klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Apr 5, 2017 6:05:14 GMT -5
Just heard back from Chord. They basically said "well just go listen to one at your local dealer". I said "fine, but nearest local dealer is very far away (5+ hour car ride...)". He did say then that I should ask my local dealer if they would like to work out a demo with their distributor.
I may ask...but then again, I saw several slightly used 2Cute's available for half the retail price. That makes me wonder...if folks are buying them and selling them for half price within a few months, maybe they are not that great. (Edit...odd...found several last night. Now I cannot...)
Mark
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Post by brubacca on Apr 5, 2017 6:40:10 GMT -5
I wanted to demo a 2Qute specifically. I contacted the distributor to find a local dealer (around Philadelphia PA). They sent me the info on a dealer in the midwest who offered to send one out for me to listen to. I can't remember if it was pay up front and I could return it or delayed billing if I liked it.
I was put off by the whole thing because I was fairly certain that there was a local Chord dealer in the area.
At the time I was following a internet thread on someone who had both 2qute and gumby. I traded e-mails with him. There were differences in presentation. He said it really was a toss up between the two. So I saved $500 abd bought the Gumby.
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Apr 5, 2017 12:27:43 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for all the input. Below, I’ve summarized what I’ve looked into so far and how I am currently thinking about each.
For anything new I buy, I want it to match the Geek’s sound but have far better reliability and come from a company with a better reputation for service. That will certainly be something I look at up front for any of the options below! I'm still holding in auditioning/buying anything for right now...but getting closer thanks to the leads you have all provided.
Ones I already have/know well: LH Labs Geek Pulse X Infinity: GREAT sound when it works properly. Extremely clear and neutral sounding, great soundstage and separation of individual sounds, with silent parts of music being “a black void” (as it should be). But, customer service is non-existent and I’ve had 2 issues in <1 year. Frustrating…like owning an Alfa Romeo.
Emotiva DC-1: Prior to the “Geek”, this was my standard and I loved it. I actually didn’t think it could be topped – or at least not easily. But, relative to the Geek, I don’t hear the separation of individual sounds across the soundstage or the “black void”. It’s enough different that I actually am disappointed in my system with it now.
Emotiva XMC-1: Same to me as the DC-1, but being built-into a pre/pro I don’t need as many cables. Nice bonus and I switched to using it over the DC-1 as a standalone DAC for this reason. The ability to use Dirac with it is also a bonus, but I prefer the Geek and no Dirac over the XMC-1 with Dirac (my room is fairly “easy”…)
Ones I would strongly consider (in order of my current interest) but have not yet heard: Schitt Yggdrasil: Comes highly recommended from people I know who have listened to it and whose opinions I value. At $2299 it better sound good. Its multibit technology, presence of XLR outs, clean look, and 15 day return policy are certainly factors that draw me to want to try it – despite its fairly high cost. Plus, it’s fun to talk about Schitt. Other than high cost and a somewhat silly name (but, hey…I have a Geek…), the only real downside is the hieroglyphics on the front panel showing what input is selected.
Holo Audio Spring: Seen some very impressive reviews but none from anyone I know. Certainly looks interesting for its capabilities and features, as well as the rsr technology (cool, new fun tech…always intriguing even if not better). And, I really like the looks. At $1599 for the “Level 1” version, price is in the hunt. The price jumps to the Level 2 ($1899) and level 3 ($2499) seem large for what the changes are. For any of those prices, I’d love to hear one before buying – or have the ability to return if I didn’t find it as impressive as some are saying it is. A 15% restocking fee within their return/trial period is pretty steep, too.
Schitt Gungnir: I’ve seen mixed reviews, including garbulky’s. I’m not convinced it is the step up in sound from the XMC-1/DC-1 I am looking for, yet at $1249 for the multibit version (more than I paid for the Geek) – it needs to be. Given the 15 day return policy, if I try the Yggy – I’d likely also order the Gungnir to compare them and return one. The same pro’s on looks/XLR outs and con on hieroglyphics apply as for the Yggy.
Grace m920: Comes highly recommended from people I know who have listened to it and whose opinions I value. I’d like to hear one, but frankly – if it just wasn’t so…ugly. It looks like an old-school CB Radio front plate. And, it has features I don’t need/want (headphone amp, volume control) but has a lot of things I do like (XLR outs, up to 384 kHz/32 bit). Pricewise, at $1895 it’s in the hunt with other options I am considering, and at the occasional massdrop price of $1395 it’s even more attractive (at least in the $ department, if not the looks…).
Ones I’d consider it the above don’t cut it: Mytek Brooklyn: Curious to hear what this DAC sounds like. Looks are OK but not really into the finish or display screen. At $1995, it’s in the hunt. And, MQA! Not bad to have. EDIT: as of 4/16/17, I am holding out to see what other MQA options come out...and how MQA evolves. But, I don’t need several features it has (like, no need for me to have a DAC with a phono stage in it…I have a phono stage already). There is a dealer a couple hours away…might see if I can go listen. (For the Mytek Manhattan II…at $5995…not now, thanks…)
MHDT Stockholm 2: Some very impressive reviews. Has the features I want, looks decent, and at $940 to $1240 (whether balanced or not) is in the hunt on price. Wish I could hear one before buying, but I don’t see a way to do that or a return option if I don’t like it.
Ones I likely won’t consider more: Chord 2Qute: Seeing some good reviews around, and the FPGA technology is certainly an interesting difference vs. other options. Capabilities look impressive, but the closest comparison I can find says it doesn’t hold up to the Yggy. At $1295 and with no option for me to demo one near me and no clear option to return it if I don’t like it…it’s hard to get excited. And, the form factor is, well, cute…but limits where I can place it. And the name…is just too stupid for me. And, I thought the “Geek”, the “Yggy”, and the “Gumby” were dumb…this is a whole new level.
Chord DAVE: Certainly looks impressive from what few reviews I have heard. But. $16,000 with $2500 being for a stand. Really? Really…no…not from me at this point in my life. That said, I would LOVE to hear it. If you have one, fly over in your private jet and bring DAVE to my house…we’ll jam. I’ll provide the Pabst Blue Ribbon and grilled cheese.
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Post by audiobill on Apr 5, 2017 15:05:00 GMT -5
And I thought the Grace looks great with my mac mini server and gleaming stainless steel chassis ST120 tube amp!!!!
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Post by qdtjni on Apr 5, 2017 16:38:33 GMT -5
FWIW, I had an Alfa 156 2.5 Sportwagon for a few years as a 3rd car and there was nothing frustrating about it, except for lack of power in comparisation to the other cars.
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Apr 5, 2017 18:37:41 GMT -5
FWIW, I had an Alfa 156 2.5 Sportwagon for a few years as a 3rd car and there was nothing frustrating about it, except for lack of power in comparisation to the other cars. GTV6 here. Love. Hate. Mark
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Post by audiobill on Apr 5, 2017 18:40:14 GMT -5
Mark, go to headfi.org and Computer Audiophile for tons more on these, and other dacs. Also don't overlook PS Audio.
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Apr 5, 2017 20:54:48 GMT -5
Mark, go to headfi.org and Computer Audiophile for tons more on these, and other dacs. Also don't overlook PS Audio. Been reading...lots to read! At some point, my brain goes into overload. Got there today...figured I would capture my thoughts above while they were fresh. I will update as I learn more. What I really want? The DAC fairy to show up with every option of interest...even DAVE...and let me listen as I please in my home. Where is that option?!?!? Mark
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Post by RichGuy on Apr 5, 2017 21:56:19 GMT -5
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Post by jackfish on Apr 6, 2017 11:38:50 GMT -5
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Post by jh4db536 on Apr 6, 2017 13:10:34 GMT -5
The Sonic frontiers ultra analog DAC is a really good DAC and excellent alternative to schiit. If I didn't have an yggy I would be very happy with this. It doesn't have USB though and it is a vintage DAC that is still serviceable and the below example was fully serviced. www.head-fi.org/t/839398/sonic-frontiers-sfd-1-mkii-dac-se-upgrade-telefunken-tubesI had in the past Gumby, yggy, and the SFD all at the same time. Has a much more analog flavor than schiit DACs. Full sounding, more depth, and could be warm as Gumby depending on the tubes​. Yggy wins hands down on clarity and imaging (these are points where yggy is strong), but nothing is a slouch as this is all top tier stuff. Another alternative is Theta Gen V (also designed by the gumby/yggy creator before schiit), but they are getting more rare and are definitely vintage from a servicing point of view.
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Post by audiobill on Apr 6, 2017 13:20:11 GMT -5
After my DC-1, I sold the NAD m51, then the PSAudio PWD II in favor of the m920, which I've enjoyed for almost three years.
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Post by qdtjni on Apr 6, 2017 13:33:49 GMT -5
FWIW, I had an Alfa 156 2.5 Sportwagon for a few years as a 3rd car and there was nothing frustrating about it, except for lack of power in comparisation to the other cars. GTV6 here. Love. Hate. Mark Had a few Alfa 75s so if it's the old RWD GTV6, I do know what you mean. 2nd gear synchro meshes causing problems?
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Post by Axis on Apr 6, 2017 13:42:28 GMT -5
klinemj please watch Jude from Head-fi talk about his history with the different Chord model DAC's. The Hugo 2 is the one to get now I think. The Mojo was his pick over the Hugo but the Hugo 2 has been improved with the sound and filters. You can use a Hugo 2 for a dedicated DAC and it's a Dave you can take with you. Remote control ! Watch here @ 8:45
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Apr 6, 2017 15:11:43 GMT -5
GTV6 here. Love. Hate. Mark Had a few Alfa 75s so if it's the old RWD GTV6, I do know what you mean. 2nd gear synchro meshes causing problems? Yep...and head gaskets and clutch master cylinder. Mark
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Post by sheetmetalworker on Apr 6, 2017 19:14:40 GMT -5
I've ordered the level 2 spring DAC. I also have the yiggy on order. Hopefully they will arrive around the same time. We'll see.
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Post by garbulky on Apr 6, 2017 20:39:10 GMT -5
I've ordered the level 2 spring DAC. I also have the yiggy on order. Hopefully they will arrive around the same time. We'll see. What preamp are you going to use with it?
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Post by sheetmetalworker on Apr 7, 2017 4:26:14 GMT -5
I've ordered the level 2 spring DAC. I also have the yiggy on order. Hopefully they will arrive around the same time. We'll see. What preamp are you going to use with it? I will be using the XSP-1 at this time. I also cancelled my order on the yiggy.
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Apr 7, 2017 5:01:31 GMT -5
Can't wait to hear yqour thoughts vs. the dc-1!
Mark
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Post by drysdale on Apr 7, 2017 17:31:23 GMT -5
Caution: If you are someone who thinks "all DAC's sound the same", ignore this thread. So, I've gone from a Denon 2930ci CD/DVD player, to an ERC-2 CD player, to a DC-1 playing streamed music (FLAC mostly or Tidal Hi-Fi), to using the XMC-1's internal DAC, to an LH Labs Geek Pulse X Infinity DAC. I have notice steady stream of improvement along the way. And, frankly, I love the Geek's sound. I mean - I really love it. But, LH Labs is not very customer service oriented when issues arise. Net, I would love to find a DAC that is on par with the Geek but comes from a company with a more solid service reputation. Requirements are as follows: must accept USB input as well as coax/optical. ideally has XLR outputs and is fully balanced, but singled ended/RCA is OK. no remote operation required but that would be nice. sound must top the DC-1 and XMC-1 (in reference stereo mode) and ideally at least match the Geek. Cost cannot be "crazy" (as it...not going to spend $3000 or more...). Options I have been considering are the Schiit Gungnir Multibit and the Schiit Yggdrasil and anything else others can recommend to consider. I am particularly interested in anyone who has compared the Gungnir vs. the Yggy and either to the DC-1 and XMC-1 in reference stereo mode. As additional consideration, I have read garbulky's review of the Gungnir Multibit, so I am aware of his thoughts and concerns on warmup time. And, at present, I consider the Emotiva DC-1 their "top dog", so unless they come out with a DC-1 killer...I'm not even considering any of their other options. And, I don't want anything built into a preamp or processor...I want a stand alone DAC. Thanks for any input you can offer! Mark Hi Mark:, the DAC I'm considering is the Oppo Sonica DAC . It is also a network streamer and sells for $799 at the Oppo website. Have you considered this product? It has an app for androids, etc.
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