Qutest alternative

[Steinway]

Any suggestions for a great sounding budget alternative DAC to the Chord Qutest?

Looking to upgrade from looking to upgrade from REGA DAC.

(Naim XS2, TeddyCap, Kudos X2s).

Thanks!

[R1200CL]

9 hours ago, Steinway said:

upgrade from REGA DAC

This one you have ?

https://www.whathifi.com/rega/dac-r/review

And budget is below 2K ?

 

Here is an review you might like. 

 

[Steinway]

Yes.... Well under $2k.

This looks nice but also looks like it lists for more.

 

Mine is a secondary bedroom system. There’s nothing wrong with the REGA DAC --- was just wondering if, even used for under 1k, there are 

any substantially improved sounding DAC out there?

 

Also audio "source" is an AppleTV optical to the REGA. Roon is sending material to ATV over ethernet-->wifi (from Innuos Statement Main System), but I also have a hardwire ethernet up there there doing nothing at the moment...

 

 

[R1200CL]

@Steinway

I can’t say for sure, but maybe a better endpoint will raise the SQ ?

One way of testing this, is if you own an iPhone (or iPad), get the CCK adapter and make your iDevices an endpoint.

 

Also, if you still plan to use that ATV on a better DAC, you may not get the best out of it, so a new endpoint may be needed anyway ?

 

This review also tells me you do have a very good DAC within it’s price range. 
I could be wrong, but I would expect you must at least pay 2K for a better (what ever better mean 😀) DAC.

 

 

[tapatrick]

3 hours ago, Steinway said:

was just wondering if, even used for under 1k, there are 

any substantially improved sounding DAC out there

For sure the new EC Designs Fractal DAC is amazing sound quality (not audiophile hyperbole) for under 1K but only for sale in the EU.

https://www.ecdesigns.nl/en/blog/da96etf

Must be used with one of their USB Transports i.e. the U192ETL which I have but combo still comes in under 1K.

[Blake]

Just get a used Qutest.  You can find them used for very close to your $1,000 budget. 

 

Qutest is a "no brainer" outstanding DAC.  Buy it and be happy.    

[OldBigEars]

45 minutes ago, Blake said:

Just get a used Qutest.  You can find them used for very close to your $1,000 budget. 

 

Qutest is a "no brainer" outstanding DAC.  Buy it and be happy.    

 

For sure +1

[Steinway]

My budget is in Canadian dollars, 🙂.

[m.i.c.k.e.y]

If you are in Canada and SIZE is not your problem:

 

https://www.musicalparadise.ca/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=61&product_id=97

 

Very modular. And you could tailor your sound by changing DAC chips, caps, preamp and rectifier tubes.