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Need help picking a new DAC

Currently using my built in streamers dac which is alright but nothing inspiring.

I have a chord qutest enroute for demo and was looking hard at the merason frerot dac both would be getting a linear psu. I was hoping to get a little light shed on weather the merason is a better dac than the chord. I like dacs with a large Sound stage and neutral representation I don't like many dacs that soften up the sound too much.

Any insight would be appreciated 

Thanks

J

jp0284
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,506 posts
 

Choice of a pleasing DAC is such a personal thing that it is hard to see testimonials getting to Nirvana.

Ears and features (including form factor and reliability) seem more important.

kennyc
1,198 posts
 

Maybe best to wait until you audition the Chord Qutest, then tell us what you like/dislike. It would give us a baseline on which direction to go. Also, a budget would be very helpful. Make sure you put enough break-in time for the QuTest before evaluating.

riccitone
219 posts
 

I’ve just acquired an Okto Research dac8 stereo and it’s really something special. Very detailed, nuanced, transients. Balanced, great stage, placements, etc. So engaging. Closest thing I’ve come to really hearing the recording without any clinical sheen.

Long wait time, however. I was fortunate enough to grab it used. Only mentioning it as it falls within that price range. Not to mention I’m also sorta giddy about it!

 

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