Sorry to necro on an old thread but I must build on this. I currenly have a Bifrost Multibit (Bimby) and tried a Chord 2qute at a point in time. I couldn't stand it for more than 10 minutes, the only thing it did better was bass. Sure it sounded cleaner (hence the THD+N measurements it...

At the same time though, it was the same (noisy or not) computer used to stream both the standard and upsampled content. In theory, when the content is upsampled the computer gets even noisier. So hearing a better(I know this is subjective) result is even more curious. Last but not least I...

2qute replacement announced: https://chordelectronics.co.uk/product/qutest/ variable output voltage (3V,2V,1V). still no volume control unfortunately. also has strange micro usb power connector, restricting the use of LPSs.

From my experience it depends a lot also on the amplifier. On my Hegel H160 I tried same cable same DAC XLR vs RCA and XLR sounded much better, more dynamic and detailed.    I would suggest doing the same with the X-Sabre and V200. 

I think the xsabre is much better in all ways, except with bright systems and poor recordings.  I had both and dreaded the irDAC, the X-sabre was listenable. 

Well we would agree to disagree. The main difference is that I listened to both while you are simply speculating.  I am trying to pass on my knowledge to the community and you are dismissing my experience based on your assumptions.    Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with users spending...

Because streamer is optimized for one thing only, while PC is a not really optimized for audio. PC optimization is super expensive.   DAC + streamer is always superior due to the end-to-end sound integration from the manufacturer (Naim 172 XS, Marantz NA-11 S1, etc.). While on paper they are...

  It looks like the Weiss is more expensive than the current street price of the M51 (1100 EUR locally). With that being said, it would perhaps be better to invest the money in a better DAC rather than over invest in the converter ?    Also with that money you could find a used streamer...

Perhaps a silly question but has anyone compared the M51 against an integrated streamer such as the Marantz NA-8005 / Pioneer N-70A or even more expensive ones such as Naim NDX / Marantz NA-11S1 ?    I'm wondering whether M51 + proper transport might not end up being more expensive than an...

I was very happy with the Yellowtech Puc 2 Lite when I was using the M51.    Was happy also straight into PC but the USB implementation is rather mediocre. 

Not sure vs HE-400i however vs HE-400 they are much harder to drive.  My Schiit Lyr 2 had no problem however it is a 6W hybrid amp...some have even tried speaker taps into the HE-500.   But it's worth it...

Try the Yellowtec Puc 2 Lite AES>EBU converter, it enables you to use the best input of the M51 (usb is quite average) and increases dynamics and bass quite considerably.    I am a very happy owner. As AES EBU cable I use DH labs D-110, no need to spend more.

Because it requires super high end amplifiers to max out and I'm not in a position to overly invest at this point in time :) 

Totally agree, I have the He-500 and find it totally amazing. HE-400 and 400i don't really measure up. 

  When I had the Xsabre I kept only data + and data - and covered the other pins with tape. Worked well.  Do not expect huge differences though.