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Thread: Upgrading from Rega Dac

  1. #1
    Join Date: Oct 2013

    Location: Somerset

    Posts: 64
    I'm Shari.

    Default Upgrading from Rega Dac

    Hi guys.

    I know this question has probably been asked a million time and I have searched to see what similar threads have said.

    I currently have a Rega Apollo R with Rega Dac, going into a Pathos Logos amp and then Triangle Duetto speakers.

    I have the opportunity i.e.the money, to upgrade the dac and wondered if the Rega Dac was worth upgrading to the Chord 2qute. I know there is a new chord dac out, and the 2qute is reduced. I want a dac that will do the Pathos and Duetto speakers justice as I am on the upgrade path.....Again!

    Any advice welcome from Rega owners or this with some experience of DACs .

    Cheers

    Shari

  2. #2
    Join Date: Jan 2008

    Location: gone

    Posts: 11,519
    I'm gone.

    Default

    Rega and Chord DACs - very different beasts!

    I've owned a Rega and have heard a Chord Hugo2 in my system. Looking at reviews I would bet that the Hugo2 and 2qute have a similar style of presentation.
    The Rega is a bit warm and 'organic', with a somewhat curtailed dynamic reach making it sound even cosier.
    The Chord will have a brighter balance, resolution to burn and a really startling 'jump factor'.
    Quite opposites, really.

    If you like your Rega and want more of the same, then I would be surprised if the Chord gave you what you wanted.
    But if you want something a lot livelier then the Chord would be worth investigating.
    Given their differences, I would strongly recommend an audition of the Chord if you are buying new.
    .

  3. #3
    Join Date: Oct 2013

    Location: Somerset

    Posts: 64
    I'm Shari.

    Default

    Thanks for the reply.

    Maybe it's the Rega Dac ++ I am after. I like the presentation of the DAC, just wanted something that would be more in line with the other components in my system as I feel this could be the weak point. I don't want a super cosy sound. I like a sound that is clean and emotional and not too analytical.

    Auditioning is the way to go, so a shortlist would be good. I will then go along and do some comparisons.

    Thanks again

  4. #4
    Join Date: Oct 2008

    Location: Glasgowshire

    Posts: 9,656
    I'm Gary.

    Default

    Hi Shari,

    I went from a Rega Dac to an M2Tech Young, which gave me the same "analogue" sound of the Rega but with far more bass control and realistic "in the room" sound.
    Was a natural stepping stone to me, more of the same but more so...as well as so much more.
    Looked for ages on something to upgrade it, and it took something significantly more expensive to better it.

    Look for one 2nd hand, that'd be my recommendation.
    Last edited by Gazjam; 19-02-2018 at 05:47.
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  5. #5
    Join Date: May 2010

    Location: Worcestershire, UK

    Posts: 1,101
    I'm Rob.

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    Um .... if you're looking for a second hand M2Tech Young DAC I'm selling one: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showt...-with-MCRU-PSU
    Rob.
    Powered by crossed fingers and clenched buttocks

  6. #6
    Join Date: Dec 2015

    Location: Coppull

    Posts: 147
    I'm Robert.

    Default

    I had a the Chord 2Qute in my system for a month or so. And to be honest never liked it although for a while I told myself, based on the stellar reviews that I should do and it was me that was wrong and not the DAC. Took it out and the system got its magic back.

    Tried a couple of DAC’s since and nothing really struck me as any better overall that the DAC in the Auralic Mini have.

    Until, that is, I bought a secondhand Audio Note 0.1x and this did transform my system for all the right reasons and I have not looked back since.

  7. #7
    Join Date: Apr 2011

    Location: Surrey

    Posts: 4,162
    I'm Mike.

    Default

    Beresford has to be a favourite
    TAD CD / DAC / Pre, Technics 1210, MCRU PSU, Mike New Bearing & Platter, Stillpoints LP1 weight, Speedy Steve Ebony armboard, Fidelity Research FR64FX arm, Ortofon SPU. Aurorasound VIDA Phono Pre Amp, TAD Power Amp, TAD E1 speakers. Coherent RTZ 3 Grounding box, Coherent grounding cables, Creaktiv racks. Coherent Mains Cables. SR Blue Fuse. Interconnects : Coherent and Yannis 223.5 Connect Litz. Coherent speaker cable. Audio Magic Transcendence Conditioner. Coherent mains socket. Mains Filters : , PS Audio Harvesters, Russ Andrews Purifiers, Tacima, Vertex. Black Ravioli and RDC supports. Electric Beach S1NX platforms for TAD CD and Technics. Ferrite chokes everywhere except the above. Ears, brain

    Mike

  8. #8
    Join Date: Oct 2013

    Location: Somerset

    Posts: 64
    I'm Shari.

    Default

    Why is that. Is it much better than the Rega Dac

  9. #9
    Join Date: Jan 2013

    Location: Bristol

    Posts: 6,843
    I'm Justin.

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    I'd buy Jake's Jolida Glass FX II in the classifieds. ESA cap upgrade too.

    Then roll some valves until you find what you like the sound of.

    I personally seem to dislike all Chord products. I'd buy the Jolida over the Young.

    The Jolida looks cheap but sounds amazing for the money.

  10. #10
    Join Date: Apr 2011

    Location: Surrey

    Posts: 4,162
    I'm Mike.

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Shari View Post
    Why is that. Is it much better than the Rega Dac
    Compares to DACs costing many £100s more. Good upgrades and mods available for minimal price.
    You can try it for 30 days and send it back if not impressed.
    (Happy user. No connection apart from that)
    TAD CD / DAC / Pre, Technics 1210, MCRU PSU, Mike New Bearing & Platter, Stillpoints LP1 weight, Speedy Steve Ebony armboard, Fidelity Research FR64FX arm, Ortofon SPU. Aurorasound VIDA Phono Pre Amp, TAD Power Amp, TAD E1 speakers. Coherent RTZ 3 Grounding box, Coherent grounding cables, Creaktiv racks. Coherent Mains Cables. SR Blue Fuse. Interconnects : Coherent and Yannis 223.5 Connect Litz. Coherent speaker cable. Audio Magic Transcendence Conditioner. Coherent mains socket. Mains Filters : , PS Audio Harvesters, Russ Andrews Purifiers, Tacima, Vertex. Black Ravioli and RDC supports. Electric Beach S1NX platforms for TAD CD and Technics. Ferrite chokes everywhere except the above. Ears, brain

    Mike

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