I own a Qutest and the RP-1, so this is an interesting thread to me. I found the stock J&J tubes to be VERY poor… unresolving, muddy bass etc. I bought 3 sets of NOS tubes. Brimar CV4003, Siemens nickel plates & Tele red tips. All significantly better sound than the stock tubes & each with their own unique sound. Upgraded tubes is my recommendation.
Also, your Lumin streamer was one of my target streamers & I was talked out of it in an Audiogon forum discussion and went with an Aurender N150.
UPGRADE PATH FROM CHORD QUTEST
My system currently consists of the following:
1. Martin Logan 11A impression hybrid electrostatic speakers.
2. Bryston 4B3 cubed power amplifier
3. Rogue Audio RP-1 preamp
4. Lumin U2 mini transport streamer
5. Chord Qutest Dac
Happy with the sound, but on many tracks on Qoboz the sound especially on rock leaves a lot to be desired. This could be the function of the source itself (the recording) is poor. Would a better DAC yield more detail and better sound? My price limit is about $5000.00. Not looking to buy used. Wish to work with a dealer because I have found them to be incredibly helpful. Also looking for a company that provides phone customer support. There is nothing like a conversation or a discussion to solve an issue. I understand that my view is a minority view out there. As we are in a self-service world. But I am used to a person picking up the phone and asking how can I help you? Any thoughts would be sincerely appreciated. Thank you.
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@lpretiring: I agree with you! The OP should spend the $5K on a pair of the new JBL Century 100’s. They will satisfy his desire to listen to Rock at appropriate sound levels - something the Martin Logan’s aren’t good at. Buying a different DAC is a waste of money! |
To add to my post (no longer editable), while not all of my Qobuz streaming sources sound wonderful, Diana Kroll always does, as do many others (virtually anything 24/192). Very happy. When I bought my NOS tubes, I thought I would sell my stock JJ tubes on eBay. They are going for $25 a pair… not worth the effort & demonstrates what people think of them. Food for thought. |
Even if you decide to try a different dac,I agree that that the stock tubes in the RP1 are known for a clean modern sound and will continue to hold you back from the presentation you're looking for.I like RCA Cleartops in mine, a touch of tube warmth with a more organic sound.Think about trying different tubes before changing equipment. |
- 36 posts total