DAC UPGRADE QUESTION
I currently have the following system:
1. Martin Logan 11A impressions hybrid-subwoofer with electrostatic panels.
2. Conrad Johnson Classic 62 power amp-60 watts per channel (not the SE )
3. Chord Qtest DAC
4. Lumin U2 mini streamer
Adding the Lumin and streaming with Qobuz has improved the sound immensely from my Cary CD player being used as a transport and the Qtest DAC.
The Qtest Dac was around $2000.00.
Looking for upgrade suggestions as thinking I can improve my sound further with a better sounding DAC.
Thank you.
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- 51 posts total
Big fan of your ML speakers After borrowing a Qutest, I bought a DAVE. I then let my buddy use the DAVE for a couple weeks while I listened to the Qutest. You are going to have a hard time beating the Qutest for a reasonable price. I would consider the Hugo but I haven’t heard it. Can’t beat Chord. I have owned the Topping recommended in this thread. It is the only component I have ever relisted for sale the day I received it. It has been recommended by a cult leader who has some audiophile followers. Avoid it. Jerry |
Here’s a used Bricasti M3 for $3200. I would exercise extreme caution with a seller who has 0 feedback. Phone conversations , additional pictures proving he owns the DAC, etc. but worth checking out. From my experience, the M3 is a step up from the Qutest, checks all the boxes for clarity, natural tone, not analytical sounding and very musical and engaging. Solid design and build with awesome power supply https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649998938-bricasti-m3-dac-mdx-111-with-remote/ |
I have the Lumin U2 mini and used the Qutest DAc. It was an amazing combo for the money. I moved the Qutest to a different system and got a Holo May KTE DAc and it really elevated the sound. if you can get $1500 for you Qutest plus $3000 your in the range of the Holo MaY. I ended up adding an mscaler to my system where the Qutest is and now that’s a beautiful sounding combo too. Now need to upgrade my Node 130 to a Lumin or Auralic streamer.
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A few I’ve been considering that seem to hit well above their retail price… Okto dac 8 - interesting approach in optimizing a Sabre chip, also unique in their output stage Gustard R or A26 Ladder Schuman Have to say that anyone putting down any/all Topping DAC offerings is sadly mistaken. Although, I do agree the D90 is rather not right in the midrange. But currently using a D70s that sounds pretty damned wonderful. Really nice output stage on that one. It compares favorably against a Denafrips Pontus II. Has a surprisingly similar presentation to that of ladder dacs in general. Would say the Pontus still wins it out, but not by a very wide margin (heard each in the same system).
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- 51 posts total