Qutest, Hugo TT2, Mscaler

@anon23154165 I also have an Auralic Aries G1. I don’t have any filtering or upsampling. I think you might have meant Altair G1? Which is a streamer and Dac, or the Vega G1 which is also a streamer with Dac. There is some sampling choices for tidal and quboz but since I don’t use either of those services I’ve never used them

That is why I like the Mscaler, you just plug it in and it works. HQplayer May work almost as well, from what I have read, but not being much of a computer guy, I can not be bothered even trying it. Same with cables and battery power, I suggest using the Mscaler and TT2 with what comes in the box for several months before diving down the rabbit hole.

1 Like

At the price of the TT style MScaler?

wishful thinking i think, i would pay a bit more for the improved CHORAL case/power supply if they ever did do such a thing

Yeah you do :grin: It’s easier to get to it from the device itself. If you use the buttons on the front to enter the menu, scroll to “Processor” and select. In there you’ll find settings for upsampling and filters.

You can select resample individual rates if you want… such as 16/44.1 or change them all to what ever you want.

However, if you’re using the Qutest (Chord DACs), I’ve found out there is little point as it automatically upsamples within the DAC itself… provided it receives bit perfect data. So any sound difference upscaling into the Qutest and letting the Qutest do it itself is just the difference it the two upscaling systems rather than because one is a higher rate than the other.

The power bank is an easy option to play with but I find that if the HQplayer does not play via Aries G1, then it is a non starter as I will loose a whole load of functionality and plug and play features.

Now I know the Qutest upscales anyway I’m just going to sit tight and wait for the M scaler!

Hi Mr Underhill, would you mind reminding me what you are using to stream music through the Meridian 210. i.e. the signal chain.

I am sure that you have told me, but sadly I am forgetful!

Hi @Roog,

Either Qobuz via Bubbleupnp on Synology NAS; or
Audiostore Prestige 2 powered by SBooster from 512GB USB sticks in Hub powered by low noise 5v/6A LPSU. Using Minimserver.

Files = flac transcoded to WAV.

These are controlled from Linn Kazoo.

1 Like

Thank you Mr Underhill, the Audiostore Prestige looks like a neat box of tricks.

@anon23154165 Thanks. I’ve got everything shut down due to Thunderstorms, but I will check once I’m back up.

I’d be interested in what you think.

I had another listen tonight with just 16/44.1 files upscaled to 176.4. They don’t sound bad at all… might be a bit less depth in terms of soundstage and it loses a bit of the sparkle, timing compared to the Qutest. I’ll have to try some other files to see how they go. But, for something that is built in to the Aries G1, it’s not bad at all and, you retain full functionality.

If you are using a USB cable, you can take it up towards the 384KHz but I was using a Supernova 7 optical so limited to 192KHz max (176.4 max for 16/44.1 fields).

1 Like

Hi Roog,
Martin Smith at the Audiostore is also tremendously enthusiastic, knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to tailoring the spec of server to suit your particular installation.

This is in part how I also ended up with one of his servers.

Best regards, BF

1 Like

I do use USB, Audience Audio, Front Row

I can see that, seems they have some powerful ‘fan less’? options

Bonus… if things don’t work out with the m scaler, I’ll have to get a decent USB cable to play around with the Aries G1 upscaling. But… hopefully it’ll not be needed :grin:

Yes, the Prestige 3 is fanless. Ours is in XL spec, which approximates to a Roon Nucleus + when running Roon, which we do.

Best regards, BF

Well… no m scaler coming my way (at least for now).

I had a funny feeling about this. Promised it would be Friday, then Monday and today… and now doesn’t exist?!? Different reasons, excuses each time. That will be the last time I deal with them, not sure I could trust them!

No great problem, very happy with the Qutest on it’s own for now so happy to bide my time!

Who has given you the poor service. Just want to make sure to avoid them!
I also not you mentioned the qutest can upscale. Did I read that correct. I’ve not seen anything to say it does. I have one, how would I know it’s upscaling?

I don’t really want to give the name… they may of been having a bad day/s. I was basically told a spare was mine and sent the next day, then that it was delivered to the wrong address instead of them (2 days later), then that it wasn’t an m scaler at all (the day after), then that it would be 4 weeks… at which point I decided I didn’t want to proceed any further with them. I have a feeling he had more than one party interested and he was keeping options open to sell it.

I read on Head-fi that the Qutest Filter carries out some sort of upscaling and that it was best not to send upscaled files to the DAC.Whether this is accurate or not?!? Rob Watts didn’t come back and rubbish it.

I’m trying it anyway at the moment (optical) and it sounds ok. Just set the Aries G1 to upscale 44.1 & 48 files. Do you use USB? just picking up recommendations on USB cables that are being used on a Qutest.

Yes, I read that too. No harm in trying though.

Are you going to get an M-Scaler elsewhere? I have had good experiences with Signals, just wish they were closer.

M

1 Like

Very likely… just going to wait an see if one turns up locally. Do you have a date for yours and how are you getting on with your Qutest? Still amazes me the sound quality from that little DAC…