UPGRADE PATH FROM CHORD QUTEST

When I asked Rogue for their recommend tube upgrade, the RCA clear tops were on their list.
Another data point, I brought my RP-1 based upon another Audiogon recommendation. He stated: “So after switching out the two stock J&J tubes that the RP-1 comes with (to Mullards) I was completely sold on the RP-1 and it is a keeper.”

Just out of curiosity, what is your reluctance to change out your tubes? I guarantee you will significantly improve your sound for a (relatively) small investment.

I have had more than one rock CD's that I always thought sounded dark and unlively. The 1st one that comes to mind is Living in the past by Tull.  When I subscribed to Qobuz,  I was thinking it would sound better streaming it.  Wrong.  It sounds the same.  Others have proven out to be the same.  I doubt that throwing money at better equipment will help.  Perhaps a new remastering would.

A tubed Audio Mirror Toubadour IV would give you a Fuller, Thicker sound. Great DAC 4K.

@kjl1065, I had a Qutest before I upgraded to a Chord TT2/m scaler combo. The Qutest is a great little DAC that I wish I still owned because it’s such a neat little piece of audio kit. Have you tried using an aftermarket power supply for your Qutest like an iFi Elite X or an Sbooster? I found that it made a discernible difference in sound quality over using the stock Chord wall wart because it gave the music a feeling of less digital glare and a more analog sounding presentation. 

I like trying small tweaks first in my setup as opposed to looking for a several thousand dollar electrical box to solve all of my sound quality issues. 

Let me add a voice to the chorus on replacing the stock tubes in the RP1. I have the RP7, and a swap to RCA blackplates resulted in a world of difference in clarity, extension, and soundstage.