DAC upgrade

Okay, I have read too many DAC threads; however, I like your direct question on what DAC you are leaning toward buying and judging that it is your systems weakest link.  I cannot comment on your own judgement of weakest link.  Let’s assume you are right on.  There were two responses to your posted question that resonated with me.  First, Mclinnguy (hope I have that right) recommended an upgrade to the Chord Quitest and staying within the Chord line of DAC’s.  I have listened to and owned too many DAC’s to mention and be meaningful; however, Mclinnguy mentions the Chord TT2.  This is my favorite DAC for sound quality and value.  I have heard so many adjectives describing sound quality:  soundstage and depth of sound. But I don’t understand how to put those to use.  What I can put to use is:  Does it sound like a piano, a drum, a steel guitar and etc?  Can I place the instruments within the  bands hierarchy?  If the recording is clean is the playback as clean?  Those are my main concerns when deciding on a DAC.  The Chord TT2 ranks extremely high on my list and probably the best for the money (not inexpensive).  I also own the Cord Quitest and Hugo 2.  Both are very good pieces based on my parameters.  In my opinion, neither provides the value that the TT2 brings into play.

There was another response from Hilde45 that should provide considerable insight to your question.  Please click on the posted link he or she provided.  Really good stuff.  Good luck in your purchase.  Let us know what you decide.  I am sure you will be happy with purchase!

@jworth 

Thanks for your thoughts. I just didn’t want my DAC to be better than the rest of my components, starting a whole new round of upgrades. I think my new Qutest will be very good and one of my better components. Now replace my Node, and will hopefully be done. Very happy with my current system otherwise. Thanks!

Two things. One, very surprised no one mentioned the Border Patrol DAC as that is usually one of the favorites in your price range.

Second, I remember Srajan from 6Moons talking about how a DDC between your streamer and the DAC makes for a major step up. In that it makes the streamer and the DAC sound much more expensive. And this was with (at the time) a $350 (now about $600) Singxer DDC.

many are quick to dismiss the BlueSound Node and call it the “weak link or bottleneck”. I would offer a contrary argument and say that it’s a great all in one box solution particularly at its price point if folks can get over their obtuse notions that stand-alone streamer and dac’s are a must have.  My newest and latest Node X is a stellar performer and I gloat over its performance and ease of use having heard other mega buck digital separates setups that left me underwhelmed.

in the interim I see a slew of EverSolo products (including Master Edition) that are quickly showing up for sale on the used audio sites….and I mean quite a few!

I wonder why that is??

clhs04 +1

Bluesound originated in 2013, so they have been in the streaming business for over a decade now. They spent a lot of time improving the OS and have a stellar customer service network. They are in it for the long haul and I have had many questions answered by their IT guys and many user errors resolved. The newest Node X is a stellar product at the $800 mark. Some have knocked MQA but some of the best recordings I have have heard on my stereo have been FLAC or MQA. I think we all know the companies that are producing better sounding products. Most are selling at double, triple and up to $12k. But will they keep doing so in a decade and servicing those products? To what extent have they built up customer service? How good is the OS or GUI?

For what Bluesound has achieved, they are a stellar choice IMHO.