A tubed Audio Mirror Toubadour IV would give you a Fuller, Thicker sound. Great DAC 4K.
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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@kjl1065, I had a Qutest before I upgraded to a Chord TT2/m scaler combo. The Qutest is a great little DAC that I wish I still owned because it’s such a neat little piece of audio kit. Have you tried using an aftermarket power supply for your Qutest like an iFi Elite X or an Sbooster? I found that it made a discernible difference in sound quality over using the stock Chord wall wart because it gave the music a feeling of less digital glare and a more analog sounding presentation. I like trying small tweaks first in my setup as opposed to looking for a several thousand dollar electrical box to solve all of my sound quality issues. |
One more pitch on tubes. Eliminating the J&J’s was the most sonically positive impact I ever made to my system. Much more than electronics, phono cartridge/stage, DAC, steamer, cables, power cords etc. Each of my new tube sets provide an excellent, strong & unique sonic signature. As others have said, your planned DAC change may improve your sonics, but with diminishing returns, the improvements will more than likely be subtle & not address your issue. The J&J’s are like bottom of the line Shiit. They may be the best $12.50 tubes that money can buy, but IMHO do not belong in any quality system. |
- 36 posts total