2. digital
  3. 190788-112139

UPGRADE PATH FROM CHORD QUTEST

My system currently consists of the following:  

1. Martin Logan 11A impression hybrid electrostatic speakers. 

2. Bryston 4B3 cubed power amplifier

3. Rogue Audio RP-1 preamp

4. Lumin U2 mini transport streamer

5. Chord Qutest Dac

Happy with the sound, but on many tracks on Qoboz the sound especially on rock leaves a lot to be desired. This could be the function of the source itself (the recording) is poor. Would a better DAC yield more detail and better sound? My price limit is about $5000.00.  Not looking to buy used. Wish to work with a dealer because I have found them to be incredibly helpful. Also looking for a company that provides phone customer support. There is nothing like a conversation or a discussion to solve an issue. I understand that my view is a minority view out there. As we are in a self-service world.  But I am used to a person picking up the phone and asking how can I help you?  Any thoughts would be sincerely appreciated.  Thank you. 

 

kjl1065

Showing 1 response by helomech

helomech
1,769 posts
 

Nine times out of ten, if you’re disappointed with how a specific genre performs on your system, the speakers, the room, or both are the main culprit. Following those, the likely problem is your amplification and its synergy with your speakers.


Regarding the Qutest DAC, I found it produced a very mediocre, unremarkable sound. It was respectably resolving but didn’t circumvent any of the “glare” that’s typically encountered with mid-fi digital sources. To my ears it might as well have been a $200 Chinese DAC. In fact, there are budget Chinese DACs like the Topping E70 Velvet that sound far superior in my system.

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