Qutest, Hugo TT2, Mscaler

how does the auralic app compare to the Naim app

for me the make or break also boils down to the app…

the native tidal app seems quite ok to me nowadays when used through chrome cast

and the native Naim app has proved to be quite good whenever I used it

The apps are very similar. Both have good integration of Qobuz. I give the edge to the Auralic app as it has better category headers to jump to like, most streamed, best sellers, Press awards etc etc as well as the “My” sections. Makes browsing Qobuz a little easier

As I use Roon, I spent enough time with both to get them set it up and get a feel of them. I think they’re both accomplished apps though and if I didn’t have Roon, would be happy with either… although I’d give a slight edge to Auralic just for the ease of browsing Qobuz but really, not much in it.

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I think you are definitely on the right track Toonartist, using optical from the G1 to the Mscaler will isolate the Mscaler. Then when you add an Opto -DX between the Mscaler and TT 2 or Dave, any noise created by the Mscaler processing is then isolated from the DAC, which is what you want. Taking things further, you can run the Opto-DX transmitter and receiver off battery packs to isolate further. As I mentioned before, we are heading to the same place, just on different paths. All I need is the G1 and Opto-DX to reach the finish line.:thinking:

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Never seen the Opto-DX transmitter/receiver… just bookmarked a page on them. Very interesting. Another option would be to use a power bank for the MScaler. I believe Rob Watts uses a one when he’s on a plane. You need a power bank that has a 12v option. Some have commented that it sounds better at 16v but that would invalidate warranty. A good 30,000mah with 12v will set you back about £150 or so. That would then isolate both DAC and scaler from the mains. Not sure if that would do the same thing for less or whether the MScaler would still add some noise from the coaxial still.

You’ve not far to go now! I’ve a bit of a distance left yet but, the MScaler will be next. If a new TT comes out in the next 12 months or so, it may mean a few cheaper TT2’s coming up for sale… or, go for the newer TT3.

I’ve certainly found that the best way to get more real detail (not brightness) is to cut out as much noise as possible and so far, optical and power banks have made a big difference. The lower the noise floor, the easier it is to hear the fine detail.

In the process of sorting out power cables as well so hopefully that will help things along too! Want that all sorted before the next step.

so is roon better than the Naim and auralic Apps?.. interesting.

Better?!? I’d say different. For my listening habits, I prefer Roon over Naim, Auralic, Bluesound and Sonos apps.

But it all depends on how you listen to music. Some prefer to pick an album and play it, listen to it whole etc. They know what they like, where it is and want an app that will help them navigate to the place it is held. Either via folders or metadata.

Roon can work the same way but its main strength is that it can find new music for you. I have my playlists etc that I listen to but when it gets to the end of the playlist, Roon will carry on and find similar music on your NAS or, Qobuz, Tidal services.

I often just add one track to my queue that I really like and then let Roon go out and add similar music based on that track. I’ve found a load of new artists that way that I would have never found otherwise.

So, as you can see. It’s not a question of better, just different. It all depends on how you like listening to music or finding new artists.

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I failed. Someone wanted to buy my largely unused EAR868PL, and so I added some money and have just ordered the Qutest + M-Scaler; as it happens I have a selection of PSUs in the loft.

My thinking is that when Chord bring out the Dave 2, in a few months, I’ll pick up one of the hoards of dumped Dave’s - sorry @Analogmusic, couldn’t resist!

M

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Nice description of how different people want different things from library/playing software, some taking to Roon, others disliking it or feeling it is not value for money.

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thanks bluesfan appreciate the info and council (never played with chord dacs before)

i know the cable cost is outrageous am fortunate have a super sarum din-din already (still want £350 to convert it to RCA - DIN or £950 to make it sarum T and RCA - DIN… :open_mouth: ) for time being got a DIN - RCA converter cable from flashbacks to tide me over

Ha ha Dave 2 isn’t going to happen :wink:

The future is the Mscaler

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to keep you all updated been informed will be getting the TT2/Mscaler to kick off the demo fun tomorrow
will be using USB from my Zenith mk3 into mscaler and feeding it into my 282 via chord super sarum with the flashback RCA converter as starting point

looking at the how to feed DAC comments anyone tried the new innuous phoenix usb reclocker thing seems to be getting some very good write ups at the minute?

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Haha… can’t wait to hear from you as to how the Qutest vs Qutest + Mscaler sounds.

In fact, I don’t know why I’m laughing, it’ll only tempt me to go for it :flushed::joy:

So when are you expecting them?!? Feeling excited for you!

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Has anyone connected the Mscaler to say a “3rd party Dac” like say the Naim nDAC? Can this work? I’m just curious about this.

Qutest tomorrow. Mscalar when Signals get them in. I am in no rush as I want to put the Q through its paces.

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It can work, but you are limited as the DAC will not have the dual inputs. I will try it with my Audio Note.

I doubt that very much, to be honest.

No and yes.

I’ve never tried it myself but you can use the mscaler on non Chord DACs. You are restricted to 24/384 rather than the 24/768 that you would get on a dual coaxial Chord DAC.

Excellent. I found the Qutest didn’t take long to sound good. It became more consistent after about a week or so of playing 5 hours a day. I found I had to tweak speaker positions a little.

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I know… but we can dream/wish!

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Thanks, I’m just curious. Just wondering how it would sound compared to a nDAC with XPSDR.

Quite a few people on head-fi are using the Opto-DX, others use the Wave cables, which are loaded with Ferrites, and more expensive for the top pair. The dealer for Opto-DX (Dan) is a few hour drive from me, so that is the way I am going when my bank account is up to it. $745.00 Canadian dollars with a 60 day money back guarantee is peanuts compared to the prices we pay for some gear. If you go to his website, he has a few items that go to extremes to stop RF noise, RF-STOP is a Faraday box that you place your server, Mscaler and Dac inside for complete isolation, eliminating the need for fancy cables, relockers etc., but will run you 4K.:flushed:

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