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USB to Dual Coax Bridge for Qutest DAC

I'm considering purchasing an Audiowise SRC-DX USB to Dual-Coax Bridge.  This would replace the current Curious Cable Evolve USB connection from my Innuos Phoenix USB and Chord Qutest DAC.  Looking at a relatively inexpensive tweak, that's supposed to have a significant impact on the performance of my DAC and SQ of my streaming experience.  My current set up sounds excellent, but not as good as my other source components listed below.

Anyone have experience with USB to Coax converters?  Coax cables? Interested in your comments and feedback.

My streaming set up is Innuos Zenith Mk3 (with 4TB SSD and Qobuz), Innuos Phoenix USB, Chord Qutest DAC with Sbooster PSU.  I'm committed to the Quest and not interested in chasing DAC Nirvana by upgrading to a TT2, DAVE, or any other DAC priced at $5K or above.

My system is an Anthem MRX 540 pre-amp, Anthem MCA 325 power amp, B&W 804s, B&W CC and Surrounds, REL S/510 sub (only room for one), Denon DCD A110 SACD player (my best source component), Modwright Oppo105 universal player, EAT C Sharp turntable with Sutherland phono pre-amp. 

Thanks! 

Ag insider logo xs@2xdrlou77
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,369 posts
 

Used, I think somewhere between $425-$450 for 1m would be a decent priced including shipping etc.

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drlou77 OP
109 posts
 

@audphile1 Thanks.  I will look around for a used cable.  Do you have a recommendation for a power cord, too?

Thanks.

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audphile1
5,369 posts
 

I find with the digital components, at least in my system to my ears, bigger gauge power cables seem to work best. 12 or 10 awg.
I am currently using a Furutech FP-S032N that I terminated myself. I had good results with Audience AU24SEi MP, Audioquest Tornado and Audioquest Hurricane. I would do copper or silver plated copper on power cords. But not pure silver. it’s all system dependent. Best to try. The Audience has always been a safe bet on DACs for me, and not just on the Bricasti.

Start with the stock cord to get a baseline but know that’s not the ceiling for the M3 performance.

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drlou77 OP
109 posts
 

@audphile1 The Audience USB is $1,000 new for a 2M cable.  I can't afford that right now, buy what does $700+ over my DH Labs Mirage do for me?  Are you able to describe the effect on sound quality for me?  I'm sticking with my Innuos streamer, Phoenix USB reclocker, and Bricasti M3.  Does a cable that costs $1,000+ fit into my system?  Thanks.

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audphile1
5,369 posts
 

@drlou77 so take this with a grain of salt…because this was with a Lumin U1 Mini streamer going into the Chord Qutest…I never tried the DH Labs Mirage with the M3. But the improvements were: natural tone, no hint of digital glare, fuller sound, fuller bass and the more vibrant midrange. Soundstage improved as well. You won’t know what the DH Labs is lacking until you try a USB cable such as the Audience. If you can move the components closer, you can pick up a used Audience USB for not much more than that new 2m Mirage. Try the mirage first. No need to go crazy as it’s a decent USB cable.


I assume you were running the Qutest with RCA cables. At some point, if you system allows, try the M3 with a good set of XLR cables. But as I mentioned earlier, get a baseline with your configuration as is. You can realize more if the M3 potential later. 
When you connect the M3, don’t forget to set it to 0db volume to bypass the preamp section if you’re not using it as a preamp. The USB cable will take time to settle. Don’t rush any afditchanges. 

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