Keep the Qutest. Qutest is best dac under $3k. Avoid the integrated DAC. If you want to upgrade your streamer, the Allo USBridge Signature with Shanti Power supply is very good will leave you $5600 for another component.
Which component to upgrade 1st ?
Hey folks here is my dilemma I have a budget of about 6K for a new component. I currently have Martin Logan Vantage speakers, Audio Research Ref75 amp, Audio Research LS17SE preamp, Rega P6 turntable, and a bluesound node (makes my ears hurt but you have to start somewhere) and a Chord Qutest dac. My wishlist includes Lumin T2, (sell Qutest and node), Audio Research Ref 5 used ( sell LS17SE), used Phono tube dac (currently have Mofi), or used Weiss 502 dac with either a Lumin U2 mini or Bricasti M5. I know start with source first but I can’t wrap my head around which toy first. Thoughts and be kind.
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You have solicited some good recommendations so far. @ghdprentice makes a compelling case for upgrading your current preamplifier. No doubt speakers are a noted factor, but only as good as what signal quality they are fed. Restricted to your listed options, I’d begin at the front of the signal chain. Replace the current Node streamer and Chord DAC with the Weiss 501. This is a big step upward and forward (IMO). My next change would then be acquiring the ARC REF 5 preamplifier. With these two upgrades you have significantly improved your signal chain quality. Now you can address the speakers. You are fine with the ARC REF 75 amplifier (Last item I’d change) Charles |
Border Patrol DAC is sold with a 14-days return policy, no restocking fee. Unfortunately, MHDT DAC carries a 10% restocking fee. I would defer to @hilde45 sane (no BS) advise on MHDT Orchid DAC as his setup include both Node 2 and Orchid. It’s all about synergy, sometimes it takes few auditions with multiple components to find that perfect blend within the context of your system. And please don’t go on changing everything at once, bringing in a DAC, live with it and then plan your next move. In this hobby, decisions made in haste can cost you a pretty penny :-) |
Garbage-in = Garbage-out. Everything matters, not just speakers, if you care about how it sounds. |
I have not. I'd like to. From what I have heard, especially from very experienced people like @jjss49 and others in my area is that the incremental change of a streamer with a good, quiet power supply and a good DAC (I love my Orchid) is very minor. I am holding off on spending thousands more on my streamer but I would love to compare. @decooney +100. Yes, speakers just amplify unresolved problems up the chain. |
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