I am looking to upgrade soon. There are three possible areas. However, my system first. Bluesound Node 2, Chord Mojo, Naim 282/250.2 with PSU, NACA5 and Dynaudio Focus 160s. Upgrade options are:
Replace Chord Mojo, possibly with Qutest or Schiit Multibit. I like what the Mojo does, it sounds far more natural that some other DACs that I have tried, and the Qutest might lift that a step further.
Have the 250.2 DR’d. However, do not feel this is the weakest part of the system.
Replace the PSU with a HiCap DR. The presentation will change, but Ryder has done loads of research into this, and my interpretation is that it is subjective.
New speakers. I like the Dynaudio house sound. The Focus 160s are excellent. The Special Forty might add a little more, the Contour 20s even more (at a price). But, I suspect that the Focus 160s are doing an ok job.
So, my assessment, is new DAC. What do people think.
Posted on: 24 February 2018 by Sloop John B
The DAC indeed would seem to be the weakest link. It is the first thing I would look at.
Frankly I wouldn’t have expected the mojo to be a significant improvement on the Bluesound node internal DAC.
.SJB
Posted on: 24 February 2018 by yeti42
It might be worth exploring alternatives to the bluesound too, I don’t know that it is but if even What Hifi are only giving it three stars... On the other hand maybe it’s the one time they don’t err on the side of generosity. The possible trap is that a better DAC will only show it up but get the blame so include alternative streamers in your auditioning.
How hard is it to get a loan of a Hicap to compare with the unmentionable? Assuming it was an economy rather than a preference.
Posted on: 24 February 2018 by NJB
It might be worth exploring alternatives to the bluesound too, I don’t know that it is but if even What Hifi are only giving it three stars... On the other hand maybe it’s the one time they don’t err on the side of generosity. The possible trap is that a better DAC will only show it up but get the blame so include alternative streamers in your auditioning.
How hard is it to get a loan of a Hicap to compare with the unmentionable? Assuming it was an economy rather than a preference.
The Bluesound had a bizarre drop in the ratings based on vfm. However, my searching around suggests that it does its job satisfactorily. The unmentionable was an economy driven buy. My local dealer might loan me a HiCap, I know him quite well. Good idea.
