You may want to consider adding the Chord Hugo M-Scaler. If you can find one used, it should be reasonably close to being within your budget.
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.
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- 51 posts total
I really don’t know much about your setup in that I haven’t heard any of the components, but based on price, your speakers and power amplifier seems to be at a higher price point than your streamer, or DAC and that it will take way more than $3000 in the new and probably the used market to raise these components to the same level as your amp/speakers. My integrated is a bit less than my speakers which are about the same price as my streamer + DAC. I would be looking at something like an Aurender N200 and a DAC in the same price range. I love my DAC, but I haven’t heard that many DACs. |
Look at a used PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC. It is excellent. You can find used ones that fit your budget.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisb544j-ps-audio-perfectwave-directstream-dac-da-converters |
Big fan of your ML speakers After borrowing a Qutest, I bought a DAVE. I then let my buddy use the DAVE for a couple weeks while I listened to the Qutest. You are going to have a hard time beating the Qutest for a reasonable price. I would consider the Hugo but I haven’t heard it. Can’t beat Chord. I have owned the Topping recommended in this thread. It is the only component I have ever relisted for sale the day I received it. It has been recommended by a cult leader who has some audiophile followers. Avoid it. Jerry |
- 51 posts total