todagt Posted June 27, 2015 Posted June 27, 2015 Hi everyone, It's time for me to step up in the world of DAC's Up for consideration for now is: PS Audio perfect wave II Chord 2qute Musical Fidelity M6 DAC Current 2ch system consists of B&W CM10, Musical Fidelity M6 PRE, M8500s using a Linux based pc via Usb running MPD to the Usb input on the M6PRE. Future upgrade to B&W 802D in the next 6 to 12months. I have auditioned the PS perfect wave and was impressed with. I haven't heard the MF M6DAC and here in WA looks unlikely. This one would match the other components aesthetically etc. I also haven't heard the chord dac either. The added bonus of the Perfect wave dac would be the possible bypass of the pc altogether by using the network bridge instead, which would also elminate the need to try expensive Usb cables, streamers etc. Street price of these 3 puts them near enough in the same ballpark. Once I find a dac I will end up moving the M6PRE on and go up to the M8PRE. Which of the ones listed does anyone own/heard and is there anyone which you don't like and why? Thanks
BAM Posted June 27, 2015 Posted June 27, 2015 Have a look at Geiseler Audio Klein DAC. It's only $750 and will beat most Dacs costing much more Have a look at the forum. Everyone who has bought one has been extremely impressed 1
Guest Sime Posted June 27, 2015 Posted June 27, 2015 Best thing I bought on my system, apart from my 805's, is my 2Qute. Just awesome. Make sure you hear one before you buy anything.
Demondes Posted June 28, 2015 Posted June 28, 2015 (edited) Problem with psaudio perfect wave II, is that the DS is so much better (and more pricey), and in that case I would save the money and go with maybe the 2qute, or take a punt on Klein DAC or even schiit if u don't need dsd. The bridge 1 is not gapless and for HD files there is a noticeable gap. The bridge version 2 is in testing but will likely be >$1000. All Things to consider. Note I just sold my psaudio DS and previously had the perfectwave Edited June 28, 2015 by Demondes 1
Gantryman Posted June 28, 2015 Posted June 28, 2015 Another recommendation for the 2Qute - an astonishingly good DAC at its price point and (I suspect) a few clicks above. 1
Rhythm Willie Posted June 28, 2015 Posted June 28, 2015 Another vote for the Chord, best dac I've auditioned.
Equaliser Posted June 28, 2015 Posted June 28, 2015 (edited) If you want detail go for the Qute. If you want music go for something else. I had the Qute and Hugo in my position for a loaned period of 2 weeks. I returned them the next day. Edited June 28, 2015 by DefQon
Jventer Posted June 28, 2015 Posted June 28, 2015 (edited) Who knows? We all have our own preferences and then we all have different systems. In my system the best DAC is my Audio Aero, despite trying many other dacs. In other systems I have heard the best DAC is the PS Audio. BUT, IMO - it depends on what you pay.IMO also, one should always come back to the Dollars - in most cases you get what you pay for it. Another issue to consider is that once you get above a certain amount of $ it becomes preference. I would have thought that if you like the MF sound it would make sense getting a MF dac.( My OCD would not allow something else ) Why dont you spend some money on a ticket and visit a good HiFi shop over East? All the best. Edited June 28, 2015 by Jventer
Sub Sonic Posted June 28, 2015 Posted June 28, 2015 I had the Qute EX in my system for a few days and it was both detailed and "musical". I could completely forget it was there, it was VERY hard to hand back to the owner. To me it was utterly transparent, easy to listen to, detailed and non fatiguing over extended periods. The best DAC I have listened to. Budget wise it was not an option unfortunately. I settled for the Resonessence Herus which is pretty good and I can happily live with it, but it's not at the same level as the Chord. Regards, SS
Gantryman Posted June 28, 2015 Posted June 28, 2015 If you want detail go for the Qute. If you want music go for something else. I had the Qute and Hugo in my position for a loaned period of 2 weeks. I returned them the next day. And that something else is...?
Guest Sime Posted June 28, 2015 Posted June 28, 2015 (edited) If you want detail go for the Qute. If you want music go for something else. I had the Qute and Hugo in my position for a loaned period of 2 weeks. I returned them the next day. Don't listen to this, listen to the product. This opinion is way against the vast majority of people who have heard the Hugo/2qute. Google it and it will be obvious. @ no offense. Edited June 28, 2015 by Sime
oceangreen17 Posted June 28, 2015 Posted June 28, 2015 @@todagt I think everyone tends to read reviews, research Forum posts, look at pictures and imagine how various components sound, to the point where we begin to actually think we're right The truth is, until you have something home in your system, you're pretty much engaging in fantasy As many have said before, a home audition helps to bring us back to reality 1
mmv Posted June 28, 2015 Posted June 28, 2015 I got the 2qute and just didn't like the overall sound. It went back after 2 weeks. Listened to the luxman da06 and eventually have ended up with an ARC Dac8. Older model for sure but there is no comparison in regards to musicality between it and the 2qute.
Equaliser Posted June 28, 2015 Posted June 28, 2015 Don't listen to this, listen to the product. This opinion is way against the vast majority of people who have heard the Hugo/2qute. Google it and it will be obvious. @ no offense. No offense taken quite a lot out there including myself that think the Hugo is overhyped and not the end all since it came out most people think its the next best thing since sliced bread.Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk
Sub Sonic Posted June 28, 2015 Posted June 28, 2015 No offense taken quite a lot out there including myself that think the Hugo is overhyped and not the end all since it came out most people think its the next best thing since sliced bread. A few weeks ago I was auditioning headphones and amps, and had a chance to compare the Hugo and the Oppo HA-1 back to back. I found the Hugo pretty good, but in the end preferred the Oppo for it's soundstaging. Earphones were the Grado GS1000i. Regards, SS
Equaliser Posted June 29, 2015 Posted June 29, 2015 (edited) The Hugo just doesn't sound neutral or natural in any particular area. I didn't like those aspects of the dac, the treble sounded funny, not a very strong low-end, gobs of detail, can sound bright sometimes (but I'd assume you have to pay attention to the headphone or speaker here) and imaging was diffused. I'd strongly recommend an M51 over the Hugo. At less then half price too. If the M51 was selling for the average prices you see here in Australia but in the US, you'd see more recommendations for the M51. The M51 retail is about 2k in the States. Edited June 29, 2015 by DefQon
Guest Sime Posted June 29, 2015 Posted June 29, 2015 Ok, I'm interested, post up a good link to the M51 and I'll look into it.
Gantryman Posted June 29, 2015 Posted June 29, 2015 The Hugo just doesn't sound neutral or natural in any particular area. I didn't like those aspects of the dac, the treble sounded funny, not a very strong low-end, gobs of detail, can sound bright sometimes (but I'd assume you have to pay attention to the headphone or speaker here) and imaging was diffused. Wow, you must have listened to a very different 2Qute to me. 'System synergy'? Hard to believe it can relate to that alone, as the traits you are describing are of a magnitude that seems difficult to attribute to the 2Qute not wanting to play nice in your system. FWIW, my experience with the 2Qute is the polar opposite of yours. I would describe it as extremely neutral, with a crystaline yet smooth treble, a stentorian low-end, gobs of detail and a laser-like image focus. 'Musicality' is first rate (actually, I hate the term musicality - it takes the already subjective vocabulary we use to describe the sound of sound into an impossible to define cul de sac). With that sort of diversity of opinion, clearly the OP is going to have to try before he buys and let his own ears be the judge.
Equaliser Posted June 29, 2015 Posted June 29, 2015 Might want to read my post again gantryman. The hint is the second word. Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk
todagt Posted June 29, 2015 Author Posted June 29, 2015 (edited) The op, ie: me is going into audition an M6SCD, should be pretty similar to the M6DAC I'd imagine as the both use much the same architecture, although the M6SCD won't go over 96khz via Usb, M6DAC does. They also have the M6Pre hooked up to the same system so i will be able to a/b. If there's no difference then at least I can scratch the M6DAC. I may as well scratch the Perfect wave as well as I'm sure I'd just get the itch to upgrade immediately to the Direct stream. If the M6SCD impresses then I'll just suck it up and grab the M6DAC. (it's price on offer is almost too good to refuse) and it will be all matchy matchy so ocd will be kept in check. I guess it would also be a good benchmark later on after I get my 802d to try a bunch of dacs out at home if I'm still not satisfied. Cheers, and keep up the discussion. Edited June 29, 2015 by todagt
todagt Posted June 29, 2015 Author Posted June 29, 2015 The Klein dac also does look very interesting, I'll update you guys on my thoughts on the MF gear.
Gantryman Posted June 29, 2015 Posted June 29, 2015 The hint is the second word. Sent from my LG-D855 using Tapatalk Yes. Well, err, um. Exactly! Fair cop. Whilst it's reasonable to assume that the Hugo and the 2Qute would have very similar sonic signatures, it is also possible that they sound dissimilar. And as I've never heard a Hugo or A/B-ed against the 2Qute, it's worth clarifying that my comments relate to the 2Qute only. The Hugo may be a different kettle of digits altogether.
todagt Posted July 1, 2015 Author Posted July 1, 2015 Conclusion to my last audition.......... M6DAC is purchased! The M6SCD via USB was a surprising big step up from the inbuilt USB DAC found in the M6PRE, and to be honest I wasn't expecting such a dramatic improvement. Even tho auctioned in a very different system I do feel it was better than the perfect wave II. Got to try out the system on a few different speakers as well including the CM10 and the same effect was noticed across the board. I would have purchased the M6SCD if the USB input was 192khz as it is such a lovely player. It could just be the synergy of the MF gear playing nicely together. I just hope the DAC is as great as the CD player and I have no reason to think it won't be. I will know for sure next week.
Gantryman Posted July 1, 2015 Posted July 1, 2015 Congratulations on your purchase! Keep us appraised of your findings with the new baby in situ.
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