Qutest, Hugo TT2, Mscaler

I found the M Scaler to bring a quite shockingly large improvement to the Qutest when I compared with vs without during a dealer demo.

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wow just when i thought that could only tweak cables and connection type for further SQ boost
them blammo a whole level/realm of gizmos and toys appears in that pursuit of sonic perfection

really feels that digital/streaming and isolation really moving to new realms this year

Dam… it would have been easier (for my wallet) if you’d said it was terrible and not worth it :joy:

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For sure, somewhere on his website (Audiowise) on one of the links, he is out in the middle of a mall parking lot, running everything off batteries. He has measuring equipment out there too, looking for perfect physical isolation from RF noise, a little extreme, but shows you the lengths that some will go for ultimate sound.

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It was terrible and not worth it.

Not. :joy:

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It’s funny, I always thought about what X gear could add to my system. I’m now always looking for gear that will take something away. The more that is taken away, the more I hear?!? Strange world!

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I’ve been using the Phoenix for almost a month now and the improvement is not subtle.
If you get the chance, I’d definitely recommend a demo.

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thanks for the insight reads as though it is a re-clocker for jitter reduces RF and LPS to keep noise down

how would you describe the difference in terms of sound stage, etc

For me, the soundstage increased in both height and depth. Instruments are nicely separated.
The top end has a lovely shimmer/energy to it.
Timing/flow has improved (more foot tapping!)
Noise floor has also dropped so little details, which I’d never heard before, are now coming through.

Yes it’s expensive but, in my system, it’s more than worth it!

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Why wish for more, when tge best of what Chord is now offering is is so good it might never be bettered? Just wish for prices to drop!

I haven’t tried MScaler either on TT or on Dave, but Dave is so wonderfully good that I have no deire for more, and would not be disappointed if that was where DAC development stopped (and with MScaler added that migh well be).

My only interest in hearing MScaler with it is because people do say it is better, though opinions vary as to how much, some saying not huge, which might mean it is related to the renderer used. A part of me thinks I owe it to myself to hear, another part of thinks it is like chasing eye floaters…

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Very True. The Qutest sounds superb with optical and power bank but I can’t begin to imagine what the Dave sounds like.

Certainly want to try an M Scaler. I’m always sceptical about new things until I’ve tried them. The latest being power block and cables. I don’t fully now why they work, I guess it’s further lowering of the noise floor but they do.

If I was to get an M Scaler an it didn’t impress, I wouldn’t keep it for the hell of it. Like everything, it has to prove itself and if it does, then I don’t mind spending the money. If I try an M Scaler and I’m not satisfied, I’d stick with the Qutest etc and save for a Dave.

Qutest sounds good via BNC from an ND5 XS2 too. I did try mine via a power bank, but the faff of removing/ charging lead me to an ifi SMPS thingy. Which ,to my ears, sounds the same.
I’m sure I’d hear a difference with an Mscsler, but can I really justify it, no. Afford yes. Justify no.

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I’ve just used a Micro USB extension cable into the Qutest, run the cable to my desk and plug the power bank in there. Saves wearing out the socket on the DAC and makes it easier to swap. The Anker 20100 drops to about 65% after 7-8hrs use. I put it on charge as I leave my office for the next day. If I didn’t notice an improvement in my system, I wouldn’t bother either. Horses for courses.

There are some people that use HQPlayer with their Chord Dac’s, and say it gets you very close to what the Mscaler does. I have not tried it, I am not much of a computer whiz, and prefer plug and play. Even Dan, the owner of Opto-DX recommends it, and Antipodes, a high end server company has HQPlayer installed on their servers. A couple of guys On Head-fi have sold their Mscalers, and bought the Antipodes CX +EX, or DX. I thought about an Antipodes server before I bought my Naim Core, but the one I wanted was three times the price.:flushed:

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Well, it looks like I’ll get the chance to try it out :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

A dealer who I’d contacted about the M Scaler previously just called me and said he was expecting a delivery today and there is one spare (black) and whether I wanted it… thought it would be rude to say no! I blame it on @MrUnderhill :rofl:

Anyway, with luck it should arrive at the dealers later today so might have it early next week. I’ll tae a look at the HQPlayer, see how it all works etc and do a comparison.

One thing I know, if it doesn’t meet expectation, I wouldn’t keep it as you can buy plenty of other tweaks / upgrades for that money. It would need to earn its place.

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Yes, I am busy blaming others too, I have a list! :wink:

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Hi how do you set your zenith up when feeding the mscaler / hugott2

I am using roon currently on the zenith in core mode

Tips for sq for roon and the zenith appreciated so get best from it during the demo

Thanks

Mat

Hey Mat(@mbj666) , looks like we have very similar systems.

My connection is simple - Zenith connects vis USB to the Mscaler and then DBNC to the TT2. I Keep my zenith as a roon core.

I us use Roon without any filters or SQ mods. Most of my casual listening is through Tidal, and I have an extensive HD collection on my Synology NAS (organized through Roon as well).

I do have to say that make sure you are using quality interconnects. It makes a world of difference in my system. I am not talking uber expensive (although some will encourage that), but avoid the stock cables that are supplied by Chord (IMO).

Very excited for your experience, I remember how game changing my introduction to the combo was. I wanted so desperately to be happy with my Qutest, but once I heard the TT2 and then with the addition of thee Mscaler - well, all I can say is I have reached a point where I am not thinking about how can things be better, I think more about what can I listen to next. Look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Scot

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thanks scot

i normally use chord super sarum interconnects (built up nearly a full-loom of pre-loved ones over a number of years and know they make a difference)

what cable are you using for the USB and Dual BNCs ? currently using the CHORD bog standard ones at the minute

I am using a Wireworld Platinum USB (found it second hand - great deal) and the BNC’s I am using are Nordost Silver Shadows.

I have heard good things about the Super Sarums, but here they would cost me as much as I paid for the Mscaler.

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