Chord 2 Qute and 282/200 amp?

Given that the NDX only uses the first few degrees of the volume control, I can't imagine a 2Qute would be an ideal combination. Why not try a Hugo, with it's variable output that can be adjusted for a better match?

Hugo a much better Dac with Naim sources & amplification than 2Qute ime.

G

What about Rothwell in line attenuators?

Bob the Builder posted:

What about Rothwell in line attenuators?

I guess that would work, but I suspect there would be a price to pay in sound quality. 

GraemeH posted:

Hugo a much better Dac with Naim sources & amplification than 2Qute ime.

I wondered where you felt that the Hugo significantly outperformed the 2Qute ("much better"). Chord writes that the 2Qute is a Hugo in Chordette design making me think that the two should sound fairly similar. As I am also thinking about an external DAC for my ND5XS (as indicated in my parallel thread) your insights and first-hand experience would be much appreciated! 

Is it that the 3.0V (3000mV) output of the Chord 2Qute ’swamps’ the 75mV input sensitivity of the Naim pre-amp and sounds loud/harsh compared to a matched output from the Hugo?

Do these CD/DAC output and amplifier input sensitivity mismatches affect sound quality, and is SQ optimised if the signal strength output and amp input sensitivity are better matched. When the mismatch is a factor of 40x in the case 3000mV (or for that matter 28x in the case 2100mV) does SQ suffer?

Timo posted:

GraemeH posted:

Hugo a much better Dac with Naim sources & amplification than 2Qute ime.

I wondered where you felt that the Hugo significantly outperformed the 2Qute ("much better"). Chord writes that the 2Qute is a Hugo in Chordette design making me think that the two should sound fairly similar. As I am also thinking about an external DAC for my ND5XS (as indicated in my parallel thread) your insights and first-hand experience would be much appreciated! 

I used a Hugo, then 2Qute fed from NDX SPDIF. The 2Qute had a 'digital edge' not evident on the Hugo. Adding a linear PS did not solve the issue so I went back to a Hugo.

G

Has anyone actually tried the Chord 2Qute into a Naim Nac?  

i run a 2Qute into a 282 -- while it's true that there isn't a huge amount of travel on the volume knob before things get loud A.F., it's not a big deal. the 2Qute sounds great and is well worth a try.

Thanks joe I have one arriving tomorrow and am looking forward to trying it, not being able to turn the dial up is nothing new I have a Low Output MC  cart and an ND5XS both of which require very little dial action before they become loud and it isn't an issue.

Bob the Builder posted:

Thanks joe I have one arriving tomorrow and am looking forward to trying it, not being able to turn the dial up is nothing new I have a Low Output MC  cart and an ND5XS both of which require very little dial action before they become loud and it isn't an issue.

Please report how you are getting on with your new 2Qute once it is settled in. 

Bob the Builder posted:

Has anyone actually tried the Chord 2Qute into a Naim Nac?  

Mine was into a SN2

G

GraemeH posted:

Bob the Builder posted:

Has anyone actually tried the Chord 2Qute into a Naim Nac?  

Mine was into a SN2

G

Thanks Graeme yes not so much a sensivity issue for you just the fact you found it a bit sibilant I believe.

Timo posted:

Bob the Builder posted:

Thanks joe I have one arriving tomorrow and am looking forward to trying it, not being able to turn the dial up is nothing new I have a Low Output MC  cart and an ND5XS both of which require very little dial action before they become loud and it isn't an issue.

Please report how you are getting on with your new 2Qute once it is settled in. 

Hi Timo,

Yes I will let you know how I get on, thanks for your comments.

Bob the Builder posted:

GraemeH posted:

Bob the Builder posted:

Has anyone actually tried the Chord 2Qute into a Naim Nac?  

Mine was into a SN2

G

Thanks Graeme yes not so much a sensivity issue for you just the fact you found it a bit sibilant I believe.

Yes, and a little flat compared to Hugo.

G

GraemeH posted:

Bob the Builder posted:

GraemeH posted:

Bob the Builder posted:

Has anyone actually tried the Chord 2Qute into a Naim Nac?  

Mine was into a SN2

G

Thanks Graeme yes not so much a sensivity issue for you just the fact you found it a bit sibilant I believe.

Yes, and a little flat compared to Hugo.

G

Have you by any chance given the Hugo TT a trial? 

I use 2 Qute with 52, not too much trouble with volume, if using iTunes, Spotify and others they have their own volume controls. 

Timo posted:

GraemeH posted:

Bob the Builder posted:

GraemeH posted:

Bob the Builder posted:

Has anyone actually tried the Chord 2Qute into a Naim Nac?  

Mine was into a SN2

G

Thanks Graeme yes not so much a sensivity issue for you just the fact you found it a bit sibilant I believe.

Yes, and a little flat compared to Hugo.

G

Have you by any chance given the Hugo TT a trial? 

Yes. Ran one direct into a 250DR for a while. Much like a Hugo with rc convenience.

Much to my surprise I've now settled with the 272/250DR/S400 as a lovely sounding set-up. Might add an XPSDR but not feeling a pressing need just now.

G

Well I'm very, very happy with the Chord 2Qute so far,  sensitivity was not an issue at all and is less of an issue than with my analogue set up. I would say infact the 2 Qute 3v into 75mv Nac 282 issue made so much of in some threads was a complete non issue for me at least and the 2Qute is sounding rather good even with the Flashback bnc/bnc and Chord Crimson phono/din cables I had lying around, listening to Tidal at the moment and it sounds a lot better than the bare ND5XS. Having never heard a Hugo I cannot comment on which is better but if the 2Qute is 'flat' compared to it then it must be a fine machine indeed but for the same cost on the used market the Chord 2Qute has no battery issues and is well, well worth a listen if you are after a Dac.

Great to hear that you are happy with your 2Qute. That's very encouraging. I shall get started with the rowing to keep the wife sweet...  I am actually having an eye on ebay to get a decent used rowing machine for a good price. Every little helps to have a few extra quid in the kitten for the next upgrade... 

How would you describe the improvement from the ND5XS to the 2Qute? Any downside??

Cheers!

Timo

Poor kitten.

G

Timo posted:

Great to hear that you are happy with your 2Qute. That's very encouraging. I shall get started with the rowing to keep the wife sweet...  I am actually having an eye on ebay to get a decent used rowing machine for a good price. Every little helps to have a few extra quid in the kitten for the next upgrade... 

How would you describe the improvement from the ND5XS to the 2Qute? Any downside??

Cheers!

Timo

Timo

My listening with the 2Qute is very limited so far and as yet limited to Tidal although my Mrs who isn't one for over exuberance when it comes to anything HiFi did say it sounded very 'Clear' which I have to say is about as ringing endorsement as you could hope for and also is the kind of economical review some so called experts could do well to adopt.  WhatHifi said it was 'Clear'  HiFi Critic described it as 'Good' that kind of thing wouldn't go amiss if you ask me.

Anyway Timo if you are interested I will keep you updated I have just ordered a Chord Anthem Digital Tuned Aray cable and hopefully a Chord signature Tuned Aray RCA to Din so I will let you know what diffrence these make too but my best advice is to have a listen if You can.

Absolutely -- keep us updated. I am sure lots of ND5XS users will read your comparative observations with much interest!

Cheers, and enjoy!!

One question just occured to me: when used as a transport only, does the ND5XS still benefit much if at all from running 24/7?

I know one black box doesn't make much difference to the bills, but it's this Kantian thing with the categorical imperative. The environment, climate change etc. (Took me actually a while to get used to not swtiching off...)

Update is although I'm still only listening to Internet Radio and Tidal the 2Qute is really starting to warm up listening to Louis Armstrong meets Oscar Peterson on Tidal at the moment and it sounds pretty damn good to me, cant wait to my Chord Signature TA arrive might even inspire me to shell out on some Higher Res downloads.