2. digital
  3. 136663-92426

do i need a new DAC

i have a NAD D1050 which is now 5 years old but still sounds fantastic.  just upgraded my amp to the new Rega Brio 3.  was considering a Chord, Rega, or the new Audiolab MDAC+.  but i can't imagine it making much of a difference. for a DAC that is 5 years old the little NAD is holding up well?  what has happen in the last 5 years?  have their really been such great strides in digital playback made? i think SS is evolving faster.  any suggestions?
thanks,
128x128jag
david12
1,454 posts
 

On a similar search and I'm inclined to Chord. In your case if you only need a DAC, go for the Qutest, said to be the same as the Mojo2, but no pre amp, headphone input. IThe Mojo more for mobile headphone users, not a home HiFi. When I demo'd the Qutest, sounded much better than my ageing Ayre QB9. It is about £800 cheaper than the Mojo, as your not paying for stuff you don't need.

You can also add on an aftermarket power supply, though a lot of argument if it is necessary. The legendary designer of the Qutest, claims they make no difference.

janehamble
123 posts
 
The Chord Qutest is said to be equivalent to the Hugo 2, not the Mojo. Good choice if you don't need portability, headphone amp.
jag's avatar
jag OP
98 posts
 
i really respect the work of Dr. Watts. had one of his DAC’s back in the day when he was designing for DPA, the PCM 1-2.  have booked an audition to hear the Qutest, on my short list for sure. i am also suspect that Rega will shortly upgrade the DAC-R to match the design of the new Brio amp. the new Audiolab MDAC+is a big improvement over the older design i hear. have not heard it. but i did hear the Audiolabs DAC/amp combo. very good. still my little NAD and the new Rega brio continues to delight. i have heard the new Brio with the DAR-R and they naturally make great music together. all Rega all the way?
Post removed 
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,396 posts
 
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.




More to discover