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Hi All-
I have decided the weak link in my system is the DAC. I bought the fairly priced PS Audio Nuwave DAC because I was not sure I would really get into digital audio but the bug bit. I have since encoded thousands of redbook CDs to 1411 lossless files. Additionally, I have purchased tons of higher quality FLAC and DSD content.
I am actually leaning towards the 2.5K Chord Hugo DAC. I have contemplated the Ayre QB9-DSD which is marginally more expensive but I have seen reviews that say the Chord can easily surpass this DAC and more due to the innovated DAC section. It also appeals to me because I travel 60 flights+ per year...this is also why it has taken me so long to figure out what is wrong with my system.
Before I spend 2.5K on this DAC, I just want to make sure I am not overlooking something around the same price that is amazing. Additionally, My AK240 sounds better straight to the pre-amp than my PS Audio Dac. Of course the AK240 can play DSD natively but it even sounds better on regular rebook rips.
Anticipated questions-
1. What did I not like with the PS Audio Dac- Impedence issue in balanced with my Ayre pre-amp. Volume setting of 1 is like 10-15 out my SACD player. I am not interested in putting another item in the line to correct this.
2. The sound is somewhat sterile and flat. That may also be due to the impedance issue.
Thanks
Ayre K5XE MP, Jeff Rowland Model 10, PS Audio NuWave,Sony SACD XA-777es, Mac-Mini, Revel Studio
Follow Ups:
I purchased the Chord Hugo. It should be in my grubby big hands late next week. Cheers!
Ayre K5XE MP, Jeff Rowland Model 10, PS Audio NuWave,Sony SACD XA-777es, Mac-Mini, Revel Studio
I'd certainly want to hear the iFi iDSD Micro too . The Chord may be better. But $2,000 dollars better? Perhaps.
I'm not in the market for these items yet (to me, the software standards for content are still too fluid) but if I were, I'd also listen above that price point to one of Auralic's offerings .
big j.
"... only a very few individuals understand as yet that personal salvation is a contradiction in terms."
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