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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 vthokie83

vthokie83
1,092 posts
 

stephenwerner

My experience is similar to some others regarding Chord DACs. I find them extremely detailed and able to pull nuances from music more than other DACs. That said, I find them thin, lifeless, and even sibilant. The first hour of listening to them was very nice, because of all the new detail they extracted; however after that the listening was no longer fun or enjoyable.

My ears usually tilt towards R2R ladder DACs, especially Denafrips and Holo Audio. Here are some that I can recommend, of course cheaper used: Denafrips Terminator or Terminator Plus, Holo Audio May DAC KTE, T+A Dac 200, Weiss 204, Schitt Yggy,

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