Upgrading to a stand alone DAC

Do you really find the E70 Velvet to be better than the Qutest? I have a Qutest but am looking for a DAC with balanced outs. Maybe I should give one a try.

Yes, I wouldn’t have stated that were it not my experience.

I actually owned the Qutest twice. Even though I wasn’t particularly impressed with it the first go around, I bought one again a couple years later with the intent of flipping since I snagged it for a very low price. I put the second example in my system to test all its functions/inputs and to reevaluate the sound quality (though this time with an upgraded linear power supply) and it only confirmed my previous conclusion, that I preferred other, less costly DACs, including the Denafrips Ares II and Marantz HD-DAC1, not to mention the costlier Electrocompaniet, which was my favorite DAC at the time.

The Qutest was rather lean and fatiguing in my systems. It was resolving for sure, but the sound was very 2-dimensional and reminiscent of circa $300 Sabre DACs from years past. That pretty well applied regardless of its filter settings.

The EV0V in contrast, is at least equally resolving but with greater layering/dimensionality, and manages a smoother top end without sacrificing micro details.

I also prefer the E70V to the built-in DAC of the Eversolo DMP-A8, despite the fact both employ the same AKM chip.

Yeah, the Topping isn’t much to look at or behold, but on a pure performance scale, it’s one of the very best sounding digital front ends I’ve encountered. Regardless, trying one through an outlet such as Amazon or Apos is a risk free endeavor, so if you end up disagreeing with my assessment, all you need do is ship it back.

I have a NAD C542 and Marantz CD6006 cd player in boxes. I got a black Friday deal on a Denon DCD-1700NE sacd player and it's a lot better than them. I know you asked about dacs, but it's something to consider.

I have a Gustard R26 dac that I'm using with an Innuos streamer via the USB input. I think it's a great dac and not crazy expensive. I had a SMSL VMV D1SE before it and I much preferred the Gustard.  

helomech, thank you very much for the time you took to provide some great info!

soix, not to be too generic, I am looking to increase soundstage and to pull out more details

I’d think either the Gustard R26 or the new Denafrips Ares 15th would be a meaningful improvement in all areas.  Best of luck. 

There are a few used Denafrips Pontus II 12th units for sale at the moment.  They all are in your price range and would give you what you are looking for.  You can add the Iris or Hermes DDC later as well which uses the I2S input and increases resolution, soundstage and imaging.