Anybody here upgrade from Chord Qutest DAC"

Thanks txp1. That’s it. The Furutech will be the one. I’ve actually shortlisted the e-TP609 NCF earlier but am not sure about spending the money. Looks like it is about time to get one into the system since it’s not wise to skimp on the power strip/conditioner that may hamper performance.

I already have the Furutech GTX-D NCF(R) power outlet and this one truly brings a huge difference when combined with Acrolink cords on my main components, amps and DAC. And yes, long break-in for the GTX-D NCF receptable, for me it's 300+ hours before I start to hear the magic!

@ryder  “ for me it’s 300+ hours before I start to hear the magic!”.
So true! I didn’t want to say this because most people don’t believe it. Power components are the worst for long burn-in times, cables, strips, conditioners, etc. If you’re fortunate you’ll hear improvements immediately. That just means you were already in power quality crap audio land. Burn-in will improve audio over time. I didn’t believe it until I experienced it decades ago.

After borrowing my friend's Cutest for a week, I bought DAVE and never looked back.  Very happy.  Added M-scaler.  even happier.

Good luck,

Jerry

i too started with the lowest chords (mojo, 2qute, qutest) and then found great satisfaction from the m scaler/hugo tt2 combo which i have kept

chord dacs have a certain sound (vast yet precise imaging, energetic, see-through in clarity, perhaps a touch lean in the lower ones, gaining increasing richness of tone and bass weight as one moves up) and if they match up to your system needs they bring tremendous joy and articulation and sense of realism to a good system

@txp1 

A little over 2 weeks ago a Rockna Wavelight replaced a Chord Qutest in my main rig. The Qutest replaced a Bryston BDA1 in March of 2019.

What has been gained: Wider, deeper, more holographic sound stage that extends well beyond the speakers.  Even more highly resolving.  Much warmer  presentation (which for me and my system was a very good thing).  A fuller suite of inputs and outputs including i2s.

What has been lost:  The sheer cuteness of the Qutest's wonderfully compact form factor. The Rockna is a very good looking piece, but it is 17" wide and 12" deep. And a seriously deeper hit to the pocketbook.