Need help picking a new DAC

I currently own a blue sound node but have a ever solo dmp a6 master edition enroute.

The rest of my system is comprised as so:

Audio Hungary x200 Integrated

Falcon Acoustics Ram Studio 30’s

Audio quest niagara 1200

I love tube amps and have some kt150s enroute to give a bit fuller presentation as well.

Give the Merason Frerot a whirl, call Constantine he will send you one to demo in your system. https://www.atelier13-usa.com/merason-frerot-dac Swiss goodness. Oh and get some KT170s for your X200 worth every penny. 

Choice of a pleasing DAC is such a personal thing that it is hard to see testimonials getting to Nirvana.

Ears and features (including form factor and reliability) seem more important.

Maybe best to wait until you audition the Chord Qutest, then tell us what you like/dislike. It would give us a baseline on which direction to go. Also, a budget would be very helpful. Make sure you put enough break-in time for the QuTest before evaluating.

I’ve just acquired an Okto Research dac8 stereo and it’s really something special. Very detailed, nuanced, transients. Balanced, great stage, placements, etc. So engaging. Closest thing I’ve come to really hearing the recording without any clinical sheen.

Long wait time, however. I was fortunate enough to grab it used. Only mentioning it as it falls within that price range. Not to mention I’m also sorta giddy about it!