2. digital
  3. 187935-178608

DAC upgrade

Let me start by saying I am a vinyl guy, but digital streaming, particularly if I can achieve the right sound has many advantages. My 2 channel equipment is as follows: 

Rogue RP-1 w/ NOS Brimar CV4003, LSA Warp 1, KEF R11’s, Rhythmic F12SE, Pro-ject 1Xpression w/Hana ML, Rega Aria, Bluesound Node, Marantz CD6007, Schiit Modi Multibit 2. Good to very good power, speaker, interconnect cables.  
My weakest link (I believe) is my DAC.

My desire is the best sounding DAC below $2,500, but certainly don’t mind spending less. i want the DAC to be as good as my best current component. I don’t need a DAC with preampliflication, don’t need balanced, don’t need headphones, however I would not eliminate a DAC with superior sound with those features. I do prefer a small form factor.  
My current top contenders are:

Chord Qutest, Schiit Yggy, RME ADI-2, Topping D90 III.

The Chord checks all my boxes… reviews, sound, form factor, no unneeded features, etc and don’t mind its quirky lights… but, looking your thoughts/ recommendations.  Thanks!

 

 

128x128signaforce
goodlistening64
88 posts
 

Yggy LIM just came up for sale on this site at $1400, which is a great price!

vthokie83
847 posts
 

OP, there were some good comments on the Node also. I have a Node 130, with an LHY linear power supply $279. Made a nice improvement in SQ, darker floor which helped bring out extra detail.....and a relatively inexpensive tweak. The previously mentioned Teddy Pardo as well, I've just never heard it

paulcreed
559 posts
 

I owned the Qutest and RME they were both nice Qutest had better sound stage. I have the Pontus. Iris was eye opening for $350 used, I think it’s a must. The big shocker was adding the fairly cheap Wire World silver sphere hdmi over a $25 hdmi. It totally changed the Pontus Iris combo. I would have to spend $2000 plus on a pair of rca interconnects to hear that big of a improvement but WW did it for $130 used, I’m a big hdmi fan now.  $1200 used Pontus, Iris and a cable would run under $1700. RME and Qutest could not compete with that combo.

signaforce's avatar
signaforce OP
175 posts
 

Bought the Chord, one month old on US Audio Mart for $1,200. If I don’t like it, can resell. Thanks for those who recommended the Audio Mart. Never used them before. Thanks again for all your outstanding recommendations!

jworth
37 posts
 

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!

More to discover