Will echo a previous post
If you spend $1000 more than Qutest it's unlikely u will experience "way better" but you will get "different".
Law of diminishing returns thing
DAC UPGRADE QUESTION
I currently have the following system:
1. Martin Logan 11A impressions hybrid-subwoofer with electrostatic panels.
2. Conrad Johnson Classic 62 power amp-60 watts per channel (not the SE )
3. Chord Qtest DAC
4. Lumin U2 mini streamer
Adding the Lumin and streaming with Qobuz has improved the sound immensely from my Cary CD player being used as a transport and the Qtest DAC.
The Qtest Dac was around $2000.00.
Looking for upgrade suggestions as thinking I can improve my sound further with a better sounding DAC.
Thank you.
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Forgive me if you've already have enough information and you may be aware of this new DAC with streamer. I know nothing other than the information provided. Perhaps other members know more. MATRIX MINI-I 4 ES9039Q2M Music Streamer $649.00 https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/matrix-mini-i-4-music-streamer-player?_kx=2LVGn4pTusRAqUyAOrmaeosfUQWiVexHjbPJmwTIja4%3D.YduXAQ
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Me and an audiophile buddy of mine had a DAC shootout at his place. The three contestants were Mytech Brooklyn Bridge, Qutest and a Bryston BDA-3. Same day, same system, same tracks: the Mytech sounded "shrouded", the Qutest was better by a bunch. It was clear and articulate. The BDA-3 kicked butt, great sound stage, very musical. $4k. And yes we went back and forth, listened for quite a while...considered doing it single blind, but it was unnecessary. The differences were that obvious. Just my personal experience YMMV. Regards, barts |
You can do better but of course more $$ since the Qutest is still quite competitive with more current/recent similar priced dacs. From my brief experience I would recommend holo audio spring 3 higher trims for a step up. More expensive dacs may give you more of a jump in sound quality but I have not heard them yet to offer advice.
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- 51 posts total