First, let me say I'm a big fan of Chord DACs.
@jag, are u planning on only playing computer audio files, since your NAD is USB only? The Chord Qutest is capable of so much more. It has multiple hires inputs;
USB Galvanic Isolation, plus (2) 384kHz BNC Coax Inputs. It can be used with computer audio, CD, and a streamer.
The FPGA design allows the incoming data stream to be sampled and reclocked. I owned the QuteEx and it was the most realistic and organic sounding dac that I've heard in its price range. And 5 years later, I'll bet the Qutest is at a much higher level than the EX.
With any small DAC, adding a linear power supply will increase the sound quality in a big way. Compare the small stock switch mode PS to a LPS with a large transformer and the dac is now capable of better dynamics and soundstaging.
@jag, are u planning on only playing computer audio files, since your NAD is USB only? The Chord Qutest is capable of so much more. It has multiple hires inputs;
USB Galvanic Isolation, plus (2) 384kHz BNC Coax Inputs. It can be used with computer audio, CD, and a streamer.
The FPGA design allows the incoming data stream to be sampled and reclocked. I owned the QuteEx and it was the most realistic and organic sounding dac that I've heard in its price range. And 5 years later, I'll bet the Qutest is at a much higher level than the EX.
With any small DAC, adding a linear power supply will increase the sound quality in a big way. Compare the small stock switch mode PS to a LPS with a large transformer and the dac is now capable of better dynamics and soundstaging.