Chord Qutest Upgrade

I was in the same boat going from Qutest with Sbooster + ultra to a new DAC. I wanted the Qutest sound… but better.

For me, I wanted to avoid Chi-fi and tubes. I chose to go with the Briscati M3, available used in your range. I chose to go used. The following was my thread. https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/dac-recommendations-under-7k

Unfortunately, it is not scheduled to arrive until Monday, so I can’t yet provide any listening impressions. The LTA came highly recommended. 
 

After much research and input from You (TY), I think i have narrowed it down to 2.

The LTA Aero Dac or the Gustard R30

The Aurrender A1000 also seems very interesting but.. the other 2 are R2R 

Any additional thoughts?

Thanks

Had Chord Qutest in my main rig from 2019 to 2022. Great little DAC and still have mine in another system. In 2022 acquired a Rockna Wavelight and haven't looked back. To my ears not as ebullient or analytical as the Qutest. The Wavelight to my ears is a more organic presentation, warmer, with a wider soundstage, while still highly resolving and not at all fatiguing. New it is outside your budget, but used it should be well within your budget.

I decided to go LTA AERO with Ray Reserve tubes.  Will report back

That’s a good choice. Congrats!