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DAC UPGRADE QUESTION

I currently have the following system:

1. Martin Logan 11A impressions hybrid-subwoofer with electrostatic panels.

2. Conrad Johnson Classic 62 power amp-60 watts per channel (not the SE )

3. Chord Qtest DAC

4. Lumin U2 mini streamer

Adding the Lumin and streaming with Qobuz has improved the sound immensely from my Cary CD player being used as a transport and the Qtest DAC.

The Qtest Dac was around $2000.00. 

Looking for upgrade suggestions as thinking I can improve my sound further with a better sounding DAC.

Thank you. 

 

 

kjl1065

Showing 3 responses by soix

soix
9,974 posts
 

I’d suggest taking a look at the Musician Aquarius R2R DAC. I have their Pegasus, which is the next lower model, and unlike many R2R DACs it is very detailed and transparent up top while maintaining the other beneficial qualities of an R2R design. Thinking an R2R DAC would make for a very interesting comparison to your Chord, and if it doesn’t work out I believe you can just return it — thank you Amazon.


https://www.amazon.com/Musician-Aquarius-Mid-Range-Decoder-Balanced/dp/B096ZLDG36/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2SBFCCGKDUXMH&keywords=musician+aquarius+r2r+dac&qid=1689695748&sprefix=Musician+aqu%2Caps%2C244&sr=8-3

Here’s a good and thorough review FYI…

https://soundnews.net/sources/dacs/musician-aquarius-r-2r-dac-review/

Just another option to ponder, and best of luck.

soix
9,974 posts
 

There are tons of DACs out there that can give you meaningful “improvements” in various areas, but since you seem unwilling (or maybe unable) to share what specific improvements you’re looking for I’ll just mention this Denafrips Terminator that’s within your price range. Best of luck.

https://echohifi.com/details/19355/Denafrips_Terminator-DAC

soix
9,974 posts
 

What specific improvements are you looking for and what’s your budget?

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