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New to audio. Is there a good DAC that can produce layers of sound?

One of the Youtube audio reviews I watch as a beginner in audio system is Darko

He says during the Chord Qutest review that this DAC can produce layers of sound which is great

I kinda understand what he says because from my very first audio setup, which I returned due to awful sound of music this week, I could still feel some layers, maybe 2, from Post Malone’s song Deja Vu. Only, there were 2 clear layer, from 16bit 44.1 kHz signals from Sonos Amp, one very far back near the speaker and one right next to my ear. I thought it was amazing though. The speaker was SVS ultra bookshelf.

Now those are all returned to the seller, and I am looking for something more clear, musical, and awesome. So, the Qutest is one of the DACs I want to try.

But, if there is any DAC you, as a more experience audiophiles, would like to recommend to me for having great sound effect, could you please list some names? with brief description of the sound?

The price range I am looking for is about $1.5K or less. I prefer less. Used items included.

I am on a journey to setup an enjoyable sound system for myself and would like to see what others like.

Thanks!

K
yggy1

Showing 2 responses by big_greg

big_greg
6,565 posts
 
I love my MHDT Orchid DAC, but more for it's natural presentation of music than soundstaging.  I have it set up in a small room with the speakers nearfield, so I'm not getting the best soundstage I could.  

If you don't like bright speakers, switching to Monitor Audio speakers might not be the best choice, that's one of the things they are known for.  I haven't heard the ones you're looking at, so maybe they are less bright than in the past.  If you want a set of small speakers with nice soundstage and luscious mids and detailed but not bright highs, take a look at Harbeth P3ESR or a similar BBC monitor type speaker.
big_greg
6,565 posts
 
If you've decided to go for an integrated, consider the Peachtree Nova 300.  You can get a new one for $2k or a used one for under your budget.  The DAC is quite good.  I have one in my office system and am very happy with it.  It will sing with the right speakers, but is not a good match with "warm" speakers, IMO.  I'm currently using it with Focal Electra 1008 BE speakers.
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