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Chord Qutest vs. Benchmark 2 or 3?

Hi, all -
Did not think I would really be at a loss...but I am when it comes to my next move: A DAC for my home office system.

It currently consists of:

Bluesound Node 2i
Belles Soloist 1 integrated amp
Dynaudio Special 40s
DH Labs cables

No CDs, no other sources, only streaming from a MacBook Pro and iPad.
Dont need volume control or headphone amp on DAC.

So, I guess the head-to-head comparison would really be Benchmark DAC3L vs, Chord Qutest.
I have "heard" that there is not much different sonically between DACs 2 and 3.

I favor musicality over precision imaging.

I am leaning to a Chord Qutest.
Any and all thoughts appreciated.
Cheers.

(Yes, I know the best way is to have a home audition. I get that. Been doing this for 30 years...;-)...and I avoid brick n mortar retail at all costs.)
ianrmack
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
FWIW the Benchmark measures a bit better and has XLR outputs.  Pretty significant aesthetics depending on your taste.  I can't believe you'd be disappointed in either.
theo's avatar
theo
2,690 posts
 
I tried both and found the Cutest to be warmer in sound, but the Benchmark has more features and is more analytical and accurate. It really depends on your ears, either is a good solution.
The Cutest is a little quirky at first with the colored lights as indicators, but once you get it figured out, it is a non issue.
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
It's funny, whenever I read comments about a DAC sounding "warmer" the comments seems to align with DACs that measured higher in distortion.  Some distortion as we know tends to be more pleasing to our ears than others. The Benchmark is probably more transparent than the Qutest but how either sounds in your system is likely both system dependent and a matter of preference.  I have recently ordered a Benchmark DAC3 for my 2nd system (tube integrated amp).  My reasoning is that the tubes likely deliver all the warmth I need and that a transparent DAC in the chain may provide the perfect synergy.
mofojo
2,303 posts
 
Cheaper than your other 2 options but the Jolida Tube Dac 3 is really a nice dac even compared to pricier models IMO. Musical and slightly warm but detailed as well. I also have the Node 2 and the Jolida is head and tails better than the Dac in the node IMO.  
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