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DAC experiences?

Hi guys,

thanks for all your great advice so far. I come to you with DAC questions. I’m interested to hear your opinions on the Chord Qutest vs PS Audio DirectStream Mk2 vs Chord Dave. 
 

I know they all sit at different price points, but I have a few options at good used prices and I would love to hear insights and experiences on these DACS, their sound, and living with them day to day. 
 

I’ll be using Nova III floorstanders, Luxman 509z integrated, and for now a Node Icon N530 as transport but with a view to upgrade streamer. 
 

tia 

Stephen

stephenwerner
mahgister's avatar
mahgister
15,048 posts
 

It is seems Christophe Mariac was the only one able to create a DAC in his basement of minimalistic design and maximal S.Q. with natural timbre ...

Most people dont have systems value able to afford multi thousands  US dollars dac...(my system value is 1000 bucks)

It is comical or tragical.... Only  pricier dac attract publicity as upgrade ...

Mariac  has stop selling his DAC on ebay ...

 

By the way what matter in a dac is "timbre" natural experience not more "details"; if you had natural timbre it is inevitable that you will have the necessary details,but the reverse is not true at all. All dac i tried seems to have more details and more clarity than the SPS but it is an illusion which dissipate when you do test listening in an optimized system/room or with top headphone ( a rare thing because most headphone has more "details" but no natural timbre either they sound "inside the head" compared to my AKG K340 which sound speaker-like) 

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
5,967 posts
 

 Not sure what your price range is, but The PS Audio DAC (used) is great for the money and the Dave is very good.

Oh and save replacing your Node Icon for last. The streamer section is actually really good for its price point.

All the best.

macg19
1,350 posts
 

I currently have a Node N130 with the LHY LPS and a BlackIce Tube DAC and I’m very happy. The ICON and the N130 seem to have the same streamer specs.

It appears the dual mono DACs are where the ICON should beat the N130, so I’m curious what your impressions of the ICON are using it’s internal DAC, and if you have tried any external DACs already that bested the ICON?

THX

stephenwerner OP
9 posts
 

Thanks for the feedback everyone - very useful. Leaning towards PS Audio. @jl35 - what is the replacement model for the Mk 2? Is it a Mk 3 or a completely different model?

lanx0003
1,939 posts
 

Tune in at 3:50.  Basically, $700 Node X, everSolo A6 < Nano < Icon.  What do you think the N130 ranks?  If you think adding an LPS magically elevates the N130, then by the same logic you could add an LPS to the Nano or do a Teddy Pardo LPS mod on the Icon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ57f_AzKd0&t=631s

Also, take a look at the review by Hans and TAS on Icon and the reviews on general Node streamers by iiwi.  Lastly, pay more attention to reviews from trustworthy professionals and less to individuals here who have neither owned nor auditioned these Node streamers.
 

   

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