Qutest, Hugo TT2, Mscaler

Quick update

Been told my dave should be getting delivered in the next 2 weeks now so wait nearly over… :crazy_face:

3 Likes

I’m about the same timescale, waiting for a Dave and Etude.

3 Likes

Oh, that should be very nice. Looking forward to hearing about the Etude. If I ever end up in a bigger room that means I’m no longer able to feed speakers directly from the TT2, the Etude will be up there for an audition. That said, we’re not moving anytime soon.

1 Like

I’m looking forward to it, the Innuos Zen will be taking on the streaming duties, will let you know how I get on with the Etude.

3 Likes

I have been breaking in my Qutest/MScaler and thoroughly enjoying it using the supplied cables.

I tried clipping on some ferrites, the standard jobbies I use for mains cables = NO!

Two days ago I replaced my usual spdif with a Wave Storm Reference, I HATE to say it but it really is the best such cable I have had in my system, even beating the Audio Note Black Pallas. Just looking under the sofa to see if there is any loose change.

The real kicker is that I also have a pair of the their Storm Reference BNC cables to try between the M-Scaler & Qutest, I am rather nervous! I’ll need to find a few more sofas.

M

1 Like

interested to hear how that goes… keep us posted :smile:

Hadn’t realised he sold them in singles as well as pairs. If they work well I’d consider it in the future once my power banks start to fail.

Fitting the weighty Storm Reference BNCs adds to the excellent spdif, which I found hard to believe possible. Bearing in mind the upward trajectory of what I have been hearing through the course of this journey this bought a smile to my face. The cables extended the verisimilitude of my system by filling the soundstage with a well balanced, detailed and realistic performance .

If you decide to listen to his cables ensure you can afford them, I don’t think you will want to return them.

2 Likes

they’re too expensive…

They’re certainly not cheap, and certainly not an amount I have ever spent on cables. That said, if I heard this after plugging in a nice heavy box I would not be questioning myself.

Just to add to the fun I have a Sean Jacobs DC4 lying on the floor waiting to be plugged in!

2 Likes

@MrUnderhill — did you find a new rabbit hole? Not long ago, I thought, you turned your back on tweaking… :joy:

1 Like

Yes, and a rather more expensive one!

M

2 Likes

LOL — I hope it’s sounds better down there, compared to the previous one… :rofl:

Well, the Qutest/SBooster/Ultra II >> M-Scaler are excellent with my standard cables.

The WAVE cables are undoubtedly costly, but then do you hear a concommitant raise in the sound quality? The answer in my system is yes.

So, am I committed? No. But I also cannot unhear what I am listening to. I am mulling over my options.

M

1 Like

There is the Opto-DX option, or use the stock cables, and trade the Qutest in on a TT2.:sunglasses:

1 Like

Plenty of those :+1:t2:

The biggest difference for me was disconnecting the M Scaler from the mains… once I had a power bank that lasted 11-12 hours with a fast recharge it became a practical option. I’ve upgraded the stock cables to Wireworld Starlight 8 1.5m length as they developed an annoying crackle which became very obvious when using headphones.

I can also say that I get why @Simon-in-Suffolk said he didn’t really notice any edge to the highs etc when using his Empys with stock cables and power supply… During the day, I’ve started using just the power block when I’m using the Empys and it’s as smooth as you like and can quite happily use them without the power bank. They seem to be a really good match for the Chord TT2 & M Scaler. That said. I still use the power bank for critical listening and speakers of course.

Happy with the Qutest. Even if I did decide to look at the TT2 the cabling would still remain …but you are right, another option!

M

Hi T,

Yes, I will look at a power bank.

I am sure most of us have dabbled with different cables over the years. The best spdif cable I had heard in my system was a Palladium ribbon cable sold by Audio Note, it was superb; but even MORE expensive than the WAVE and so out of the question. I settled on the Nimak Pulsar Mk2, a silver ribbon cable; I think this gave me much of the Audio Note benefits at a fraction of the price. The WAVE is better than the Audio Note …but still not cheap.

Anyway, things to ponder.

1 Like

I plugged in the Sean Jacobs DC4 and it was an obvious improvement …just one that is out of keeping cost-wise with my system. Does make me curious to try the power bank and/or an SBooster.

Well, I couldn’t surrender the WAVE cable effect, so I have bought the spdif; the most I have spent on a cable. The cable brings some of the aspects I enjoy about the LS3/5a to my SBLs …with the advantages of having some decent bass.

Is that the Wave cable just for the Digital input into the M Scaler and not between the M Scaler and Qutest? The DC4 is a little on the pricey side :rofl:

On Power Banks. I’ve tried a couple and settled on Krisdonia 50,000 mAh one as they appeared to add no noise back into the system and lasted the longest. A couple I tried seemed brighter, they had more functions and I think the circuitry for them added noise back in.

The Krisdonia was a lot better sound wise but the percentage indicator is pants. I contacted them about this and it turns out it’s due to differences in density of the cells inside. The total power was as advertised but, for example, 85-100% would drop fast and 70-85 would take ages. I’ve tried 9v & 12v and both sound the same. Apparently it’s converted down to 5v inside. Rob Watt said he used 9v and I think that is the minimum you can use. Never use 15v or more.

If I was to try another, it would be the Maxoak 50,000mAh which gets good reviews. This you would have to use 12v.