Most people recommend having a separate DAC. I bought my first DAC as a low cost solution to my new Marantz AVR having cheap TI DAC Chips because of the AKM fire. The low end Schiit was a significant improvement. My system has come a long way since then.
I have only had 3 DAC’s, and the first 2 were low end Schiit’s. I can only tell you that my new Qutest is heads & shoulders above my MM2, which was better than my Mani 2, which was much better than my AVR built in DAC.
I will let you know the results with my N150, but YRMV. Regardless, I think you will see a significant improvement just moving from optical to USB.
New streamer
I recently opened a discussion on upgrading my DAC. I started at the beginning of that discussion, that I was a vinyl guy, but with my purchase of the Chord Qutest, I realized that digital music can be outstanding and want to now upgrade my Node.
That will provide 2 benefits: Maximizing my current systems digital, and allow me to move the Node & Schiit Modi Multibit 2 to the family room, a small HT setup with a Yamaha AVR driving a Goldenear soundbar. Streaming there is currently MusicCast using the AVR DAC. The improvement there should be very nice.
My 2 channel equipment is as follows:
Rogue RP-1 w/ NOS Brimar’s, LSA Warp 1, KEF R11’s, Rhythmic F12SE, Pro-ject 1Xpression w/Hana ML, Rega Aria, Bluesound Node w/Qubuz, Marantz CD6007, Chord Qutest. Good to very good power, speaker, interconnect cables.
My weakest link (I believe) is now my Node.
I don’t want or need amplification or volume control, ripping storage, nor an internal DAC. Sound signature should be neutral.
My budget is $2,500, but willing to spend less. My current favorites are:
Lumin U2 mini. Very well reviewed, beautiful, perfect form factor, good app & controllable via my Harmony One remote. It is currently my #1 choice.
Auralic Aris. If new, the G1.1, if used G2.0 or 2.1. Very well reviewed, good app, OK form factor, but not controllable via harmony.
Naim ND5 XS2. Considered the best high end streamer by What Hi Fi Would need to buy used to stay close to budget.
EverSolo DMP-A6. Included based upon reviews, but may not be a serious contender.
HiFi Rose RS250A. The streamer EverSolo seemed to copy
Aurender. Don’t think they have anything within my budget, but included for discussion.
LPS upgrade for Node. Included because I know it will come up. Plan to reuse my node downstairs, so out. Would prefer LPS upgrade for one of the above.
Please let me know your thoughts and/or recommendations. Thanks!
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This is a quote from another post. He too was questioning his Qutest purchase. He then bought an N150. He stated: “The N150 is in-house and on its second day with 10 hours of total listening time. I’ve got one main thing to say— the problem wasn’t my DAC. The Chord Qutest is a fully competent DAC when input by a really good streamer.“ YRMV, but I am already happy with my Qutest and look forward to the N150 taking it to the next level. |
@signaforce Can you tell me your final thought process on the 150? I know its probably above somewhere but this was apparently a hot topic and the thread is getting quite long. I’ve been reading really nice reviews for the Eversolo 6 and 8, and the price is right. The price is so right that I question how it compares to the Aurender 150 / 200 and the others on your short list. I don't mind saving money, but I would consider the 150/200 if it was much better. Comparison reviews say the Eversolos are better than the Roses, which I have been hearing. The screens are pretty but i think it makes the Rose too expensive for what you get. I'm still looking for other comparisons, to the ones discussed above. I’m also curious if you considered the A6/8 since they were in your budget and AA says they will be carrying them soon. |
The Aurender N150 has only one review I can find, therefore I am not positive that it is vastly superior to the A6/A8. There are certainly no professional head to head tests. Steve Huff stated the Lumin U2 mini was superior to the A6 (& perhaps the A8.. I didn’t remember), so I eliminated EverSolo. I never really closely looked at them, but maybe a great choice. |
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