Appreciate Some Dac Advice


Looking at improving on my main DAC which is currently at Krell Digital Vanguard.

My systems...

Windows 10 system running Logitech Media Server 8.2 connected to Synology DS920+ NAS where flac and dsf files are stores. Significant portion is either 96 mHz flac files from blu ray audio, 96mHz and 48 mHz files from DVDs or dsf files from SACDs. Other than that, have Tidal and use the LMS Tidal plugin.

Main system: picorePlayer 8 on Raspberry Pi 4 with Hifiberry Digi2 Pro > Coax > Krell Digital Vanguard > Dynaudio Focus 360

Outside System: picorePlayer 8 on Raspberry Pi 4 > USB > Cambridge Audio Dacmagic 200m > NAD C325BEE > Definitive Technology AW6500

Home Theater: picorePlayer 8 on Raspberry Pi 4 with Hifiberry Digi2 Pro > Coax > Denon AVP A1HDCI > Dynaudio Focus 220 MK II

Everything is played using Squeeze Ctrl on my phone.

Mainly listen to main system and outdoor system.

Looking to improve on the sound in main system. Think I will not see significant improvement with the outdoor one unless I want to upgrade speakers and Amp. But, don't think you can do much better than AW6500's for outdoors (open to hearing other options).

So, been looking at the Chord Qutest and RME ADI-2 DAC FS as possible options to improve on the sound over the Krell. Also had looked at Ifi Pro iDSD. Haven't auditioned any. Just a lot of research. Prefer a ceiling at $2K. While, I don't mind tinkering, prefer set it an forget it. Which had me thinking about Chord Qutest. I would like DSD as I have a significant SACD collection. However, not hung up on native DSD and DOP and PCM are okay.

Thank you for yous thoughts and help.

btscott

I received my Gustard X26 Pro today and immediately connected it.

Logitech Media Player 8.2 > picorePlayer > USB > Gustard X26 Pro > XLR > Krell Digital Vanguard > Dynaudio Focus 360.

All I can say is WOW! Even without burn in and straight out of the box with default setting, this sounds so much better than the DAC in the Krell or the Oppo 105 DAC I have also tried using. I also use a Cambridge Audio 200m for my outside system and have tried that in my main system and also no comparison.

I hope to do some comparisons, but this is going to be tough to beat.

I super impressed by the soundstage.

Also, super fast turnaround. Ordered from Amazon on the 18th and received it today.

Matrix Audio.  https://www.matrix-digi.com/en/products/318.html

Chi-Fi but the whole enchilada.  

Case: check - CNC machining.

Chip: Check - ESS 9038 best off the shelf chip out there.

Connections: Check - all options (I use I2S)

Sound: Check - better than my W4S and better than my Oppo 205 (used as a DAC).  Neutral sounding.

DSD: Check

Remote: Check

Looks: I am happy with it.