Rob Watts
Member of the Trade: Chord Electronics
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- Apr 1, 2014
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The DSD filters in 2 Qute sound much smoother, with better instrument separation and focus than Qute EX DSD filter.
Rob
Rob
+1
I understand that DSD is the 2Qute's most compromised aspect.....
The DSD filters in 2 Qute sound much smoother, with better instrument separation and focus than Qute EX DSD filter.
Rob
Its the same code for Hugo and 2 Qute - the only change is simple control logic, so all of the audio is identical to Hugo. Even the analogue circuitry is the same, as it has the same discrete Class A OP stage too, as this offers lower THD than the op-amp OP stage.
Rob
Hello Rob,
to sum up:
2 Qute DAC is as good as Hugo TT DAC and needs neither a special USB cable nor a linear power supply.
Is it correct?
Hi Rob/Head-fiers
I was wondering if you could help. Just purchased the Chord 2Qute which sounds utterly fantastic fed into my Naim Supernait 2. Just really neutral yet exciting. Thoroughly engaging.
I have an Airport Express that I use with the 2Qute, streaming Tidal 16 bit 44.1 KHz files via AirPlay through my iPhone and use a VDH optical lead linking the AE to the 2Qute. The signal is therefore bit perfect apparently as this format is native to AE.
My question is - is this an ideal audiophile set up? Would I have any performance gains from attaching the iPhone directly to the 2Qute via usb or indeed using a MacBook for example via usb?
I seem to be seeing some conflicting information regarding this. I think I'm right in saying that that the 2Qute's clock will all but eliminate jitter from the AE's highly jittery functionality. So if that's the case and I'm feeding it 16 bit 44.1Khz files via AirPlay, won't it be identical to using a fancy alternative digital transport using the same file?
A lot of people here seem to turn their noses up at Airport Express?
No its no way as good as TT, but it is as good as ordinary Hugo. It is better than Hugo with USB when fed from a noisy PC. And you don't need to worry about the PSU, as a car battery feeding 2 Qute has no SQ benefits.
TT has better DAC reference components, and this makes it sound much smoother and warmer, with better instrument focus and separation. Technically, this is due to a reduction in noise floor modulation, and it shows in the measurements - THD and noise is some 4dB lower than Hugo/2 Qute at 3v RMS OP. There are some other benefits with TT due to chassis weight, super caps and the extra batteries. And of course TT can replace your pre-amp too, which gives another big step increase in transparency.
Rob