I’m happy with my Aries G2.1, and have grown to love MQA from Tidal. The Aries will do a partial unfold. It’s more fuzzy, but there’s something so right about the mids. I second recommendations to improve all aspects of the digital chain. It will just keep getting better, and I’ll probably be investing more in power cords soon and before a new DAC, as I keep waiting for a good AK4499EXEQ model. The Gustard looks nice, but I’m also trying to minimize money sent to support the CCP. Glad you found your happy place and congrats to you and moderators for running a good thread.
DAC upgrade
Let me start by saying I am a vinyl guy, but digital streaming, particularly if I can achieve the right sound has many advantages. My 2 channel equipment is as follows:
Rogue RP-1 w/ NOS Brimar CV4003, LSA Warp 1, KEF R11’s, Rhythmic F12SE, Pro-ject 1Xpression w/Hana ML, Rega Aria, Bluesound Node, Marantz CD6007, Schiit Modi Multibit 2. Good to very good power, speaker, interconnect cables.
My weakest link (I believe) is my DAC.
My desire is the best sounding DAC below $2,500, but certainly don’t mind spending less. i want the DAC to be as good as my best current component. I don’t need a DAC with preampliflication, don’t need balanced, don’t need headphones, however I would not eliminate a DAC with superior sound with those features. I do prefer a small form factor.
My current top contenders are:
Chord Qutest, Schiit Yggy, RME ADI-2, Topping D90 III.
The Chord checks all my boxes… reviews, sound, form factor, no unneeded features, etc and don’t mind its quirky lights… but, looking your thoughts/ recommendations. Thanks!