[chesebert]

NewOntech dac7

 

[Slim1970]

Most of my amps are on the warmer leaning side, I'm looking for something that brings the resolving nature of the Utopias to its fullest extent.

What are some recommendations of a budget 1-2K? I'm thinking a hugo 2 may be the move

Look into the new Flux Labs Mentor. It’s tuned to be more neutral than the other models in their line up and fits within your budget.

 

[Spawn300Z]

Most of my amps are on the warmer leaning side, I'm looking for something that brings the resolving nature of the Utopias to its fullest extent.

What are some recommendations of a budget 1-2K? I'm thinking a hugo 2 may be the move

Hugo 2 with Cayin C9 is a great pairing for the U22. I take the U22 or the Abyss Diana MR on my trips with this setup.

 

[kkrazik2008]

Most of my amps are on the warmer leaning side, I'm looking for something that brings the resolving nature of the Utopias to its fullest extent.

What are some recommendations of a budget 1-2K? I'm thinking a hugo 2 may be the move

I would recommend a DAC change before diving into another amp

 

[meomap]

Most of my amps are on the warmer leaning side, I'm looking for something that brings the resolving nature of the Utopias to its fullest extent.

What are some recommendations of a budget 1-2K? I'm thinking a hugo 2 may be the move

IBasso D16, DAC/ Amp

 

[thecrow]

Most of my amps are on the warmer leaning side, I'm looking for something that brings the resolving nature of the Utopias to its fullest extent.

What are some recommendations of a budget 1-2K? I'm thinking a hugo 2 may be the move

Hugo2 valid option for dac/amp or qutest for just a dac at a cheaper price

 

[djentbat]

Hugo2 valid option for dac/amp or qutest for just a dac at a cheaper price

Is the qutest on the same level of dac as the Hugo 2?

 

[chesebert]

Don’t think you will like Chord dacs with Utopia if you are looking to relax and not get listening fatigue.

 

[djentbat]

Don’t think you will like Chord dacs with Utopia if you are looking to relax and not get listening fatigue.

I feel like my current set up is that. V226 into a bifrost 2/64. The amp is warm leaning and it makes for a really pleasant listen. Or if I swap to my Cayin-HA3 I get a presentation very similar to the 2022 Utopia.

More or less I want to have an alternate system that is more bright and resolving. I remember hearing the chord Hugo 2 with clear mg a few years ago and that was beautiful pairing. With that I was hoping it could extract similar performance with the utopias.

 

[AussieMick]

Is the qutest on the same level of dac as the Hugo 2?

They are the same DAC, but Hugo2 adds the extra functionality. Qutest also has the same filters and the ability to change its output voltage between 1V, 2V and 3V.

For the money you save you lose the 2Go connectivity, volume control, headphone out, and crossfeed.

If you’ve already got an amp and just need the DAC, the Qutest is a cheaper option than Hugo2.

 

[Spawn300Z]

But he can get the Hugo 2 on used market well within his price point.

 

[Progisus]

Don’t think you will like Chord dacs with Utopia if you are looking to relax and not get listening fatigue.

Agreed, my fatigue starts around 8 hour mark.

 

[yrstruly]

Don’t think you will like Chord dacs with Utopia if you are looking to relax and not get listening fatigue.

People listen to the Utopia to relax?!

 

[chesebert]

People listen to the Utopia to relax?!

Yes. Listening to Utopia 2022 is like sitting near field in front of small high end speakers. It’s quite musical, warm and relaxing. You won’t get there with Chord, dCS, MSB, Esoteric, or Bricasti.

 

[chesebert]

Agreed, my fatigue starts around 8 hour mark.

You can listen to Utopia on Chord for 8hrs without EQ? What type of music, how loud do you typically listen at and how old are you if you don’t mind me asking?