Upgrading from Rega Dac

[Shari]

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

[jandl100]

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.

[Shari]

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

[Gazjam]

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.

[ReggieB]

Um .... if you're looking for a second hand M2Tech Young DAC I'm selling one: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?56032-FS-M2Tech-Young-DAC-with-MCRU-PSU

[Rob1969]

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.

[MikeMusic]

Beresford has to be a favourite

[Shari]

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

[User211]

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.

[MikeMusic]

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)

[jandl100]

I've owned the Rega, Jolida, M2Tech, Beresford SEG and heard a couple of Chord DACs.

My choice would be the Beresford SEG - quite exceptional imo.

[Shari]

Thanks for all the advice guys.

I think I am going to take a bit of a punt and go with the M2tech Young that ReggieB is selling. I have been doing some research and its seems like a good DAC. Also M2tech are work with Pathos on their dacs, so there is some potential synergy there with my Pathos Logos amp.

I will let you know how it goes

[Tim]

I think just like music taste, DAC's can be a very personal thing. I've owned a Musical Fidleity, M-DAC, Beresford, HRT Music Streamer and Rega. I've not tried an M2tech but have tried Chord. As Jerry says, very different animals, Chord are very good and probably the closest to what I would switch to, if I had to, a different sound but equally as fun and beautifully made. But I have really grown to love my Rega DAC and for now am content with it's sound, it just seems right for my taste and style. I don't like anything too bright or detailed and the Rega's natural sound just gets out of the way and lets me enjoy my music.

If you like the Rega sound (which I do), I would make sure you can try a replacement out for a few weeks, then go back to the Rega to double check before jumping ship totally.

I have the first Rega DAC, not the DAC-R.

[walpurgis]

I messed about with literally dozens of DACs until I settled on my Monarchy Audio items. They outclassed the three foregoing Theta DACs I'd had previously. Strictly 'old school' though, only RCA Phono digital or Toslink inputs. I have the M22B and M22C. They sound wonderful!