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Appreciate Some Dac Advice

Looking at improving on my main DAC which is currently at Krell Digital Vanguard.

My systems...

Windows 10 system running Logitech Media Server 8.2 connected to Synology DS920+ NAS where flac and dsf files are stores. Significant portion is either 96 mHz flac files from blu ray audio, 96mHz and 48 mHz files from DVDs or dsf files from SACDs. Other than that, have Tidal and use the LMS Tidal plugin.

Main system: picorePlayer 8 on Raspberry Pi 4 with Hifiberry Digi2 Pro > Coax > Krell Digital Vanguard > Dynaudio Focus 360

Outside System: picorePlayer 8 on Raspberry Pi 4 > USB > Cambridge Audio Dacmagic 200m > NAD C325BEE > Definitive Technology AW6500

Home Theater: picorePlayer 8 on Raspberry Pi 4 with Hifiberry Digi2 Pro > Coax > Denon AVP A1HDCI > Dynaudio Focus 220 MK II

Everything is played using Squeeze Ctrl on my phone.

Mainly listen to main system and outdoor system.

Looking to improve on the sound in main system. Think I will not see significant improvement with the outdoor one unless I want to upgrade speakers and Amp. But, don't think you can do much better than AW6500's for outdoors (open to hearing other options).

So, been looking at the Chord Qutest and RME ADI-2 DAC FS as possible options to improve on the sound over the Krell. Also had looked at Ifi Pro iDSD. Haven't auditioned any. Just a lot of research. Prefer a ceiling at $2K. While, I don't mind tinkering, prefer set it an forget it. Which had me thinking about Chord Qutest. I would like DSD as I have a significant SACD collection. However, not hung up on native DSD and DOP and PCM are okay.

Thank you for yous thoughts and help.

btscott
helomech
1,757 posts
 

Even the Ares II is better sounding than the Qutest, so the Pontus is a good option.

rikkipuu's avatar
rikkipuu
281 posts
 

For 2K the trade in W4S DAC2v2DSDSE is a killer deal.  I much preferred it to my Yggdrasil.  Smoother and more detailed and solid rich low end.  Remote and attenuator

I sold my W4S for a Denafrips Terminator.  I agree with using a DDC with Denafrips DACs.

 

jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 

Even the Ares II is better sounding than the Qutest

not true as a blanket statement, too simplistic

depends on the system, the feed, the synergy needed from the dac in terms of its sound signature

audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,029 posts
 

Can't beat the Border Patrol dac @ $1075. No filters and r2r...plus a tube In the power section. Tube can be turned off, but why would you.....any how it sounds natural, may I say more Analog and less Digital.....

btscott OP
25 posts
 

I received my Gustard X26 Pro today and immediately connected it.

Logitech Media Player 8.2 > picorePlayer > USB > Gustard X26 Pro > XLR > Krell Digital Vanguard > Dynaudio Focus 360.

All I can say is WOW! Even without burn in and straight out of the box with default setting, this sounds so much better than the DAC in the Krell or the Oppo 105 DAC I have also tried using. I also use a Cambridge Audio 200m for my outside system and have tried that in my main system and also no comparison.

I hope to do some comparisons, but this is going to be tough to beat.

I super impressed by the soundstage.

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