Hello All
I have a problem with electrical drop outs (AND I'M NOT EVEN STREAMING!!)
Am I the only one with this problem on here?
Kit:
SN2, 2Qute (using Arcam CD192 as transport) and PMC GB1i speakers
Cables:
TQ Blue digital cable from CD to 2Qute;
Van Den Hul 102D III interconnect from 2Qute to SN2
TQ Black(II) speaker cable
Playing a cd with the TQ digital cable I get a brief drop out whenever switching on/off any electrical equipment (heating thermostat, lights, (un)/plugging other electrical items). Having swopped out each piece of kit for an alternative including another 2Qute, I have identified this is due to the cable between the DAC and CD player. If I swap out the TQ digital interconnect for an analogue Atlas Equator III interconnect the glitch disappears but I also loose some sound quality.
I have 2 questions:
1. For those using a 2Qute or Hugo, what interconnect are you using / do you recommend for this set up?
(A dealer has stated he is aware of similar drop out issues between Naim and Chord DACs (and Naim and Sonos) although I don't recall reading about any on here).
2. Which way should I jump?
I want to upgrade my DAC and transport, but can only upgrade one at a time due to funds.
Thinking about a part exchanging the 2Qute for a Hugo2 keeping the possibility of streaming in the future (which seems inevitable...)
Upgrading the transport is problematic because there don't seem to be many about these days.
Having borrowed a Moon Neo 260D transport I hear a decent improvement in sound from the Moon using the TQ digital + 2Qute but for similar money I could opt for a CD5X as transport or go second hand for a Naim CD player (but Ebay feels risky). Would welcome your suggestions. Thanks.
Posted on: 16 June 2017 by yeti42
I tried a 2qute from a Core into a 500 series (for a temporary set up while I ripped my CDs) using Rega Shawline digital cable, no dropouts and plenty of PRAT but devoid of emotion. I had a Belden 4794R (from Blue Jeans cable) to hand and substituting it for the Shawline delivered some of the lacking emotion. In the end I decided a Rega DAC with the belden would do until I can investigate Dave vs NDS and whatever floats to the surface when the time comes.
The Chord DACs are best pluged in a different ring or spur from the Naim boxes because of their SMPS, if on the same spur they're reputed to upset the Naim stuff but I've never heard of dropouts being the symptom.
Not that relevant but no one else seems to have a clue and it keeps the topic alive.
Posted on: 17 June 2017 by 1GiantLeap
To Yeti, thank you for taking the time to reply to my message and for your thoughts which are noted.
Everyone seems to be mystified with the drop out issue - including my dealer - whom I visited on Friday with all of my kit. My dealer could only suggest I borrow an Isotec mains conditioner to try to rectify the problem (which I declined).
As stated, I have been trialling a Moon Neo 260D cd transport and DAC with the view that if this outperforms the Arcam and 2Qute I would sell both on and upgrade as both the Arcam CD player and 2Qute DAC are working perfectly. The Moon Neo did sound better, however... when I then compared the Moon's onboard DAC with the 2Qute DAC both the dealer and I agreed the 2Qute was clearly better.... which sent me back to the drawing board. It also proved the value of having a good transport as the 2Qute sounded better with the Moon as transport
It was at this point that I asked to hear a CDX2 which was winking at me from the corner of the room. I've not heard one before, so.... to satisfy my curiosity, I swapped in the CDX2 (paired with my SN2, PMC GB1i's). i.e. basically a very simple system for playing cds. My goal is to invest in a decent cd player that will last years and years as I am loyal to the whole cd experience and will always enjoy the ritual of putting on a cd. (I'm aware I'm in a very very small minority here).
Anyway... I open the little cd drawer, place a cd in the tray and attach the little magnetic puck and press 'play'. I hear a wonderful, full sound emanating from the PMCs with bass detail that I'd not heard before. Have to say I was smitten and will now be buying a CDX2 when the rest of the world seems to be making way for streaming kit instead. This would of course also address the drop out problem too. 2Qute going up for sale and I'll be eating supermarket baked beans for the rest of the month to finance the deal.
Posted on: 18 June 2017 by yeti42
"I'll be eating supermarket baked beans for the rest of the month to finance the deal."
That's a terrible price even for a CDX2 but you've at least solved the replay problem and have the natural partner for a SN as a result.
Do try the cable that comes in the box.
