Avoid a cheap volume control. That really matters and a bad one will lead to underwhelming performance. I have a Schiit Freya + here and even in passive mode it sucks the life out of my music.
Hugo 2 and LTA power amp vs Qutest with LTA integrated. I feel like the line stage and volume control in the LTA is very good. I have had that exact amp connected too Avantgarde Zeros and they highlight anything in your setup that is an issue. It was incredible.
That being said, the volume control in the Hugo 2 is VERY good. I use a Hugo 2 and 2Go for everything at home.
The DAC in the Qutest and Hugo2 are the same. The Hugo 2 has a volume control and headphone amp.
I think LTA integrated with Qutest will be absolute best sound. With Spatials????? LTA and Spatial were in the room next to me at CAF and they sounded really good. This is an A+ system you are putting together.
As someone who sells both products (LTA and Chord), I am 100% sure you can be on budget with either combo. The real question is if you want the flexibility the Hugo 2 provides
Hugo 2 and LTA power amp vs Qutest with LTA integrated. I feel like the line stage and volume control in the LTA is very good. I have had that exact amp connected too Avantgarde Zeros and they highlight anything in your setup that is an issue. It was incredible.
That being said, the volume control in the Hugo 2 is VERY good. I use a Hugo 2 and 2Go for everything at home.
The DAC in the Qutest and Hugo2 are the same. The Hugo 2 has a volume control and headphone amp.
I think LTA integrated with Qutest will be absolute best sound. With Spatials????? LTA and Spatial were in the room next to me at CAF and they sounded really good. This is an A+ system you are putting together.
As someone who sells both products (LTA and Chord), I am 100% sure you can be on budget with either combo. The real question is if you want the flexibility the Hugo 2 provides