or the dac then upgrade the other component later on. Keep it separated. Also, if you haven’t tried a really good USB cable in the current setup, you are not even at full potential yet.

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