DAC experiences?


Hi guys,

thanks for all your great advice so far. I come to you with DAC questions. I’m interested to hear your opinions on the Chord Qutest vs PS Audio DirectStream Mk2 vs Chord Dave. 
 

I know they all sit at different price points, but I have a few options at good used prices and I would love to hear insights and experiences on these DACS, their sound, and living with them day to day. 
 

I’ll be using Nova III floorstanders, Luxman 509z integrated, and for now a Node Icon N530 as transport but with a view to upgrade streamer. 
 

tia 

Stephen

stephenwerner

Showing 1 response by verdantaudio

Chord DACs are cold.  The Qutest has a deep but narrow image and is on the analytic side.  The DAVE is an older device with no filters, is colder than average DACs and is going to have an incredibly deep but relatively narrow image of the price point.  The qutest image will basically be between the speakers, the DAVE will be wider but will lack the scale of similarly priced DACs.  The Qutest is detailed for its price point.  The DAVE is incredibly detailed.  

The PS Audio is warm and musical.  It borders on the exact opposite of the Chord.  The big criticism is that it has relatively soft bass.  Detail is good (not DAVE good but few are) and there is a sweetness and musicality to it. But you will find that bass is not as tight and refined as it could be with other devices like the Chord.  

Bricasti is neutral and interesting middle ground while the Meitner MA3i would be an elevation above the PS Audio in almost every way.  The Bricasti M1 S2 or even the M11 S2 would be really nice alternatives.  They lack the detail of the DAVE but have incredible scale and don't have the issue with bass softness the PS Audio has.  The MA3i is a superb DAC and although it has slightly softer bass than Playback or EMM, it is tighter and more refined than the PS Audio.