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Zu + what DAC =Musical Happiness.

As the title suggests I am thinking of upgrading my DAC.  I currently have Zu Druid speakers, Melody el 34 integrated, eastern electric DAC+ being fed Qobuz through Audivarna. There are 2 main reasons for upgrading. First, EE never updated their Mac drivers past Yosemite so I can no longer use my Mac mini and am forced to run via windows work laptop and second while really good I assume the EE can now be bested. I mostly listen to indie rock, pop with some Hawaiian and jazz sprinkled in. So sound quality is not always the best.  Budget is less than 1200 used.  Based on reviews I am currently considering chord qutest and MHDT orchid but I have no experience with either. 
128x128jkontuly
7 responses Add your response
spiritofmusic
828 posts
 
Congrats on the Zus. I'm a seven years-long owner of Definitions 4, the 2s for 5 years prior to those.

Mr. Zu on this forum, 213Cobra, absolutely loves his MHDT dacs. Pagoda balanced or Atlantis s/e, w some tube rolling. Reach out to him.

On his advice, I'm v likely going Atlantis, w Innuos Zen Mk2 streamer.
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
chord 2qute is very very close to qutest, at 1/2 the cost, don't know if you care about saving $

rme adi2 also very good

schiit multi bit dacs also very well regarded for value and performance but i have not heard one
jkontuly's avatar
jkontuly OP
59 posts
 
I will definitely reach out to 213Cobra he has helped me out immensely in the past. Without ever hearing FPGA or R2R  I am wondering if the only way to know for sure is to try both out. 
spiritofmusic
828 posts
 
Well, off course that's the only way to know for sure. LTA may offer MHDT dacs on trial/sale or return. Qutest should be easy to demo.
jkontuly's avatar
jkontuly OP
59 posts
 
Qutest, would be easy but i don't think that's possible yet here in LA. I did mean to add that if 213Cobra loves the MHDT that's a pretty strong endorsement. Given his gear one could infer that its not necessarily good for the money but just straight up good. thanks again. 
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,500 posts
 
I would definitely recommend the Qutest.  Lots of us sell Chord on-line and offer 30 Day in-home trial.  Your only risk is return shipping which is about $16 as it fits nicely in a USPS Priority Mail Medium Flat-Rate Box.  I send out like three a week.  

If you were running a SS amp to the Zus, then it would make a lot of sense to go with the MHDT.  But, you may be doubling down too much with the Melody EL34.  
jkontuly's avatar
jkontuly OP
59 posts
 
verdantaudio thanks for the information. When I am ready I might have to take you up on that offer!
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