DAC Advice

I would like some advice from members regarding digital to analogue converters please.
I am currently using a Naim Unitiqute to stream files from Tidal. At present the Unitiqute is being used as it was intended, as a one box does all music system. Previously, I used it as a streamer with the internal amp disabled. I am changing my amps at present and when this is done the Unitiqute will be used soley as a streamer. I have brought my Dads old Arcam Delta 70.3 CD player out of storage and connected it to the Unitiqute and it doesn't sound too shabby.
My question is three fold- firstly what external DAC would improve the Unitiqute enough to be worth doing?
Do external DACs usually allow more than one source to be connected at once (I fancy trying the Arcam through a decent DAC)?
What would you suggest to be the best way to connect the DAC to the respective sources?
I appreciate that I am increasingly moving further away from using the Unitiqutes full capability but in the short term I will use it as such until I decide to replace it in the main system and create a bedroom system based on the Unitiqute. It is just too versatile to replace.
Any advice on the above would be gratefully received

Not sure if this is the best option, the the chord Hugo is now quite affordable second hand, really offers something different in terms of sound, and is portable / headphone amp to boot. Downside is it can sound a bit thin into some amps, the tt version addresses that but is a lot dearer.

It’s a really articulate sound with shimmering highs that maybe stretch a bit too far, but for orchestra etc is a lot more anologue sounding. A bit less PRaT. Has a few different inputs.

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Originally Posted by wojtek

Not sure if this is the best option, the the chord Hugo is now quite affordable second hand, really offers something different in terms of sound, and is portable / headphone amp to boot. Downside is it can sound a bit thin into some amps, the tt version addresses that but is a lot dearer.

It’s a really articulate sound with shimmering highs that maybe stretch a bit too far, but for orchestra etc is a lot more anologue sounding. A bit less PRaT. Has a few different inputs.

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always wanted to hear one. i have noticed an awful lot go on market while fairly new; dont know why tho but its put me off

I had considered the Chord Hugo or the new Qutest and I would like to listen to one in my system. I haven't had the pleasure of hearing one yet. I suppose that the value would be in a second hand Hugo since the Qutest is still very current.

Hello Chris,
A Naim DAC V1 could be an option. It can be a preamplifier too if needed. Supports DSD files over USB. If your CD has a digital out you can use the CD player as a transport only and benefit of the DAC V1's better DAC eventually. In total DAC V1 has 5 digital inputs but lacks any analogue one (quite naturally).
BR,
Ivo

The Qutest is the one. It has the same dac internals as the Hugo 2 but without headphone output and batteries. It has 4 inputs 2 x BNC (you can use RCA plugs with BNC adapters), 1 USB B and 1 TOSLINK.
I’ve had one now for nearly 3 months and know I made a wise decision.

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Originally Posted by guero

My question is three fold- firstly what external DAC would improve the Unitiqute enough to be worth doing?
Do external DACs usually allow more than one source to be connected at once (I fancy trying the Arcam through a decent DAC)?
What would you suggest to be the best way to connect the DAC to the respective sources?

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I know this is a forum and it breaks the unwritten rules to actually answer questions posed by the OP, but I thought I'd live dangerously! Answers to above:

1) Before being able to answer that, we'd need to know how much you want to spend and what amp you'd be using? Some of the suggestions above, whilst good DACs (but over rated, IMO&E) are over £1000, which may be more than you want to spend? Diminishing returns is perhaps most obvious in DACs and digital sources. There are differences and these can be worthwhile. Be careful though that the differences are actually improvements to you.

2) Most DACs allow for multiple sources to be connected. Some even have remote selection of same. Some even have analogue inputs and inbuilt pre-amps.

3) It depends on the source, but just use whatever is the appropriate cable. i.e. coaxial digital cable, optical cable or USB cable. Some DACs do have Bluetooth functionality, so no cable required, but usually not the best sound quality using a BT connection.


I would choose your amplifier first, using your UnitiQute as at present. Match amp to 'speakers, then move on to source.