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Streaming/DAC Upgrade

Currently have a Bluesound Node running through a Cord Qutest in my main system which includes Arcam C31 Pre-Amp and two Arcam P1 Mono Blocks and Energy Varitas V2.4 Floorstanding Speakers.  Considering moving to Auralic Altair G2.1.  The Altair 2.1 has was  discontinued last year but they are offering NOS at a significant discount, currently $2439.  Also under consideration is the new Aries S1 or Vega S1.  I would move the Bluesound Note and Chord Qutest to my secondary system.

Potential setups would be…

1. Altair 2.1

2. Aries S1 with Qutest (possibly adding PSU to Aries S1)

3. Vega S1 (possibly adding PSU to Vega S1)

Again I would move Bluesound node and , or Chord Qutest to my secondary system.

Advise is greatly appreciated, keep in mind my budget is about $3000.

litespeedaudio

Showing 1 response by audphile1

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,443 posts
 

You can pick up a PS Audio DirectStream Digital MkI DAC used for around $1,200, add a PS Audio AirLens and be under $3,000. Check TMR Audio for PS Audio AirLens. They had a few preowned units. 
I owned a Qutest and PS Audio DSD DAC and am familiar with both DACs. PS Audio is a better unit. 
Downside - with AirLens you will need to subscribe to Roon and install Roon core. Another option with AirLens would be Mconnect app (free for iPhone but like $6 for iPad) but the interface and functionality are nothing to write home about. 
 

As to Auralic, I heard the S1 with power supply and it was not bad. It was not a long session and within the context of an unfamiliar system. So take it for what it’s worth.

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