[oniel459]

Currently on the moon 230had and taking advantage of sim audios trade in program

The reason I’m asking my shop to bring in the tt2 as well is because I’m concerned with my inexperience in this price range, and want to make sure I’m covering my basis.

has anyone had experience with both? I’ve researched and found that the 430 goes for the old fashioned power approach and well implemented dac and the tt2 shines with its impressive in house dac and well implemented power.

Also I know the 430 is 6 years old now, and wondering if age is really a concern.

 

[Tanalasta]

Bump. Same question

 

[oniel459]

Bump. Same question

Update on this, I went with the 430. Was able to audition others on top of these as well: the McIntosh MHA150, Hugo 2 and Sony TA-ZH1ES as well.

 

[Roybenz]

Did you compare the TT2 with 430had?

How did the dac parts compare?

 

[Tanalasta]

The TT2 has the (far) superior DAC ; the 430HAD implements the amp and overall package very well.

It comes down to preference as the sound signatures are different.

 

[Roybenz]

@Tanalasta How Would you describe boths signature sounds?

 

[Tanalasta]

Ooo this is testing my audio memory. I auditioned these so long ago and have since sold my Chord TT2 (the price jump over the Hugo2/2Go didn't make sense to own both).

The Moon 430HAD had a warmer, almost analogue sound. There was plenty of power and impact. Full, rich and immersive. The Chord TT2 ... has that X-factor signature Chord sound. Resolution, detail, separation etc... was a definite strength. Very clean sounding in a Chord DAC way It's hard to describe in my sleep deprived state.

 

[oniel459]

Did you compare the TT2 with 430had?

How did the dac parts compare?

I only compared the TT2 to the 230had. Which I personally picked the 230 over it regardless of price. Just using the TT2 alone was very, very frustrating.

That being said, I picked the 430 over the 230 almost immediately. Chord and Sim Audio are definitely different sounds, and the chord sound just isn’t for me.

As for the dac comparisons, yes the TT2 gave more, if not too much, micro details, but didn’t have much body or fullness. Again, great for some, but not my cup of tea.