Streaming/DAC Upgrade


Currently have a Bluesound Node running through a Cord Qutest in my main system which includes Arcam C31 Pre-Amp and two Arcam P1 Mono Blocks and Energy Varitas V2.4 Floorstanding Speakers.  Considering moving to Auralic Altair G2.1.  The Altair 2.1 has was  discontinued last year but they are offering NOS at a significant discount, currently $2439.  Also under consideration is the new Aries S1 or Vega S1.  I would move the Bluesound Note and Chord Qutest to my secondary system.

Potential setups would be…

1. Altair 2.1

2. Aries S1 with Qutest (possibly adding PSU to Aries S1)

3. Vega S1 (possibly adding PSU to Vega S1)

Again I would move Bluesound node and , or Chord Qutest to my secondary system.

Advise is greatly appreciated, keep in mind my budget is about $3000.

litespeedaudio

You can pick up a PS Audio DirectStream Digital MkI DAC used for around $1,200, add a PS Audio AirLens and be under $3,000. Check TMR Audio for PS Audio AirLens. They had a few preowned units. 
I owned a Qutest and PS Audio DSD DAC and am familiar with both DACs. PS Audio is a better unit. 
Downside - with AirLens you will need to subscribe to Roon and install Roon core. Another option with AirLens would be Mconnect app (free for iPhone but like $6 for iPad) but the interface and functionality are nothing to write home about. 
 

As to Auralic, I heard the S1 with power supply and it was not bad. It was not a long session and within the context of an unfamiliar system. So take it for what it’s worth.

The first question is do you like your existing sound profile and want more or is there something that you want to change?  The PS Audio DSD is a radically different sound which is bigger and more dynamic but softer, warmer and sweeter.  It will be more relaxed than the qutest.  That may or may not be a good thing.  

What do you like or dislike about the Qutest/bluesound setup?  Auralic is popular but can struggle a hair in the used market.  If you like what you have I might look and see if you can find a used/open box/demo Musical Fidelity M6x DAC.  This unit will tonally be similar to the qutest but deliver a larger soundstage.  

RME makes a nice DAC that would be a elevation from what you have.  The ADI-2 is excellent for the money.  

For streamer, you could pair it with a Musical Fidelity MX Stream or innuos Pulse Mini.  I think the Innuos is amazing for the money.  You need to find some deal or find a dealer who be willing to flex a bit to stay on budget but that likely requires just a smidge of time and patience.