DAC Hunt

audiocr381ve

The new house and new space requirements forced me to change up the rig a little bit, so I'm on the hunt for a DAC. The Oppo 105D made it's way into my 2 channel rig because it couldn't fit into my new entertainment center, so that's what I've been using as my DAC. Although the Oppo 105D is truly an outstanding piece of gear, I couldn't justify keeping it when I'm using it solely for it's DAC. I feel like my dollar could go further by buying a dedicated DAC.

I'm officially a streamer with Tidal being my source for music which streams to my Squeezebox Touch. I have a Rogue Audio Perseus Magnum tube preamp which will supply the signal to a pair of Wyred 4 Sound mAMPS monos (that's the plan for now, still looking into amps that are smaller that can put out at least 250wpc). If I find a Musical Fidelity A5 integrated before any of this, it might change things up ever MORE. This still doesn't change the fact that I need a solid DAC.

My preference is always musicality over anything else so I'm looking for your recommendations. I feel like there is SO much out there now with everybody putting out DAC's. My budget is around $1K but I welcome anything for half that that is good!

Thanks gents!

danz1906

Rega Dac....Musical Fidelity M1DAC

audiocr381ve

DSkip wrote: »

Chord 2Qute, the DAC portion of the Chord Hugo, is priority #1 for me going forward. Might push your budget a little and might have to wait on supply since its new to the market. You won't find anything under $1k that can touch it.

http://www.chordelectronics.co.uk/products-info.asp?id=97




However, given that your system is very tubey, I'd recommend the Essence HDACC. Very similar sound to the Oppo, can be used as a true standalone preamp (I'm doing that now) including an Analog In and HDMI, and is a solid value at $699. The only downfall is if you are into DSD - this doesn't do it AFAIK.

I keep seeing this dámn thing pop up and I keep thinking how stupid it looks! Looks like a friggin toy...but I digress. I'll definitely look into it and thanks DSkip. You're one of the guys I respect around here.

What's the deal with Chord? Have never heard of them.

audiocr381ve

DSkip wrote: »

Thanks for the kind words.

Chord doesn't even use a DAC chip in their unit - they've designed the entire unit to decode the sound, which is part of why they have a heftier price tag. I've borrowed the Chord Hugo for probably over 2 months over 2-3 periods and its the best damn DAC I've heard. The problem is, the Hugo is about $2500. It's actually a headphone amp/DAC with volume control. The 2Qute removes the amp and volume control, but leaves the incredible sound intact. I've got my eyes set on it as my next DAC.

As an aside, the Chord didn't sound great with my tube pre/amp combo and I actually preferred the HDACC. The Chord is the most analog DAC I've heard, and it made the rig way too warm. Even then, I could tell the Chord was something special. On other gear I have, or simply removing the preamp, the Chord really struts its stuff.

Alright alright they can have my money already! I'm in California, how do I buy one?

audiocr381ve

Dàmn, not available until April..

audiocr381ve

DSkip wrote: »

http://www.bluebirdmusic.com

That is the US distributor. You should talk to them if interested as I'm not sure if it's officially released yet. Take some other considerations before you pull the trigger, but everyone I know who has heard the Hugo has been blown away.

Thanks DSkip. $2,500 is a ton of coin but your statement "The Chord is the most analog DAC I've heard" is compelling.

audiocr381ve

DSkip wrote: »

audiocr381ve wrote: »

DSkip wrote: »

http://www.bluebirdmusic.com

That is the US distributor. You should talk to them if interested as I'm not sure if it's officially released yet. Take some other considerations before you pull the trigger, but everyone I know who has heard the Hugo has been blown away.

Thanks DSkip. $2,500 is a ton of coin but your statement "The Chord is the most analog DAC I've heard" is compelling.

The 2Qute should be right around $1200 USD. The Hugo is off the table for me now that the 2Qute is coming out. The Hugo is one of the biggest reasons I started my dabble into selling my tube pre/monoblocks. I realized that in order to better my system, I might have to reconsider everything to get that DAC in the mix.

I mentioned the Hugo because it's available now and because you said you liked the built in volume control. Wish I could toy with one for a few weeks! I don't want to sit around and wait for the 2Qute so I might have to buy something to hold me over until I can try it.

audiocr381ve

DSkip wrote: »

audiocr381ve wrote: »

DSkip wrote: »

audiocr381ve wrote: »

DSkip wrote: »

http://www.bluebirdmusic.com

That is the US distributor. You should talk to them if interested as I'm not sure if it's officially released yet. Take some other considerations before you pull the trigger, but everyone I know who has heard the Hugo has been blown away.

Thanks DSkip. $2,500 is a ton of coin but your statement "The Chord is the most analog DAC I've heard" is compelling.

The 2Qute should be right around $1200 USD. The Hugo is off the table for me now that the 2Qute is coming out. The Hugo is one of the biggest reasons I started my dabble into selling my tube pre/monoblocks. I realized that in order to better my system, I might have to reconsider everything to get that DAC in the mix.

I mentioned the Hugo because it's available now and because you said you liked the built in volume control. Wish I could toy with one for a few weeks! I don't want to sit around and wait for the 2Qute so I might have to buy something to hold me over until I can try it.

I actually don't like the volume control. Its a scrolling type and I always forget which way to roll it. It's built strictly as a portable headphone amp, so the design makes sense. However, the DAC performance was so good that most of them made their way into dedicated home rigs. The 2Qute and the new one at $5k are answers for those who wanted a permanent fixture in their rig.

I'd rather spend $1200 on the 2Qute and another $1000 on a superb preamp w/ remote than spend $2500 on the Hugo.

Ahh sorry I misunderstood. Makes total sense.

I'm going to buy something in the meantime so keep the suggestions flowing guys.

tonyb

Try out the Sony Dan and some others have been using, you can also sell the SB.

The MF A5 integrated is a nice piece that doesn't show up too often so be ready to jump on one should it surface.

voltz

here a Chord for ya that does DSD!
http://store.acousticsounds.com/d/86895/Chord_Electronics_Limited-Chordette_QuteHD_Ultra-High_Res_DAC-DA_Converter_or_Processor

voltz

Acoustic sounds has always like and pushed the Chord products! I've heard some great things about the Chord Chordette_QuteHD.

Irrenhaus

I am thinking of getting one of this for my 2ch rig

http://www.teac.com/product/ud-501/

Just need to find a place to audition, but some of the reviews I have read looks good.

My2cents

Cheers

[Deleted User]

The Qute HD was actually the DAC that brought my attention to Chord products. I was able to spend some time with it and it's performance was beyond many other DAC's I have come across. Enter the Hugo. It took what the Qute HD was and bettered it. The soundstage was not only wider but the vertical perceptual space was also heightened. I will have to dig up the cd and tracks to give concrete examples. The separation of music,from the lead singer, to the back up vocalist, to each band member was distinctively placed.

The volume control could be bypassed. If you have a chance, you should include this DAC in your journey.

Cheers,
Halen

msg

I *hate* this place
So much cool stuff, too many grown-up responsibilities

polkfarmboy

I had a Chord Dac from an audio store that went under and before I could even get it out the box it to play I got an offer and sold it. As mentioned before Chord makes all there own chipsets and does there own software so there is nothing thats quite like it so it sounds really exciting to me.

tonyb

Chord doesn't use chipsets, they have a different way using gates instead. Kinda nifty really.

pearsall001

I can comment on the TEAC UD-501 for sure. It is a fabulous piece that just gets things right. Not over blown or any digital glare at all. It has various filters that you can play with to see what suits your listening pleasure. I like mine plain vanilla with no filtering or up-sampling. The DSD & 196 decoding is off the charts spooky good, the only downside to DSD & 196 downloads are their prices. I have a few but I really only listen to redbook which sounds fantastic. For the price of admission it's a tough one to beat. And as a side note, a Chord DAC will grace my system one of these days. I actually looked at the Chord DACs before pulling the trigger on the TEAC. The timing wasn't right & the wallet was a bit light.

tonyb

pearsall001 wrote: »

the only downside to DSD & 196 downloads are their prices.

I'll second that notion, same thing that's kept me away from SACD's. I think we both like that more "analog" sound too so maybe the Chord could be in both our futures. Until then, I'll stick with redbook cd's.....still sound darn fine to my ears anyway.

tonyb

Amen to that synergy thing Skip. Also goes to prove you don't need to spend tens of thousands of bucks for good sound as many keep insisting we audiophiles preach.

Key to it all too is a bit of experimenting, which we do preach. Glad you found a good alternative so far. The Essence dac sounds like the more versatile option.

polrbehr

I got nothing to offer, but I have to say I was really amused at your thread title!
Still smiling over that one...