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UPGRADE PATH FROM CHORD QUTEST DAC

Seeking to purchase a new DAC from my current Chord Qutest which has a S Booster Power Supply.  I prefer to work with a dealer and am looking for a DAC that can be serviced in the United States. Thus far, I have been recommended by a dealer to go with the Weiss 204. I believe that to maximize the Weiss Dac I must purchase a linear power supply to replace the switching power supply that comes with the DAC. The Modwright upgrade for the Weiss 204 has been suggested at a cost of $1000.00  and has received really good reviews. The total cost for the Weiss 204 with Linear Powwer supply would be $4500.00. Any other suggestions would be appreciated to aid me in my search. Don't wish to exceed $5000.00 and not looking to purchase used.   Thanks in advance. 

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lmr27
22 posts
 

I upgraded to a Chord TT2 and never looked back. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,907 posts
 

I had Qutest and now have TT2 - 100% a very nice step up. 

dr-boop
83 posts
 

HiFi Rose just launched a DAC around your budget. I'm looking forward to hearing it, so no opinion other than it's worthy of keeping on your radar. 

Others mentioned TT2 and you can experiment with the upscaler down the road. I've heard this combo and it easily beats the fantastic Qutest.

zuesman
111 posts
 

Take look at the Wyred4sound 10th anniversary DAC It's $4,500, one of the reviewers put it up against his VPI turntable with a $5,000 Japanese cartridge and he said that the 10th anniversary DAC was every bit as analog sounding, on that review I bought it and I totally agree, The best DAC I've ever had in my system, and a bonus is that they give you a 30-day trial period, if you don't like it you can send it back and get your money back, I didn't it was so good.

boulder_bob's avatar
boulder_bob
19 posts
 

I know you said "serviced in the US" - but you could always try a Gustard from Amazon just to get a comparison unit.  This would enable you to have at least 2 DACs in your possession at one time.  I have an X26 Pro (which I consider a great value) and I think they may have upped their game with the R26.  There are upgrade paths with the Gustard such as an external DDC an external clock (which admittedly results in more boxes and interconnects) but the power supply is internal.  I do prefer the I2S input on my X26, which requires a DDC (mine is a very inexpensive Douk Audio with an LPS)

 

Not sure if you have Whole Foods where you live, but that's how I do my Amazon returns. They also do returns at the UPS Store. Pretty low risk and an easy way to get another "point on the curve"

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