I recently got a Chord qutest for my bedroom setup. I am really liking the sound quality. I feel it is significantly better than the Amethyst. I was initially trying to get a Denafrips Ares II, but I think this is a much better option for my setup. Thoroughly enjoying my 2nd system now. My 2nd chord DAC, few years ago I used to own the Hugo TT.
@square_wave, could you please describe the sound difference with the Qutest?
I concur. I was planning for a higher end DAC in the future and my shortlisted ones to audition were: DCS Bartok, MSB Discrete, Rockna Wavedream, Holo Audio May. I am going to add the Chord DAVE to this list now.
I have never compared the Hugo to the qutest so can't compare. I have compared the Hugo TT to the regular Hugo at my home for a week. The Hugo TT is slightly better in terms of resolution and resolving capability when you listen at the sweet spot. The nature of the sound is pretty much the same though. So if you listen from the near vicinity ( off axis ) the differences aren't so much unless you listen very attentively looking for it.
Here's another possibly helpful video in the conquest.
I am using the wall wart Rikhav. I think there are some aftermarket PSU's for Qutest, but I haven't researched yet. Will do after this pandemic gets somewhat better.
Thanks for the link unleash and I concur. Hence FGPA DAC's are my top preference now, followed closely by R2R and AKM chip based designs,
high-end acoustic absorber-diffuser panels
If you want to get in touch with Navkesh, please pm FM Drkrack - https://www.hifivision.com/members/drkrack.85040/, he is the one who organized the whole purchase for me.
Sid, I'm Glad that It Worked out pretty well in your setup. BTW, I'm yet to encounter a setup which cannot benefit from properly claiberated Qrd diffuser.
