High-end DAC recommendations

Equipment / Electronics / Gear / Accessories DACs
1

Hello everyone,

I would like to ask for your opinions on a certain matter that has been on my mind

Basically the issue is with my DAC atm as Im really not happy with the results Im getting out of it

My current Setup is PC Roon/Gaming >USB>Chord Qutest>RCA>ifi iCan pro>Balanced>Meze Empyreans / HD 660s

I upgraded my AMP and DAC setup from an Aune X7S and ifi iOne

I am seriously thinking of returning the Qutest because I see no added value in having it in my audio chain over much cheaper DACs ive used before

and Im quite disappointed in lack of features and a Balanced out that I would think make a lot of sense especially at this price point

What are some recommendations for a replacement DAC preferably with Balanced OUT and USB IN at the ~$1000 price range

Some options I looked at were as a starting point :

  • Schitt Gungnir Multibit : good price and features but have not tried Schitt gear before

  • ifi IDSD pro - would pair well with current AMP but price is a bit above what I want to pay for a DAC and has a lot of extra features I don’t need tbh

  • RME ADI2 DAC : good price have seen great reviews about this unit but again have no experience with RME

Any suggestions and recommendations would be greatly appreciated…

1 Like
2

Honestly, I would try the bifrost 2 imo, it pretty much matches the gug at this point

The adi2 is good if you are looking for a more studio oriented sound, but if you aren’t going to use the features I wouldn’t get it

The idsd pro is very good, but also very pricey, but it does stack very well with the ican pro of course

I guess something to ask is if you are satisfied with the headphones and amp? And what do you like about your current chord and what do you not like?

4 Likes
3

To be honest I might just have had higher than realistic expectations…or that my headphones don’t show the difference well which was no surprise for the HD600 but I thought it would affect the Empyreans quite a bit at least

The Qutest is def an improvement over what I had before in clarity but it does not justify the price and its features like the “filters” make no audible difference imo

Also other features are lacking and all the ones I listed above have balanced outputs which is apparently a given at this price point not to mention the rest of the specs

I will look into other options like the Bitfrost 2 and maybe save up to get the iDSD and iESL for when I get an electrostatic pair of headphones at a later time

when I checked for the Bitfrost I found a couple of upgrades,are those for older models and come standard now?

Because adding them would bring the price to almost what Gungnir costs

1 Like
4

The bifrost 2 has no upgrades at the moment, should only be 700, look used or bstock to get a better deal, the upgrades are for the older bifrost (which imo isn’t as good)

Regarding my thoughts on the empyerans, they are very pleasant with excellent fit and finish, but for the price, the sound didn’t hold up for me imo

3 Likes