Is DEQX a game changer?

Bif, when I compared the DEQX DAC to the Chord 64 I was previously using, it was more lively sounding and I happily used this as a replacement. I like very precise transient attack, including bass that is clean & deep but starts/stops very fast. Much more realistic to true life and the DEQX DAC has that

The DAC I changed to at the beginning of 2014 was auditioned first and sounded just as lively but somehow has almost the same analogue 'smoothness' as vinyl (input via the HDP3 balanced XLR input). It gives me exactly what I was looking for

I did a back-to-back comparison yesterday to check again before posting and the DEQX DAC still sounds slightly more artificial and brittle at the extreme top end, a bit more 'Hi-Fi' than natural to my ears

Drewan77, are you using the Chord in addition to the DEXQ?

Drewan, to eliminate that "slightly more artificial and brittle"
sound it the top end- I suggest experimenting with ac isolation and conditioning devices for your unit and source, and some high quality power cords. Good luck. I agree it's difficult to acknowledge our old(er) treasures have been surpassed in ways that surprise us. (I think improved power supply management is often one of the big factors.)

Answering about the Chord DAC, this was input to the DEQX via the phono analogue input so maybe this has some bearing on the slightly dull sound. Having said that, my current DAC inputs via the balanced XLR analogue input and sounds fabulous, definitely smoother and more realistic than the DEQX DAC

Answering about isolation, I already use expensive chords, a dedicated electrical circuit and power conditioning so I am confident that is sorted

Answering about the Chord DAC, this was input to the DEQX via the phono analogue input so maybe this has some bearing on the slightly dull sound. Having said that, my current DAC inputs via the balanced XLR analogue input and sounds fabulous, definitely smoother and more realistic than the DEQX DAC

Answering about isolation, I already use expensive chords, a dedicated electrical circuit and power conditioning so I am confident that is sorted