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Thinking about getting a R2R DAC

Dear community,

I currently have a chord qutest DAC. I like it a lot, very full sound, accurate detailed and exciting.  However, whenever I go back to vinyl (with a well-recorded nice pressing) I find the sound so much more satisfying.  There is a warmth, yes, but there is a presence, a 'there-ness' that I just don't get with the digital.  I'm wondering if an R2R DAC would get me closer to that?  my budget would be around the same as the qutest.  I was looking at the MHDT Orchid or the Border Patrol.  Don't get me wrong, I really like the Qutest.  I am thinking of putting it in the upstairs system to pair with the Node2i I have up there.  Any thoughts?  Will analog always just be a different animal than digital?

Currently in the main system I have a Sonore uRendu feeding the Qutest which is going to a LTA MZ2 going to a Pass XA 30.5

thanks!
adam8179
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
The Chip based are less expensive.
Indeed - its possible to get the flavour of R2R at a very low price

Yes Yes Yes!!!
Just look for the higher end used players that use the PCM1702 or even better the PCM1704 Burr Brown dac chips here,
http://vasiltech.narod.ru/CD-Player-DAC-Transport.htm
and even better if they are used with together with DF1704 or better PMD100 and better again PMD200 filter chips

Cheers George
simna
165 posts
 
I bought a LAB 12 DAC1 SE a few years ago and I'm very pleased with it. And you also have the option to tune it a little by replaceing the 6922 tube. If the limitation to 24bit/96kHz is not a problem you could give it a try.
I also lack that "something" I get from LP:s and this DAC does a good job closeing in the gap between CD:s and LP:s. At least in my humble system and to my ears.
alchemyman
21 posts
 
I recently purchased a Jolida FX2 tube DAC (now Black Ice) and took it to compare with a friend's Qutest.  We found the Jolida to be a more engaging and relaxing listen.  The Qutest certainly was the more open and "airy" of the two DACs, but it's also more analytical at the same time. In fairness, I also don't hear much difference between DACs in general on my system.
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