It does not matter if it is a late review. I personally was waiting for you to review any Chord DAC. I am convinced that you are physically gifted with better hearing than most of us. Combined with mature listening skills, your observations and opinion have great value. Thanks for this review.
You have a great way of describing listening experience with words, mimic, and gestures. So easy to follow the little nuances you want to bring across. Thanks for your reviews.
For all the UA-cam reviewers that I follow, your's is the channel that drives some of my buying decisions. I have a Pontus II 12-1 and I love it. I was thinking about a Hugo TT2 because there are occasions when I miss the precise detail (usually found on Chifi). After watching this, I think I will keep my Denafrips. Although, I do wonder if the TT2 with its 100,000 taps vs the Qutest 50,000 taps improves on the lack of richness. Maybe if I have some kind of unexpected windfall of money, I'll buy the TT2 and have both. 🙂
Great review! You are truly becoming more and more professional in your reviews. Congratulations. BTW I agree with your disdain for MQA which has been a disaster for the industry. Keep up the excellent work! Thank you for your efforts
Great review! I bought Qutest 1.5 months ago. I was curious what you would say about its sound, because I have watched all your reviews of the DAC and I totally agree with you. Chord sounds as you say. Greetings!
This is the second review of yours I have watched. Your reviews are impressive. I have found that you display a much more natural confidence in what you are saying than any of the reviewers I have viewed until now. Thanks for your work!
I see you're in Serbia! When I was younger, I made many trips to the former Yugoslavia...Belgrade, in particular, is memorable to me. But again, kudos on the reviews, I very much appreciate your commentary on products and the way you listen to how you listen to gear. I'd be curious to know what kinds of music you use to audition gear.
Glad it made an impact, I'm located in the Belgrade and it is an interesting city. As for the music I use, I like blues, rock, jazz, pop... Electronics sometime (Daft Punk for example). I don't really listen to classical music, maybe few times a year. Sometimes I put a suggestion for a song in the video, I'll try to do that more regularly. Cheers!
@@iiWiReviews I loved traveling all over there, through Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia/Herzegovina - i never got down to Montenegro but, maybe one day. I actually did catch a reference to a recording in a video I watched subsequent to this comment. I just love discovering new music....and it's also helpful to have references to certain sounds, certain music passages and instruments etc. that you use to test equipment. Cheers!
I want to thank you for this great work ! I really can hear on Chord Hugo 2 what you describe for Chord Qtest and that's why this video is so useful for me. Considering how hard it is to communicate what can be heard through audio gears, I strongly appreciate that you succeed so well in this aspect.
I only discovered your channel a few weeks ago, and I'm really impressed by the way you can put sound and music into words. One question... sorry, I might have missed it at the beginning of the video (and I looked again)... did you say before your sound description that you were testing the chord with a linear power supply? At least at the end, I think that everything you say refers to the test with the linear power supply. Because the cheap switch mode power supply is only mentioned by you at the end as the sonically inferior option in the comparison. Your comparison refers to the strong analytical sides of the chord, which are then reduced. But on the other hand, does everything become poorer or does the cheap power supply provide a little more timbre and tone, the characteristics that you like so much about the Ares2?
Odlično poređenje, potpisujem! Trenutno imam 3 različita DAC-a: Denafrips Ares II, Denafrips Terminator i Accuphase DAC-50 (modul u mom Accuphase E-480 pojačalu). Imam namjeru zadržati samo jednu DAC opciju, ali nakon višemjesečnog slušanja i komparacija, gotovo da je nemoguće odlučiti se koju, naročito ako se imaju i vidu različite cjenovne klase. Accuphase DAC-50 (duplo skuplji od Ares II) je najpraktičnija solucija, naginje Quest zvuku, ali mu nedostaje ono što je posebna Ares II zvučna signatura. Denafrips Terminator objedinjuje sve to na jedan fantastičan način (+ diže sve na kvadrat), doista jedan ultimativni high-end DAC! No, duplo je skuplji nego ova dva zajedno. Dakle, muka živa... Pozdrav iz Švedske!
This is the best comparison I have seen for these 2 DACs so far. I am considering these two and your explanation really clarifies which one I would prefer. Now the Qutest has increased its price to the US $1,945.00. So at this, price I would really like see your take on the Pontus II, which would still be cheaper at US $1810.00
Basses on Chord DACs are the most precise I've ever heard, no matter the price range. The definition on treble can be a little disturbing on some tracks but the general quality is very high. A good quality power supply definitely makes difference. On the other hand the Denafrips has a smoothness that's difficult to rival. Great review.
You wasn't joking about the improvement in sound with the Shanti power supply on the Qutest, I was lucky enough to grab one recently and was pleasantly surprised.
This is a great review, the first one I've seen where I feel like I can actually conceptualize how it will sound properly. The comparison with the Ares II was very helpful and actually gave me insight on how both DACs sound. Thanks !
iiWi, You have done it again. The major reviewers need to take a message out of your playbook. You have a way to convey and put sound into words with emotion, without all of the Word Salad!!!
I have one (Chord Qutest purchased in mint condition for a lot less than the retail price - owned for approx' 18 months) with an already great system and I can DEFINITELY recommend at LEAST trying one; Easy to set up / use. Changing to each of the 4 filter settings really does make it able to get the sound 'you' want (in my experience)... you can get detail AND warmth via the 3rd, or 4th filter setting) and most important of all... for an out of the box component it is (in my opinion) excellent and gets a coinsiderable amount more from your system... ultimately though and is often the way, a lot depends on 'your' system.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍👍💪Congratulations you have described this component so accurately you really do have a way with words excellent I feel like I’ve heard it in person thanks to you best review so far congrats a big fan of yours stevecostello💪
I agree with your value/ratio thinking both for the reasons you mentioned and for one other reason. DACs are getting better and cheaper each year. I see no reason to overspend today when tomorrow you may well be trading up again.
Thank You for this comparison. I'm thinking of buying one of this two boys. Thanks a lot to show me the diferences between Ares II and Qutest, now I'm little bit more confused :). Maybe it's not about DACs but I'm a happy owner od Dayens Menuetto amplifier which came to me directly from Serbia! Thanks and please, keep doing your reviews, I love them!
I highly recommend trying Audio-gd R2R DACs. I have the Ares II and a discontinued DAC-19 that trounces it in everything (clarity, tone, timbre, soundstage) and at a slightly lesser price. The current Audio-gd R-1 is $900 and should be a good comparison.
Actually, I think there is a certain wisdom behind the Chord color-based selection scheme. You hear audiophiles always talking about the problem of objectivity due to their impression of what sounds good being skewed by KNOWING what settings they are listening to. Well, with the color coding, if you never take a peek at the color-coding key, the only thing you have to tell you what sounds best is YOUR EARS! So actually, the color-coded selection are quite clever, in that respect.
My subjective experience is different, FWIW here is my two cents. I owned the Denafrips for several months and listened to it daily. Emphasizing again this is my own subjective reaction to it, I found over a period of time a creeping dissatisfaction with the sound that was not part of my initial reaction to it. It simply annoyed me. Something about it was just not right. Eventually, I could not stand to listen to it at all. At that point I considered my options carefully and after a lot of research, decided to try the Chord Qutest. I liked it from the start and after many months I still like it. It’s not exactly a matter of detail but the sound is properly organized whereas my perception of the Ares’ sound is that it isn’t. I am using the cheap power supply that came with the Qutest, but I also have a high quality power conditioner and I have invested in good cables in the system. The most expensive cable is the digital coax (Audioquest Diamond), which contrary to much controversy, is the single upgrade that made the most startling difference with both DACs (Its retail cost is higher than the Denfrips). Of course it is unfair as you point out to compare the Denafrips directly to the Qutest given the price difference. My subjective evaluation is differs from yours however, in that I consider the Qutest using the switching supply that comes with it to be a very significant upgrade from the Ares. My own personal judgment is that the Qutest is the minimum acceptable level of performance acceptable for me. It is an accurate DAC that does not (for me) become fatiguing over time, whereas the Ares did not stand the test of time with respect to listening satisfaction. That is a very different perception, sad and unfair though it may be that the entry level to long-term listening satisfaction seems to begin at the Qutest’s price point. That power supply upgrade you reviewed sounds like a real find and an outstanding bargain given it can power both a DAC and streamer. Good job on that!
I have the Qutest along with another DAC that is much more revealing and agree with you that the Qutest is much easier to listen to for any extended length of time.
Love your way to speak and communicate. Good and clear. Like you think exacly like most of us. about dacs, I’d like to try Denafrips but is not possible. So, buying something without this step, plus near 800€ without a local support.....it’s not my way to GO on. so, I’m look to Metrum dac like Amethyst....
Great review as usual & really like your format. Hope in the future you could review multibit/R2R DAC from Schiit & Audio-GD around the same price of the Denafrips & Chord.
Great review. After watching the sound demo video. You can hear everything you explained in this review quite easily. Even through mobile phone with headphones. Keep up the great work. Cheers from Australia.
Great review. Are u thinking about getting a topping pre90 to review? I'm curious to know how a dedicated pre amp for a dac would act...especially with the denafrips ares ii.
This review basically nailed down what i will get. I was on the fence between the ares and the Qutest but i could not get the Ares for a test drive but i could get the Qutest from MusicDirect. That said, this review basically answered my questions on the Ares. I have the same speakers you do (LS50) and I believe I have a quite a resolving system. I have SS amps and Tube Pre. I prefer resolving systems, able to hear distinct information on The recording. I use a MACBook Pro (2019) running Tidal + Roon and schitt Modius and I really feel that the modius is not resolving enough for me. I have a semi dedicated listening room with lots of treatments, thereby able to hear the nuances of the music. This is what i want and willing to go for. For the price, well i do know that’s its nearly double the price, but i tend to run them for a decade before i change things.
Thank you. I do have the Qutest, and after your review I will stay with it. Also I because have a Sbooster behind it. When I connected the Sbooster, I was amazed of the growth of the soundstage. And you are right, very, very precise soundstage. And also very good to follow all the slashes of a drummer/ drumsolo...for example. Very quick sound.
Good review. I'm looking at getting the Chord and price is an issue, albeit not the most important. I'm with you, I wouldn't pay full price, it would need to be part of a deal.
Though this is a 3 year old review, it is still relevant today. The reviewer is right on the money about the chord qutest. Since purchasing a slightly used cutest that came with an upgraded ifi elite power supply at a very good price, I feel that I made an excellent choice. There are so many choices in this price range. And, I have to admit that I am skeptical buying an expensive dac from China for the same reasons explained by the reviewer. But, if you find the cutest on the used market for around half the price, it can't be beat for all the accurate sonic reasons he described. A good dac requires a good system, and visa versa. The cutest may be long in the tooth, but it's still is an unbeatable dac for its accuracy. Thanks to this reviewer for helping me make the right choice.
The Qutest seems to fluctuate in price quite a bit. I picked mine up for $1400 USD. Three months later it jumped to $1900. I've seen it go up and down from $1700 to $2100. If you want the Qutest just keep an eye on it bc the price changes often and by quite a bit.
Nice review. Qutest+PSU is more in price range of Denafrips Pontus... UK have a denafrips dealer (willow tree) - whether that's open to EU customers I don't know...
Thanks a lot for a very good review and interesting comparison. I’ve had the Chord Qutest for some time now coupled with a Bluesound Node 2i streamer and am very happy with it. I use it with the supplied power chord. Which power supply or Chord would you recommend to upgrade it? Best regards. Ignacio
Thoughtful review that covers all the important bases. Regarding price performance, perhaps a better comparison would be with the Denafrips Pontus II which is around US$1700 at time of writing (July 2021) - it would give Cutest/Allo Shanti a run for their money.
My friend with Qutest upgraded to Schumann because its simply richer and more natural sounding. Qutest is more analytical but lacks tone timbre, textured, and palpability compared to Schumann. Tradutto is in the same league as Qutest. Less 3D but fuller and punchier. Still not a match for the Schumann.
@iiWiReviews. Hi there.Came across Your old Review. What I understood from it is that You thought the sound of the Chord Qutest with a linear power supply was excellent, but it was not worth 2000 dollars. My Question is in 2024 the Chord Qutest with an External power supply is available for just around a 1000 dollars and at that price it is cheaper than the Gustard R26, A26 and denafrips ares 12 - 1. At the present prices of the qutest Would You prefer the Qutest with LPS over Gustard R26, Gustard A26 and the Denafrips ares 12-1 only on sound Quality alone for a Neutral to Warm Stereo setup and Why?
To be fair, a more interesting comparison for Qutest+PSU would be with the entry level Audiobyte Black Dragon. Both based on fpga (obviously different implementation), that one has class A output stage and linear PSU build in and is around 1900 Euros, vs 2000 for the Qutest+ For 1000 Euros you got ADI-2 FS. Produced in Germany so no taxes in Europe, not huge expenses if you need to send it back, general consent is it comes a little short in sound quality, but just a little, but with huge amount of options.
Great description. I haven’t heard the Ares 2 but I have heard the Chord DACs up to Dave and have owned several R2R DACs including a NOS Goldmund and Schiit Yggdrasil A2. Currently running a Mola Mola Tambaqui which provides the detail, speed and space of the Dave and the tonality of the best R2R DACs I have heard.
I don't have much money, so I often use my Anker powerbank which is basically a battery, instead of a linear power supply. It's maximum output is 18 Watts and so I've used it with three different dac/amps. You can totally tell the difference it makes and it lasts up to 8 hours. The only downside is it takes hours to recharge. Anyway I paid £20 for it, if anyone is interested.
@@iiWiReviews Powerbank is not good in the quality of power source because the using boosted circuit to change the 3.7V of the lithum Bateery to 5V, that take a lot of ripple.
Congratulations, you're very good at describing your feelings as they relate to the gear used. This is actually very difficult to accomplish and you aced it. I'm a fan of your reviewing style.
great review.I appreciate the candor. I am considering a pontus which is about the same price as the cutest.I wonder if the pontus would have the detail of the qutest?
Hello, thanks for this magic review. I like when music is embodied and soulful and I listen to jazz and rock. As i have a musical fidelity ms2i amp with Wharfedale denton 85 speakers, would you recommend me the Denafrip or do you think it is too hot for this partnering and I should should the Qutest ? (a lot of second test Qutest for 600 bucks available in France now)
I think you can put both in that system with good results. Ares II is not to warm sounding but it is warmer than Qutest. If you want to increase detail level and grip in your system then try Qutest. If you don't like it, you can always sell it at almost no loss (if you buy it second hand).
About MQA…I use Tidal, of course there are some MQA tracks. Does it mean the song will be played on the Tidal HiFi level or how would be the Quality with this Dac?
Hey man. I really love your videos! - You are very very good at explaining all the different aspects of sound quality. You don't dwell on specs and features. You discuss the end result. I think most of us are interested in this approach... "Just give me how does it sounds" - And "How it compares" - By the way, where are you from?
Hello! Great video! I also use Ares II. You say it only needs a power-cord. Would you recommend using expensive dedicated audiophile power cable on this DAC, or do you feel it is no problem to use the "free" cable that comes along? What do You use?
Hi Srboljub, @iiWi Reviews, great review, very clear and hones, much approached, your channel is really non-baised, can i ask which DAC do you recommend for Klpich RP8000P, i am looking for musical tone
Thanks! In that case I would go for some kind of Multibit DAC... Starting with Schiit Modi Multibit as the cheapest option, or Bifrost as the more expensive one. Denafrips Ares II is also one of my favorites and I personally use it.
Really great review and details 👏 Would be really fun to see Pontus compare to same price chord and diff on the aries 🎷🎸🌪 To buy dac is so difficult when you cant test them and i think alot of people looking at these dacs and with your detail reviews we can make a better choice . Keep up great work well done 👏 Please let us know what powersupply you use :) extra i think as well some people have problems with a bit sharp and edgy treble how can a dac help and wich one in that case ...
I agree with your assessment. In the UK this would be a great value. It is an awesome product that deserves its accolades. Outside the uk- or in the United States, it has serious competition at lower prices.
Thanks a lot for the review. I am thinking about getting the power supply and a Qutest. However, I notice you also reviewed many other dacs. May I kindly ask which one just gives the best (focused) imaging and sound stage? I listen to instrumental music a lot, so imaging, sound stage, separation are important. Thanks a lot in advance.
Maybe I've missed it, but I believe you did not mention if you use the oversampling or non-oversampling mode of the Ares2? I prefer the oversampling mode with slow filter which to me seemed like it added quite a bit of detail without losing the warm sound. Oh, never mind, I see you already have answered below.
I would gladly try Bifrost 2 if not for very high shipping cost from US to Serbia, and 30% taxes. It would actually sum up to a very similar price as Qutest. Basically, Schiit has great price for US customers but not so much for most of the others. :(
i got a demo of the Aries II and its a game changer. its obscenely good value. it sounds much better than my bryston bcd1 at a much higher price (and that is a brilliant cd player) its really lush and its definitely not a product that is level. buying it your engaging in system tuning so try to get a hands on before you buy. the chord dac on the other hand should work with most things and it has incredible levels of accuracy. violins sound like violins etc
Not as good as the RME ADI-2 dac fs, a Qutest killer. The thing with the power supply is debatable .it depends on the patterning kit. On the rca socket. A bnc is 75ohms and chord may have had dual outputs in mind with m scaler. I would say MQA is liked for catalogue and good as cd / hi res. Bang on with the sound descriptions . You are very good with that. - I agree it outlines the details and soundstage and you’ve got that spot on. Room around instruments.really nice description. The Ares 2 is a tonally thick sound I found.
Old thread but this is still interesting. Wouldn't the rme be more of a benchmark dac3 killer? Both delta sigma designs with low distortion, a preamp function, and the flat soundstage that tends to plague such designs
@@nate_8403 RME is the best one. German make. Precise and excellent soundstage. Otherwise the top integrateds like Hegel or Accuphase would be stellar.
Any owners of an RME ADI-2 fs? Looks like an interested piece of equipment. Any chance you will be able to review this one? @iwiireviews It has also been called a DAC performing above it’s price. Curious about your thoughts! Great review again btw! Really enjoying your videos.
I almost bought a second-hand one recently, but someone grabbed it first. :) If it pops up again, I'll be sure to get it. I have to wait for such deals where I can later resell it at little to no loss, cause the channel is still not big enough to cover me buying everything new and bleeding few hundreds after each resale for the gear I don't keep.
@@iiWiReviews Understandable! I was in exactly the same situation, also wanted to buy it second hand but someone already just bought it before me. Let's hope we will find one in the future! Really curious about its performance.
I've never heard a expensive DAC, also I don't have the opportunity either because of how far I live. How much or better is heard from a d50s (p50) or a su-1 compared to a Ares 2 or Qutest ?
![ARES II vs D90 vs Bifrost 2 vs ADI-2 vs Gungnir vs Qutest [Mega DAC Roundup & Comparison]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/sCP63G8MYOI/mqdefault.jpg)
![ARES II vs D90 vs Bifrost 2 vs ADI-2 vs Gungnir vs Qutest [Mega DAC Roundup & Comparison]](/img/tr.png)
It does not matter if it is a late review. I personally was waiting for you to review any Chord DAC. I am convinced that you are physically gifted with better hearing than most of us. Combined with mature listening skills, your observations and opinion have great value. Thanks for this review.
You just need to be able to identify ADSR -Attack Decay Sustain Rlease- relative to music reproduction.
yes you absolutely have the most terrestrially developed ears from anyone I have experienced! Zivio!
You have a great way of describing listening experience with words, mimic, and gestures. So easy to follow the little nuances you want to bring across. Thanks for your reviews.
The best audiophile channel...
For all the UA-cam reviewers that I follow, your's is the channel that drives some of my buying decisions. I have a Pontus II 12-1 and I love it. I was thinking about a Hugo TT2 because there are occasions when I miss the precise detail (usually found on Chifi). After watching this, I think I will keep my Denafrips. Although, I do wonder if the TT2 with its 100,000 taps vs the Qutest 50,000 taps improves on the lack of richness. Maybe if I have some kind of unexpected windfall of money, I'll buy the TT2 and have both. 🙂
Great review! You are truly becoming more and more professional in your reviews. Congratulations. BTW I agree with your disdain for MQA which has been a disaster for the industry. Keep up the excellent work! Thank you for your efforts
Great review! I bought Qutest 1.5 months ago. I was curious what you would say about its sound, because I have watched all your reviews of the DAC and I totally agree with you. Chord sounds as you say. Greetings!
Good to hear that, I will buy one next year.
This is the second review of yours I have watched. Your reviews are impressive. I have found that you display a much more natural confidence in what you are saying than any of the reviewers I have viewed until now. Thanks for your work!
I see you're in Serbia! When I was younger, I made many trips to the former Yugoslavia...Belgrade, in particular, is memorable to me. But again, kudos on the reviews, I very much appreciate your commentary on products and the way you listen to how you listen to gear. I'd be curious to know what kinds of music you use to audition gear.
Glad it made an impact, I'm located in the Belgrade and it is an interesting city. As for the music I use, I like blues, rock, jazz, pop... Electronics sometime (Daft Punk for example). I don't really listen to classical music, maybe few times a year. Sometimes I put a suggestion for a song in the video, I'll try to do that more regularly. Cheers!
@@iiWiReviews I loved traveling all over there, through Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia/Herzegovina - i never got down to Montenegro but, maybe one day.
I actually did catch a reference to a recording in a video I watched subsequent to this comment. I just love discovering new music....and it's also helpful to have references to certain sounds, certain music passages and instruments etc. that you use to test equipment.
Cheers!
I want to thank you for this great work ! I really can hear on Chord Hugo 2 what you describe for Chord Qtest and that's why this video is so useful for me. Considering how hard it is to communicate what can be heard through audio gears, I strongly appreciate that you succeed so well in this aspect.
I only discovered your channel a few weeks ago, and I'm really impressed by the way you can put sound and music into words.
One question... sorry, I might have missed it at the beginning of the video (and I looked again)... did you say before your sound description that you were testing the chord with a linear power supply? At least at the end, I think that everything you say refers to the test with the linear power supply. Because the cheap switch mode power supply is only mentioned by you at the end as the sonically inferior option in the comparison. Your comparison refers to the strong analytical sides of the chord, which are then reduced. But on the other hand, does everything become poorer or does the cheap power supply provide a little more timbre and tone, the characteristics that you like so much about the Ares2?
Odlično poređenje, potpisujem! Trenutno imam 3 različita DAC-a: Denafrips Ares II, Denafrips Terminator i Accuphase DAC-50 (modul u mom Accuphase E-480 pojačalu). Imam namjeru zadržati samo jednu DAC opciju, ali nakon višemjesečnog slušanja i komparacija, gotovo da je nemoguće odlučiti se koju, naročito ako se imaju i vidu različite cjenovne klase. Accuphase DAC-50 (duplo skuplji od Ares II) je najpraktičnija solucija, naginje Quest zvuku, ali mu nedostaje ono što je posebna Ares II zvučna signatura. Denafrips Terminator objedinjuje sve to na jedan fantastičan način (+ diže sve na kvadrat), doista jedan ultimativni high-end DAC! No, duplo je skuplji nego ova dva zajedno. Dakle, muka živa... Pozdrav iz Švedske!
This is the best comparison I have seen for these 2 DACs so far. I am considering these two and your explanation really clarifies which one I would prefer. Now the Qutest has increased its price to the US $1,945.00. So at this, price I would really like see your take on the Pontus II, which would still be cheaper at US $1810.00
Basses on Chord DACs are the most precise I've ever heard, no matter the price range. The definition on treble can be a little disturbing on some tracks but the general quality is very high. A good quality power supply definitely makes difference. On the other hand the Denafrips has a smoothness that's difficult to rival. Great review.
Great review, you are top of the game!
Amazing review and a precise clear description. Subscribed!
You wasn't joking about the improvement in sound with the Shanti power supply on the Qutest, I was lucky enough to grab one recently and was pleasantly surprised.
Glad you like it. 👍 I joke a lot on this channel but never when I'm describing the sound.
This is a great review, the first one I've seen where I feel like I can actually conceptualize how it will sound properly. The comparison with the Ares II was very helpful and actually gave me insight on how both DACs sound. Thanks !
iiWi, You have done it again. The major reviewers need to take a message out of your playbook. You have a way to convey and put sound into words with emotion, without all of the Word Salad!!!
Very good review and comparison between the Quetest and theDenafrips Area II. TQ.
Wonderful review!! I just ordered the Denafrips.
Qutest way better
I have one (Chord Qutest purchased in mint condition for a lot less than the retail price - owned for approx' 18 months) with an already great system and I can DEFINITELY recommend at LEAST trying one; Easy to set up / use. Changing to each of the 4 filter settings really does make it able to get the sound 'you' want (in my experience)... you can get detail AND warmth via the 3rd, or 4th filter setting) and most important of all... for an out of the box component it is (in my opinion) excellent and gets a coinsiderable amount more from your system... ultimately though and is often the way, a lot depends on 'your' system.
Love your reviews. So thorough and put in many perspectives. Thanks
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍👍💪Congratulations you have described this component so accurately you really do have a way with words excellent I feel like I’ve heard it in person thanks to you best review so far congrats a big fan of yours stevecostello💪
I agree with your value/ratio thinking both for the reasons you mentioned and for one other reason. DACs are getting better and cheaper
each year. I see no reason to overspend today when tomorrow you may well be trading up again.
Thank You for this comparison. I'm thinking of buying one of this two boys. Thanks a lot to show me the diferences between Ares II and Qutest, now I'm little bit more confused :). Maybe it's not about DACs but I'm a happy owner od Dayens Menuetto amplifier which came to me directly from Serbia! Thanks and please, keep doing your reviews, I love them!
Based on the amplifier you have from Serbia I would go with denafrapps Aries you already have a very clean amplifier I think it will be too much
Thoroughly enjoyed the comparison , keep going
Nice review.
And a very good last thoughts talking about the warranty. I also add another Qutest "advantage" that is the tremendous build quality.
I highly recommend trying Audio-gd R2R DACs. I have the Ares II and a discontinued DAC-19 that trounces it in everything (clarity, tone, timbre, soundstage) and at a slightly lesser price. The current Audio-gd R-1 is $900 and should be a good comparison.
Actually, I think there is a certain wisdom behind the Chord color-based selection scheme. You hear audiophiles always talking about the problem of objectivity due to their impression of what sounds good being skewed by KNOWING what settings they are listening to. Well, with the color coding, if you never take a peek at the color-coding key, the only thing you have to tell you what sounds best is YOUR EARS! So actually, the color-coded selection are quite clever, in that respect.
Hi Srboljub, congrats for the 10K subs milestone! I like your takes on so many audio devices, nice reviews btw! Great job!
Thank you. Love your reviewing style. Great video. I’ll be getting the Qutest.
My subjective experience is different, FWIW here is my two cents. I owned the Denafrips for several months and listened to it daily. Emphasizing again this is my own subjective reaction to it, I found over a period of time a creeping dissatisfaction with the sound that was not part of my initial reaction to it. It simply annoyed me. Something about it was just not right. Eventually, I could not stand to listen to it at all. At that point I considered my options carefully and after a lot of research, decided to try the Chord Qutest. I liked it from the start and after many months I still like it. It’s not exactly a matter of detail but the sound is properly organized whereas my perception of the Ares’ sound is that it isn’t. I am using the cheap power supply that came with the Qutest, but I also have a high quality power conditioner and I have invested in good cables in the system. The most expensive cable is the digital coax (Audioquest Diamond), which contrary to much controversy, is the single upgrade that made the most startling difference with both DACs (Its retail cost is higher than the Denfrips). Of course it is unfair as you point out to compare the Denafrips directly to the Qutest given the price difference. My subjective evaluation is differs from yours however, in that I consider the Qutest using the switching supply that comes with it to be a very significant upgrade from the Ares. My own personal judgment is that the Qutest is the minimum acceptable level of performance acceptable for me. It is an accurate DAC that does not (for me) become fatiguing over time, whereas the Ares did not stand the test of time with respect to listening satisfaction. That is a very different perception, sad and unfair though it may be that the entry level to long-term
listening satisfaction seems to begin at the Qutest’s price point. That power supply upgrade you reviewed sounds like a real find and an outstanding bargain given it can power both a DAC and streamer. Good job on that!
I have the Qutest along with another DAC that is much more revealing and agree with you that the Qutest is much easier to listen to for any extended length of time.
Love your way to speak and communicate. Good and clear. Like you think exacly like most of us. about dacs, I’d like to try Denafrips but is not possible. So, buying something without this step, plus near 800€ without a local support.....it’s not my way to GO on. so, I’m look to Metrum dac like Amethyst....
Wow what a review! Great job!
Great review as usual & really like your format. Hope in the future you could review multibit/R2R DAC from Schiit & Audio-GD around the same price of the Denafrips & Chord.
Great review - thanks! I'll be listening to the qutest and denafrips pontus 2 for the next few weeks
Thanks a lot for this video. You have an amazing ear and are also very capable of concentrating on important information.
Great review.
After watching the sound demo video. You can hear everything you explained in this review quite easily. Even through mobile phone with headphones.
Keep up the great work.
Cheers from Australia.
Well articulated review sir, thank you
Great review… earned a new subscriber here! Looking forward to more videos.
Great review. Are u thinking about getting a topping pre90 to review? I'm curious to know how a dedicated pre amp for a dac would act...especially with the denafrips ares ii.
I really like your work. Great reviews and good information.
This review basically nailed down what i will get. I was on the fence between the ares and the Qutest but i could not get the Ares for a test drive but i could get the Qutest from MusicDirect. That said, this review basically answered my questions on the Ares. I have the same speakers you do (LS50) and I believe I have a quite a resolving system. I have SS amps and Tube Pre. I prefer resolving systems, able to hear distinct information on The recording. I use a MACBook Pro (2019) running Tidal + Roon and schitt Modius and I really feel that the modius is not resolving enough for me. I have a semi dedicated listening room with lots of treatments, thereby able to hear the nuances of the music. This is what i want and willing to go for. For the price, well i do know that’s its nearly double the price, but i tend to run them for a decade before i change things.
Don't get Qutest. Get something else if you crave for real feel in music. To analitical and distracting without dinamic.
Great Comparison. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for your honest review!
Thank you. I do have the Qutest, and after your review I will stay with it. Also I because have a Sbooster behind it. When I connected the Sbooster, I was amazed of the growth of the soundstage. And you are right, very, very precise soundstage. And also very good to follow all the slashes of a drummer/ drumsolo...for example. Very quick sound.
Good review. I'm looking at getting the Chord and price is an issue, albeit not the most important. I'm with you, I wouldn't pay full price, it would need to be part of a deal.
For 5v you don't need linear supply. It cam be got through 4xAA rechargeable batteries at much much lesser cost.
Though this is a 3 year old review, it is still relevant today. The reviewer is right on the money about the chord qutest.
Since purchasing a slightly used cutest that came with an upgraded ifi elite power supply at a very good price, I feel that I made an excellent choice.
There are so many choices in this price range. And, I have to admit that I am skeptical buying an expensive dac from China for the same reasons explained by the reviewer.
But, if you find the cutest on the used market for around half the price, it can't be beat for all the accurate sonic reasons he described. A good dac requires a good system, and visa versa. The cutest may be long in the tooth, but it's still is an unbeatable dac for its accuracy. Thanks to this reviewer for helping me make the right choice.
What power supply upgrade was used for testing the Qutest? Thanks and I enjoy your reviews!
denafrips has a re-seller in Germany, the guy has a youtube channel, very nice German guy.
Great review! Lovely KEF speakers too.
Excellent. Very articulate comparison.
The Qutest seems to fluctuate in price quite a bit. I picked mine up for $1400 USD. Three months later it jumped to $1900. I've seen it go up and down from $1700 to $2100. If you want the Qutest just keep an eye on it bc the price changes often and by quite a bit.
Nice review. Qutest+PSU is more in price range of Denafrips Pontus... UK have a denafrips dealer (willow tree) - whether that's open to EU customers I don't know...
Qutest vs Pontus. That would be right battle.
Thanks a lot for a very good review and interesting comparison. I’ve had the Chord Qutest for some time now coupled with a Bluesound Node 2i streamer and am very happy with it. I use it with the supplied power chord. Which power supply or Chord would you recommend to upgrade it? Best regards. Ignacio
This was much awaited video. Cheers
Very informative. Thanks !
Thoughtful review that covers all the important bases. Regarding price performance, perhaps a better comparison would be with the Denafrips Pontus II which is around US$1700 at time of writing (July 2021) - it would give Cutest/Allo Shanti a run for their money.
Good review again
How does the ladder Schumann compare to the qutest? Also the earman tradutto?
My friend with Qutest upgraded to Schumann because its simply richer and more natural sounding. Qutest is more analytical but lacks tone timbre, textured, and palpability compared to Schumann.
Tradutto is in the same league as Qutest. Less 3D but fuller and punchier. Still not a match for the Schumann.
@@iiWiReviews thanks for this I appreciate you and your videos. One of the best reviewers on UA-cam as far as I'm concerned.
A really good review, thanks i enjoyed your opion
How does the DAC in your Hegel compare to these? The DAC in the Hegel is supposed to be very good. Especially in the latest H95.
It's better.
I compared the Hegel 120 to the Ares II. As a consequence, I sold the Ares since it did not sound any better than the Hegel...
Just acquired a Qutest with Sbooster power supply.... the quality of presentation and soundstaging is just on another level
@iiWiReviews. Hi there.Came across Your old Review. What I understood from it is that You thought the sound of the Chord Qutest with a linear power supply was excellent, but it was not worth 2000 dollars. My Question is in 2024 the Chord Qutest with an External power supply is available for just around a 1000 dollars and at that price it is cheaper than the Gustard R26, A26 and denafrips ares 12 - 1. At the present prices of the qutest Would You prefer the Qutest with LPS over Gustard R26, Gustard A26 and the Denafrips ares 12-1 only on sound Quality alone for a Neutral to Warm Stereo setup and Why?
Good comparison. many thanks
Great review as usual, now wondering about quttest vs RME.
To be fair, a more interesting comparison for Qutest+PSU would be with the entry level Audiobyte Black Dragon. Both based on fpga (obviously different implementation), that one has class A output stage and linear PSU build in and is around 1900 Euros, vs 2000 for the Qutest+
For 1000 Euros you got ADI-2 FS. Produced in Germany so no taxes in Europe, not huge expenses if you need to send it back, general consent is it comes a little short in sound quality, but just a little, but with huge amount of options.
Great description. I haven’t heard the Ares 2 but I have heard the Chord DACs up to Dave and have owned several R2R DACs including a NOS Goldmund and Schiit Yggdrasil A2. Currently running a Mola Mola Tambaqui which provides the detail, speed and space of the Dave and the tonality of the best R2R DACs I have heard.
Mola Mola is about 10 times the price of Aries 😅
I don't have much money, so I often use my Anker powerbank which is basically a battery, instead of a linear power supply. It's maximum output is 18 Watts and so I've used it with three different dac/amps. You can totally tell the difference it makes and it lasts up to 8 hours. The only downside is it takes hours to recharge. Anyway I paid £20 for it, if anyone is interested.
The battery is definitely one way to go and certainly better than any freebie switching power supply. I just don't like the charging part.
@@iiWiReviews Powerbank is not good in the quality of power source because the using boosted circuit to change the 3.7V of the lithum Bateery to 5V, that take a lot of ripple.
@@iiWiReviews of course ,I think the 4xAA rechargable battery maybe is a good idea.
Congratulations, you're very good at describing your feelings as they relate to the gear used. This is actually very difficult to accomplish and you aced it. I'm a fan of your reviewing style.
great review.I appreciate the candor. I am considering a pontus which is about the same price as the cutest.I wonder if the pontus would have the detail of the qutest?
I haven't heard the Pontus but I'm wondering the same thing. Would like to try it one day...
At last! The comparison I was looking for! Great work 👍
Great video,and very interesting points covered.
Thanks for that! Exactly what I was looking for. Hope to see a comparison with Schiit Bifrost or Burson Composer dacs!
Hello, thanks for this magic review. I like when music is embodied and soulful and I listen to jazz and rock. As i have a musical fidelity ms2i amp with Wharfedale denton 85 speakers, would you recommend me the Denafrip or do you think it is too hot for this partnering and I should should the Qutest ? (a lot of second test Qutest for 600 bucks available in France now)
I think you can put both in that system with good results. Ares II is not to warm sounding but it is warmer than Qutest. If you want to increase detail level and grip in your system then try Qutest. If you don't like it, you can always sell it at almost no loss (if you buy it second hand).
About MQA…I use Tidal, of course there are some MQA tracks. Does it mean the song will be played on the Tidal HiFi level or how would be the Quality with this Dac?
Yes, it would be played at the HiFi level that tops at 24bit/48kHz on Tidal.
Hey man. I really love your videos! - You are very very good at explaining all the different aspects of sound quality. You don't dwell on specs and features. You discuss the end result. I think most of us are interested in this approach... "Just give me how does it sounds" - And "How it compares" - By the way, where are you from?
Thanks! Glad you like it. I'm from Serbia, country in the southeast Europe. Cheers!
@@iiWiReviews Cool, thanks! - I was guessing Italy because your accent reminds me of Italians speaking English. :)
Great Review!
RME vs Qutest? I think RME will have a more revealing sound and bigger sound stage?
Hello! Great video! I also use Ares II. You say it only needs a power-cord. Would you recommend using expensive dedicated audiophile power cable on this DAC, or do you feel it is no problem to use the "free" cable that comes along? What do You use?
For me, DACs are the only thing that immediately benefit from a better power cable... Not expensive, but shielded at least.
Hi Srboljub, @iiWi Reviews, great review, very clear and hones, much approached, your channel is really non-baised, can i ask which DAC do you recommend for Klpich RP8000P, i am looking for musical tone
Thanks! In that case I would go for some kind of Multibit DAC... Starting with Schiit Modi Multibit as the cheapest option, or Bifrost as the more expensive one. Denafrips Ares II is also one of my favorites and I personally use it.
@@iiWiReviews much appreciated , best review channel
Really great review and details 👏 Would be really fun to see Pontus compare to same price chord and diff on the aries 🎷🎸🌪 To buy dac is so difficult when you cant test them and i think alot of people looking at these dacs and with your detail reviews we can make a better choice . Keep up great work well done 👏
Please let us know what powersupply you use :)
extra
i think as well some people have problems with a bit sharp and edgy treble how can a dac help and wich one in that case ...
I agree with your assessment. In the UK this would be a great value. It is an awesome product that deserves its accolades. Outside the uk- or in the United States, it has serious competition at lower prices.
Thanks a lot for the review. I am thinking about getting the power supply and a Qutest. However, I notice you also reviewed many other dacs. May I kindly ask which one just gives the best (focused) imaging and sound stage? I listen to instrumental music a lot, so imaging, sound stage, separation are important. Thanks a lot in advance.
Amongst all the tested DACs, Qutest is the champion when it comes to imaging, layering, and soundstage.
Hi, thank you for your honest opinion. Regards, Max.
RCA is just a connector type, not a cable. The adapter works very well when you use the expensive coaxials you already own.
Outstanding review. You shared the most critical information with great precision and articulated your perceptions masterfully. Thank you. Bravo!
Any chance of you reviewing Schiit Bifrost 2?
Maybe I've missed it, but I believe you did not mention if you use the oversampling or non-oversampling mode of the Ares2? I prefer the oversampling mode with slow filter which to me seemed like it added quite a bit of detail without losing the warm sound. Oh, never mind, I see you already have answered below.
finally been waiting for this! bifrost 2 should be the middle ground between the 2 in terms of signature and for the same price of ares.
I would gladly try Bifrost 2 if not for very high shipping cost from US to Serbia, and 30% taxes. It would actually sum up to a very similar price as Qutest. Basically, Schiit has great price for US customers but not so much for most of the others. :(
I use a usb battery pack bought from Amazon. And I can use it to also charge my phone
Nice review.
Great review!.. Also, would be great if you could review the Pecan Pie DAC/Streamer.
Is it normal Dac at this price no balanced output? I'm new to this hobby.
i got a demo of the Aries II and its a game changer. its obscenely good value. it sounds much better than my bryston bcd1 at a much higher price (and that is a brilliant cd player) its really lush and its definitely not a product that is level. buying it your engaging in system tuning so try to get a hands on before you buy. the chord dac on the other hand should work with most things and it has incredible levels of accuracy. violins sound like violins etc
Is Aries 2 not accurate?
@@morespinach9832 no it’s accurate but I think it’s warm and lush. It’s my sound I ended up buying a Pontus 2. I really love the denafrips sound
I bought mine new for 1200$ and loving it to bits!
Not as good as the RME ADI-2 dac fs, a Qutest killer. The thing with the power supply is debatable .it depends on the patterning kit. On the rca socket. A bnc is 75ohms and chord may have had dual outputs in mind with m scaler. I would say MQA is liked for catalogue and good as cd / hi res.
Bang on with the sound descriptions . You are very good with that. - I agree it outlines the details and soundstage and you’ve got that spot on. Room around instruments.really nice description. The Ares 2 is a tonally thick sound I found.
In what sense? what are the sonic differences between these two?
fiogray see review / website
Old thread but this is still interesting. Wouldn't the rme be more of a benchmark dac3 killer? Both delta sigma designs with low distortion, a preamp function, and the flat soundstage that tends to plague such designs
@@nate_8403 RME is the best one. German make. Precise and excellent soundstage. Otherwise the top integrateds like Hegel or Accuphase would be stellar.
Any owners of an RME ADI-2 fs? Looks like an interested piece of equipment. Any chance you will be able to review this one? @iwiireviews It has also been called a DAC performing above it’s price. Curious about your thoughts! Great review again btw! Really enjoying your videos.
I almost bought a second-hand one recently, but someone grabbed it first. :) If it pops up again, I'll be sure to get it. I have to wait for such deals where I can later resell it at little to no loss, cause the channel is still not big enough to cover me buying everything new and bleeding few hundreds after each resale for the gear I don't keep.
@@iiWiReviews Understandable! I was in exactly the same situation, also wanted to buy it second hand but someone already just bought it before me. Let's hope we will find one in the future! Really curious about its performance.
I've never heard a expensive DAC, also I don't have the opportunity either because of how far I live. How much or better is heard from a d50s (p50) or a su-1 compared to a Ares 2 or Qutest ?
Would love so see a Video/review about the DAC SMSL M400. Gz from Germany
Granted :) ua-cam.com/video/rbbSBWLiS5c/v-deo.html
So would you say the the Ares II make instruments more real sounding ?
Thank you !
Subscribed
It makes them more palpable and closer sounding... So in a sense you could say it feels more real.
@@iiWiReviews yeah I was talking more about Timbre. Thanks man.
Great channel. Subscribed !