Hi all! I recently purchased a NAC282 as a result of great upgrade advice from another thread.
My question now is what is my next upgrade? My thought is to upgrade my source for streaming/DAC.
I currently have the following
-Node 2i to a Chord Qutest.
I want to be able to stream and store WAV files onboard as well.
Looking for advice/suggestions. Would a Naim Audio ND5 XS2 be a massive upgrade from this?
I’ve seen used ones on eBay for reasonable prices.
Thanks in advance!
Qutest will survive several upgrades of source from a Node.
ND5 XS2 might be an obvious next step in your use case.
As you already have an external DAC, you might also consider the Innous Pulse ( transport only), to partner with the Qutest. The Pulse is maybe a slightly better source, as transport only. But, you also get access to the intuitive, easy to use UI, which is “Sense”.
As mentioned by others, the Qutest might stand several upgrades yet.
The ubiquitous nDAC is a viable alternative, same form factor as the Naim streamers.
Good luck.
R
Keep the qutest, add an Auralic Aries whichever model suits your budget. Alternatively if you can stretch the budget, sell both and get the Aries G1 plus the Vega G2.1. Cracking combination.
You can already stream though, is the main issue here local storage of WAV files?
I’d look at the options for a generic NAS and the audiophile equivalent, auditioning if possible to evaluate the cost effectiveness to you. Personally I’d leave the node on streaming duties, I’m not sure replacing the node with ND5 XS2 would be life changing, but I haven’t experienced the change so that’s only my unverified opinion!!
What’s your budget? Upgrading from the Qutest might be an option depending on that, but I suspect you’ll need to go a fair way up the Chord range to improve on it.
Have fun, I think this is an area with a lot of possible solutions to suit budget, use cases, aesthetics, UX etc.
If its is just to store wav files then get a usb stick and plug it in the back of the node.
I feel so stupid! I didn’t even know the BlueSound Node 2i supports the ability to access WAV files from the USB port. Awesome! My understanding is accessing local WAV files adds noticeable quality verses streaming. Is that correct?
I’m hearing more than one response about keeping the QuTest DAC. Sounds like this is a pretty good DAC and that I should upgrade the streamer. Does that sound right?
I was talking with a dealer recently who was HIGHLY suggesting the PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube DAC saying that it is VERY dimensional and provides a great sound stage. Any thoughts regarding this?
The entry level Wadax one. My best advice so far.
first point on the wav files. USB stick could be better sound quality if you have a poor wifi signal. Otherwise I find wifi very good SQ, no cables or connections to interfere. Obviously with a usb stick no cables there either. I run a usb stick on one of my nodes and use that as a server for my other nodes over wifi.
The qutest dac is to my mind excellent value for money and can improve most mid budget streamers. I know nothing of the PrimaLuna so can’t comment. Obviously if the dealer is open to it, take your Qutest in and compare it with the PrimaLuna.
I decided a little while ago to have streaming as my main source and now have a few bits of Auralic gear as they introduced new and better models. The G1 and G2.1 series have and are about to be replaced. They are relative bargains if you want to move into high end streaming. The node will always be a very good streamer/dac at its price but there are better high end streamers now available.
Thanks for the response! I was reading briefly about the AURALiC Altair G1.1. It appears it supports streaming and DAC. In your opinion, would this replace both my Node 2i and QuTest DAC? Is the built in DAC on the AURALic G1.1 better than the QuTest?
I only have the G1 not the G1.1. The Altair I have, the G1 is about equivalent to the node plus Qutest. You would need to go up a grade in the Auralic range to the Aries plus Vega G1 or above to better the Node plus Qutest imo. It is all subjective though and dependent on how good the rest of your system is in revealing those differences. Try and get to a couple of dealers to have a listen, its a lot of money to spend and not be sure.
Not like for like but I swapped a Sonos connect feeding a rega dac for an nd5sx2 (feeding an SN2). No contest. The nd5sx2 was superior in every way. So much more depth and richness to the sound.
I ran my nd5sx2 into the Chord Qutest for a bit and it sounded great. I would have kept it but a nDAC came along at a good price so I went for the matching Naim gear.
You haven’t really heard the Qutest when running it with a Node. At this point, sort out an improved front end and then, after some time living with both, see how you feel about the Qutest then. It has its limits but you are nowhere near them yet.
Many, if not all, of the streaming front ends being suggested are excellent so it’s a case of seeing what you like. I’d suggest an Innuos Zen Mini as an alternative to the Pulse. Gives you the ability to stream, rip and store plus an internal DAC to try if you wish (albeit most will say the DAC is inferior to the Qutest etc.).
The Prima Luna DAC seems to be a solution looking for a problem. Dimensionality/soundstage are certainly there with the Qutest so if you’re not hearing them that’s an issue elsewhere in your system. The valve DAC will almost certainly do them better but will you like the slightly decreased PRaT which is the trade off?
Thanks for the response! Couple of questions:
“You haven’t really heard the Qutest when running it with a Node.” Not sure what you mean by this. I am currently running the Node 2i for streaming which then goes into my QuTest. Can you please clarify?
“…slightly decreased PRaT which is the trade off” Is that typically the trade off of Tube vs Digital components? What is the positive of a tube system - more analog and realistic, warmer sound?
Thanks!
I simply meant that the Qutest can sound far better than it will with a Node. I’ve heard it with an NDX2 for example and, whilst I then personally didn’t like the presentation, it was certainly impressive.
I think some would argue that it’s “typically” the trade off. I wouldn’t. I think it’s specifically the trade off with Prima Luna. They are very good at everything but never quite top of the class. They do PRaT but not like the best Naim stuff does it.
Thanks for the clarification. What was it about the presentation of the NDX2 and QuTest that you didn’t like? Is the ND5 NX2 a lot different/better? Thanks again.
I use an Auralic G1.1. It’s got its own dac. Plugged into it is a usb memory stick (128GB) that I use for albums which are not on the Qobuz streaming App.
Far too forward.
Have since loaned a Qutest twice when my TT2 went in for repair. Have grown to like it a lot but it is more forward than the likes of a Hugo TT2.
Can’t really comment on the other Naim streamer as have only heard it in a Naim demo in Manchester Hall some years ago and I can only say none of them were at their best.