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Weiss 204 Dac or LTA Audio Aero Dac as an upgrade from Chord Qutest Dac

I am currently using a Chord Qutest Dac with my Lumin U2 Mini streamer.  The rest of my system as per my prior thread is Martin Logan 11A Impressions, Rogue Audio RP-1 preamp, Bryston 4B3 Cubed power amplifier. Has anybody had the opportunity to compare the Chord Qutest to the Weiss 204 Dac or the new LTA Audio Aero Dac. Looking to find out if both or either would be a substantial upgrade to the Chord Qutest. Alternative question, which Linear Power supply such as the S Booster added to the Chord Qutest make the biggest difference in better sound? Thinking don't have to upgrade DAC if the power supply option makes a big difference. 

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bgross's avatar
bgross
388 posts
 

I tried the Weiss and it gave me anxiety, its sooo resolving and precise. Would think if one had an overly tubey/fat setup this DAC might tighten things up however, I also have speakers with metallic tweeters and they need some taming so the Weiss was just too much of a good thing I suppose. In the end it was not for me. This when I was looking to upgrade from a Line Magnetic DAC which I still love but ultimately have now chosen the Canor, DAC 2.10. It's just stupid good especially now with a tube upgrade. The soundstage & complete lack of grain in any manner sold me. It's a smooth piece without even a hint of digital presence. Could spend a lot more on any number of fine DACs but the Canor is right in my lane. Just my experience

jriggy's avatar
jriggy
563 posts
 

I agree with bgross but from the other pole. The Weiss’ neutrality worked wonderfully with Harbeth 40.2 speakers. My system with Harbeth, tubed pre and neutral SS amp, allowed all the detail and neutrality to shine through, without highs being too much at all. This also allowed that nice ‘wetness’ quality, so to speak, within its musicality to work quite well. 
I would think the Weiss might be an upgrade in the same lane as the Chord and the LTA may be like an upgrade from a different lane, i.e. LTA may be more different than Weiss and Chord. 

mojo771
49 posts
 

I returned my Qutest and got the Weiss 204 and its much better - for my system; McIntosh 352 tube amp and Revel Studio speakers

mbmi's avatar
mbmi
563 posts
 

Th LAIV Harmony DAC $2700 US.......bests every DAC mentioned here except the Lampizator. IMHO

signaforce's avatar
signaforce
176 posts
 

The Qutest LPS question peaked my interest. I texted my local store (Audio Advice) asking if he (Jon, the store mgr) recommended the iFi power elite for my Qutest (as they sold the power elite), thinking I would order one.  

Jon didn’t, but recommended the Sbooster with the MKII upgrade from upscale audio. To recommend a product you don’t sell is impressive but also demonstrates the Sbooster to a significantly better choice based upon the experience of his customers. 

I am ordering one for my Qutest. 

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