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Let's Talk DAC's

My current DAC, the Chord Chordette Qute HD is getting on with age and I am looking for a new one with superior performance. So far, I have narrowed down my search to five DACs. At the low end is the Denafrips Ares II and the Eversolo DAC Z8. Mid range the RME ADI-2 and at the top end the Chord Qutest and the Denafrips Pontus II.

This is for an all-digital setup in a 12x12 dedicated room. I have a much larger room with a much "bigger" set up, but for this room it is a simple PrimaLuna Prologue Classic integrated, Audiolab 6000 CD transport, ProAc Tablette 10’s, and a REL T/5i Subwoofer. I plan to add a streamer as well, but that is for another discussion.

I am conflicted with the choice between a delta-sigma modulated DAC and an R2R type Dac. I do like the FPGA technology in my current DAC. It has served me well.

I am certainly open to other ideas and welcome comments from those of you that have experience with this equipment.

I forgot to add; I like a wide and deep soundstage and good imaging. I also hate a rolled off high end.

 

 

 

 

desperado915
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creativepart
150 posts
 

The Chord Qutest is available used for $1,500 or less. It’s a wonderful DAC and a solid step up from your Chordette Qute HD. It combines all the features and sound quality you are looking for. Plus, it’s a perfect upgrade and stopping point on your way up to a Hugo TT2.

I’ve had one for 5 years and it’s spoiled me with it’s detail, drive and sound stage. I’m looking to replace mine - due only to number of years on my system - and the problem is that it’s so good that you are forced to spend $3,000 to $5000 to best it in a meaningful way.

I did try the Gustard R26 for a few days and while it was really quite good, for me, the Qutest was better. I did do that Amazon buy/return process to try it out. There were no problems doing that, but I don’t fell like that’s exactly the kosher way to make purchases.

I’m saving up to purchase the Hugo TT2. I see used ones going for $3,600 and up.

desperado915 OP
15 posts
 

Point well rendered @creativepart. Right now I am down to the Qutest and the new Geshelli labs J2 with AKM 4499 and Sparkos opamps. The Qutest is double the price of the latter though.

I am definitely getting a linear power supply for my Qute HD and I am still going to buy another DAC. I have two systems; a "big" system and the previously noted "small" system.

 

bikefi10
35 posts
 

@desperado915 you might want to check into Keces LPS.

They offer units with  2 outputs with a variety of voltage settings. I just picked up the P6 to replace my BS Node 2i sps plus I can replace the wart on my J2 with the 2nd output.

I tired the TP lps, but it didnt workout with my BS Node 2i. 

I don't know how the ramped up J2 compares to the older version, but the Geshellis customer service was great.

will3
54 posts
 

For giggles, try a used Schiit Gungnir Muultibit (A2 board) with USB 5 or Unison (latest) USB interface. These play very well with a nice setup like yours seems to be.

They have recently halted production (for now?), so you'll have to find one used, prolly under 1k. You may have to be a bit patient, as owners tend to keep these in their speaker based systems, many prefering them to the higher cost Yggdrasil models.

 

doodlebum
21 posts
 

+1 for the Gungnir. I've had one for quite a while and it still sounds great. I have other dacs and I'm not a fan of Schiit (stupid name btw) but hats off for the Gungnir.

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