Thoughts on DAC option


Current DAC is the original Auralic Vega . This was a HUGE upgrade in sound quality from a Cambridge Audio DAC Magic.

And things are good right now. Well, mostly, it's not like we are generally blessed with freedom from the desire to upgrade!

And now I have an option of a Chord 2qute. My main issue with the current setup is the fatigue on some music. EDM is generally fantastic, however rock is often harsh. Voices are great.

So the question is whether the Chord could smooth off the sharper edges of things.

All feedback gratefully received.

System is:

Sources - PC and Auralic Aries Mini

Amp - Prima Luna Frank Hybrid Integrated

Speakers - Krix Harmonix 2

Interconnects and speaker cables are average but not the biggest factor here from what I can tell.

incoming

@glenmschneider  @soix the streamer is close enough to the router to give this a shot. I'll see where this takes me, along with the Vega filters. Google on the way for the smoothlan.

@miguelderivero an R2R has been on my mind. May have a route to try before I buy on this one. 

@fastricky the Tubadour is intriguing. Unfortunately looks like one of the many options i would struggle to see down here at the bottom of the World. Keeping my eyes open though as it sounds very promising for my tastes.

Great suggestsuggestia good variety of price points. I do love these forums and the people in them so willing to share their knowledge. Thank-you.

@incoming Used Tubadours are plentiful on USAudioMart.com, worth the plunge if you're looking for warm analog like tone. 

Much cleaner than a couple of Mullards I tried, that's for sure.  Also picked up some pretty well priced Jan Sylvania military spec tubes, but waiting until the Brimars have done their dash.  An Audiogon member rated those in his Prima Luna.

Which I now realise I put in the description as Frank frown

The amp is actually the EVO 300 Hybrid Integrated - Floyd

The Audio Mirror Tubadore V is 110v and would need to be modified to run on 240v.  Assume the rest of the Tubadore range is the same.

From Audio Mirror:

It can be converted, but need some soldering inside.
I can convert it if you send it to me.
Vlad 
 

Adding this detail here in case anyone searches for similar information.