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DAC upgrade

Let me start by saying I am a vinyl guy, but digital streaming, particularly if I can achieve the right sound has many advantages. My 2 channel equipment is as follows: 

Rogue RP-1 w/ NOS Brimar CV4003, LSA Warp 1, KEF R11’s, Rhythmic F12SE, Pro-ject 1Xpression w/Hana ML, Rega Aria, Bluesound Node, Marantz CD6007, Schiit Modi Multibit 2. Good to very good power, speaker, interconnect cables.  
My weakest link (I believe) is my DAC.

My desire is the best sounding DAC below $2,500, but certainly don’t mind spending less. i want the DAC to be as good as my best current component. I don’t need a DAC with preampliflication, don’t need balanced, don’t need headphones, however I would not eliminate a DAC with superior sound with those features. I do prefer a small form factor.  
My current top contenders are:

Chord Qutest, Schiit Yggy, RME ADI-2, Topping D90 III.

The Chord checks all my boxes… reviews, sound, form factor, no unneeded features, etc and don’t mind its quirky lights… but, looking your thoughts/ recommendations.  Thanks!

 

 

128x128signaforce
mclinnguy's avatar
mclinnguy
269 posts
 

What would I do? Buy both for less than your original budget and re sell the one you don’t prefer: There is a used Pontus II in Florida for $1200, and a used Qutest in Ohio for $1150 (or a Qutest 1 month old for $1250)

tweak1
3,549 posts
 

I think this ticks all your boxes and some you may not have even thought of

ASAP read this review, and/or the one on Positive Feedback, and in the Stereophile

 

signaforce's avatar
signaforce OP
139 posts
 

@gkelly 

Question, you recommend replacing my streamer first before my DAC. Why is that your recommendation?

I do believe my node is my next weakest link to my DAC, but you believe the opposite? Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks 

2psyop's avatar
2psyop
1,503 posts
 

The Bluesound Node sometimes takes a beating here as there are better performing streamers costing double, triple the price and more. I have the Node X paired with a Pontus 12 Anniversary and I really like the sound. Natural, organic with an ease of instruments that each have their own signature sound (like the actual instrument) and tremendous soundstage. I have a Teddy Pardo power supply for the Node. With some other DACs I heard an occasional blurring with mid to high frequencies and at times shrill sounding. I even questioned my speaker’s performance in the high to mid freqs. Once the Pontus was inserted that all went away. But I think the Chord would also be a good choice. I heard one once and sounded very articulate and open. I don’t think you could go wrong with either choice.

macg19
672 posts
 

This is the only DAC I’ve owned or heard in my system so no expert opinion here.

I also have a BS Node and added a Black Ice Tube DAC for $800 and it is pretty impressive. The stock tubes were replaced immediately with expensive NOS Mullard’s but I just tried some much cheaper NOS GE’s that I had in an amp I no longer use and I may just prefer them.

I believe they offer a trial period.

You’ll need a decent USB cable to do it justice.

Note I also upgraded the Node with the LHY LPS for $300 which helped.

It sounds amazing for the money compared to my analogue rig at 5x the cost.

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