Anybody here upgrade from Chord Qutest DAC"

@txp1 

A little over 2 weeks ago a Rockna Wavelight replaced a Chord Qutest in my main rig. The Qutest replaced a Bryston BDA1 in March of 2019.

What has been gained: Wider, deeper, more holographic sound stage that extends well beyond the speakers.  Even more highly resolving.  Much warmer  presentation (which for me and my system was a very good thing).  A fuller suite of inputs and outputs including i2s.

What has been lost:  The sheer cuteness of the Qutest's wonderfully compact form factor. The Rockna is a very good looking piece, but it is 17" wide and 12" deep. And a seriously deeper hit to the pocketbook.

@jjss49 @jazzman7  I pulled the trigger on a M-scaler. I’ve got a long time to evaluate it.  I read all reviews of it with the Qutest.  I hope it works for me. I need more meat in the lower mids because I mostly listen to jazz. 

@txp1 

I use the M-Scaler with the Hugo2 and the Dave.  You've probably figured it out by now, but the M-Scaler really isn't about frequency response, it's about coherence.  It brings the music and the acoustic ambience together something fierce.  I did NOT want to spend the $5k for the thing, but I find it really hard to listen to either the Dave or the Hugo2 without it now.  

So in evaluating it, I'd recommend not listening for specific detail-y things like bass or highs or whatever, but rather by just sitting back and seeing whether you enjoy the music listening experience more with or without it.  

I knew I had to keep the thing when I found myself still in my chair having to badly go to the bathroom after hours of listening, but not being able to leave the music.  I also know because all I have to do is hit the bypass and I immediately am less engaged with the music.  

Anyway, will be curious what your experience is.  Good luck!

@hayas Thanks but I Canceled the M-scaler purchase. I’m still considering a R2R DAC such as the Sonnet Morpheus or Pasithea or the Audio Mirror Troubadour IV.  

I had the Qutest a few years ago and changed it for the Denafrips Pontus II, a more natural sound dac. Although I didn’t do a side-by-side comparison, I remember to have a inconsistent enjoyment from the Chord: great with some recordings and so so much with others, making the sound too sharp to my liking.

But I would love to try one again :)