What’s your budget ? For $2 k. The New Denafrips Pontus 15
is a big upgrade .
UPGRADE PATH FROM CHORD QUTEST
My system currently consists of the following:
1. Martin Logan 11A impression hybrid electrostatic speakers.
2. Bryston 4B3 cubed power amplifier
3. Rogue Audio RP-1 preamp
4. Lumin U2 mini transport streamer
5. Chord Qutest Dac
Happy with the sound, but on many tracks on Qoboz the sound especially on rock leaves a lot to be desired. This could be the function of the source itself (the recording) is poor. Would a better DAC yield more detail and better sound? My price limit is about $5000.00. Not looking to buy used. Wish to work with a dealer because I have found them to be incredibly helpful. Also looking for a company that provides phone customer support. There is nothing like a conversation or a discussion to solve an issue. I understand that my view is a minority view out there. As we are in a self-service world. But I am used to a person picking up the phone and asking how can I help you? Any thoughts would be sincerely appreciated. Thank you.
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- 36 posts total
I agree with the suggestion about tubes or even the preamp. I felt the same issues in one of my systems compared to others. I swapped speakers. Then I upgraded DACs. Finally I swapped my tube amp to a ss (all of this from stuff I had in other systems or lying around) The ss made a difference. So I went back to the tube amp and put nos Mullards in. That made me happiest of all the swaps. Eventually I "upgraded" the amp to one that cost less with less power but maybe cleaner signal path, and kept the nos tubes and now have been happy with that for several years. So I would try tube or pre amp swap before DAC. |
I own a Qutest and the RP-1, so this is an interesting thread to me. I found the stock J&J tubes to be VERY poor… unresolving, muddy bass etc. I bought 3 sets of NOS tubes. Brimar CV4003, Siemens nickel plates & Tele red tips. All significantly better sound than the stock tubes & each with their own unique sound. Upgraded tubes is my recommendation. |
@lpretiring: I agree with you! The OP should spend the $5K on a pair of the new JBL Century 100’s. They will satisfy his desire to listen to Rock at appropriate sound levels - something the Martin Logan’s aren’t good at. Buying a different DAC is a waste of money! |
To add to my post (no longer editable), while not all of my Qobuz streaming sources sound wonderful, Diana Kroll always does, as do many others (virtually anything 24/192). Very happy. When I bought my NOS tubes, I thought I would sell my stock JJ tubes on eBay. They are going for $25 a pair… not worth the effort & demonstrates what people think of them. Food for thought. |
- 36 posts total