ARES II vs D90 vs Bifrost 2 vs ADI-2 vs Gungnir vs Qutest [Mega DAC Roundup & Comparison]

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Man, you have golden ears and if you lived near me, I would have just send you everything I have so you can help me review it. Thanks for the shout out!

[@MidFiGuy]

Haha, thanks for the kind words! Maybe when the borders open back up we can meet in the middle for a video over Niagara Falls. 😂 Great to see you here buddy, big fan

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@MidFiGuy Cool cool! Keep it up, you will catch up to our sub count in no time.

[@alexh5343]

You guys both do a terrific job ! I currently own a Schiit Modi Multibit, SMSL M300MKII, Teac UD-505, Gustard A18 and I received this week the Singxer SDA-6 with the upgrade option (Crystek 957 oscillators and German Mundorf film capacitors in the output). I will look to test those out on my main system shortly. So far I only did brief testing on a Violectric V200 amp with Beyerdynamic T1.1, the Singxer is the most musical among the bunch, combining an organic signature that is not usual for an AKM chip while retaining precision. My second favorite is the Gustard A18, very neutral and detailed. I believe you guys would be VERY impressed with the Singxer especially with strings and vocals.

[@Micke65]

Yeah . Thomas is one of the best .

[@lextr3110]

I have golden ears too :p

[@chrisnyc3641]

Wow, impressive video! You're nuts for putting all of this content in just one video, but we viewers appreciate it. 👍

[@RafiGish]

I'm still looking for midfi reviews...

[@JBoulter11]

I actually love the international descriptions in the native languages for each DAC. Very cool and creative!

[@motorradmike]

Mostly Mandarin, unfortunately.

[@hemantishwaran5741]

My vote for ADI-2. Parametric equalizer is huge overlooked advantage. Preamp feature with easy access to volume, treble and bass knobs again huge feature. Headphone and IEM are great. Don’t overlook the features for $1200 this is a great deal

[@eddywaller1864]

Yes the parametric equaliser can make the ADI 2 sound like any dac you want it to with a little bit of work

[@richardwood8548]

I agree with everything you said about the ADI-2. It also has a great remote control that is very useful.

[@johnh539]

@@eddywaller1864 that's what I thought when I bought it ,along with my valve amp , I thought if I don't like my sound it would be my fault. Though partly because I love the sound and partly because I haven't dared touch it, I have not yet changed anything ( though I have used the EQ on my WiiM pro.)

[@jmydy]

Adi-2 is just superb device. I was using Bayerdynamic T1 headphones which were "extremely sensitive to source quality". I understood what that mean. At first those sounded bit too precise, too perfect let's say. Then I played with "crossfeed" setting on dac. Wow, after getting used to new sound characteristics I realized my headphones sound became so natural. Just an amazing dac! I sold Bayerdynamic but dac stayed. Now it acts as dac+preamp in my audio setup. I'm so happy with this purchase.

[@DaveTheBird]

One of the best reviews / comparison videos I have seen in a long time.... thanks

[@gordonfreeman4491]

Thx for doing a multi review like this, it was sought after, at least by me.

[@DaveSchulze]

Absolutely the best video on DACs. Sold me that the Schiit is the answer for me. Between the Ares euphonics and the Topping precision.

[@slawekfacet4272]

You have stolen my heart with this review. Subscribed :) Greetings from Poland.

[@victormoreno2767]

I am deeply impressed! Not even Thomas Stereo (Hi-Fi Sensei) have been able to come up with a review like this one! Congratulations, you are the man!

[@keithbertschin1213]

Thomas is a legend. We’re lucky to have so many great reviewers who all bring something different to the table

[@Ceko]

What I also like about the Qutest is the no-bs interface. Just plug it in and it runs.

[@morespinach9832]

No remote. End of.

[@serg2963]

They all do that out of the box...

[@martyn_g]

@@morespinach9832not necessary I reckon. Only needed if you’re constantly changing sources, etc. or your just can’t be bothered to get off the couch. If you’ve used records over any length of time, you’re used to getting up anyway.

[@martyn_g]

On ASR, it’s one of the best measuring DAC’s too.

[@morespinach9832]

@@martyn_g yes I need it because in my use case my speakers are active as have amps inside them - so my Tv and streamer are both connected to my DAC.

[@leonardjona]

Thx for doing this vid! Couldn’t find an overall comprehensive review like this yet. Narrowing down my DAC selection getting easier 😉

[@bigdap100]

The RME is king... the others while impressive are extremely limited. If you are an artist or an engineer making a record go with the RME, it solve many problems that arise during the record making process.

[@ThujanK]

Great video! I love the calm presentation and the effort you went into getting all these units. Subscribed!

[@kingstoler]

Great comparisons. I just got the RME (ESS version) and totally love it. I already had an older Burson Conductor and I have a really hard time hearing a difference between them while using LCD-X, HD650, or TH900, even though the amp section of the Burson is much more powerful. I was worried it would be too cold or analytical sounding. But it's just a clean "natural" sound, true to the source as a DAC should be. The functionality of the RME is what I got it for. I love using parametric EQs just for minor adjustments and it's just great to be able to do it directly in the DAC instead of relying on Windows software (as good as PeaceEQ and Roon is). The ability to sit back in a couch and boost or decrease bass/ treble from the remote when that poorly mastered track comes on is a sweet bonus. Enough rambling, it's a great DAC/ Amp packed with well thought out features.

[@godtiermedic]

When ginny kissed Harry orchestral song from the Harry Potter soundtrack. The D90 revealed the musician breathing. Crazy

[@vibes1952]

Rarely do I comment on videos. Great review. Absolutely beautiful. Sorry for the glowing words of praise. Thx thoroughly enjoyed.

[@MidFiGuy]

Haha thank you much! The words of encouragement seriously makes me want to focus on the channel more!

[@LorDarkGoose]

The other big advantage of the Denafrips that many seem to overlook is that it has 2x Optical and 2x Coaxial inputs as well as the USB. I use all of those easily. Other DACS usually only have one of each.

[@MidFiGuy]

Amen! Especially in 2-channel systems!! It's clutch connecting my TV and an outboard streamer to the same DAC.

[@klaymoon1]

Great review! Does anyone know if Unison USB by Schiit works with iOS? Say connect to a USB-C iPad, does it work?

[@gnostalgick9353]

I fell in love with the Qutest the moment I heard it: loads of detail without any harshness. Exactly what i was looking for.

[@herrtrigger7220]

Great video, finally a sound quality showdown between some of the most popular DACs. None of the 'best we've heard', 'great for the money' or other BS caveats so many reviewers use to insulate themselves from having to share their real opinion on DACs.

[@DaBurntToaster]

chord $2k, no balanced out come on guys.... its 2 fucking thousand

[@TheNaboen]

This was brutally good! So thorough and relevant. Fantastic balance between technology and well-communicated listening impressions. Bravo!

[@PassionforSound]

Great job on the comparisons! You're a lucky man being able to bring all those products together at the same time!

[@MidFiGuy]

Hey man, HUGE fan of your channel! You always have the clearest and most unbiased view of products imo. Always look forward to your uploads. Thanks for the support as well!

[@newton5954]

Review the d70s topping d90se and Gustard x26 pro to them what one is better ! 🤘

[@brandingmix]

Amazing review and comparison mix, thank you for that passion and clarity. If possible please surprise all of us with a bit lower level DACS like ir: SMSL m400, vs SU-9 vs Topping d70s, whatever you want to add. Greeting from México.

[@erickgruis106]

One of the absolute BEST reviews on YT right now. Clear, detailed information, presented in a fairly quick format. I'm subscribing!

[@ravdeepsandhu24]

I’m so glad I found you. Wow... one of THE best reviews and the most helpful comparison. What I loved about this review is you actually choose to compile it up all my favorite considerations DAC’s in just 1 single video. Thank you! Actually wish to see you in person and thank you for this particular review. I myself own the ADI-2 paired up with Cayin A-88T, powering the Monitor Audio Golds and REL Sub. I exactly know what you are saying. A transparent lively DAC accompanied by a tube musical integrated amp. Pair made in heaven!

[@pierrec8174]

Details are listen by the microphones 🎤 close to the instrument 🎺 . Live music from couples meters away does not throw details at our ears.

[@MetalZaraki93]

Get rid of the amp on the ADI-2, lower it's price by 200 bucks and I would buy it istantly.

[@Grizzly1644]

Great review. Happy RME ADI 2 FS owner here. ;) Comparison videos like this are very helpful for everyday users. Thankyou. I personally partner my RME ADI2 with a Firstwatt F7.. Sounds amazing IMO. I listen to a very broad range of music, IMO the RME is a good middle ground DAC that sounds excellent on most things,. The PEQ provides good options, and does sound better than Roon's EQ.

[@MidFiGuy]

Glad I'm not the only one who thinks so! I thought I'd be getting more flack from people saying software EQ should be the same or better since it's closer to the source. Though if you check Roon's Signal Path when using it's PEQ you'll see some bit depth conversion going on. RME just may do these type of conversion handlings better with dedicated hardware.

[@kurt120032002]

31:13 To be fair I still have no Idea why people love Chord. Build features, usb implementation... everything is the best I could wish it to be... until we get to the sound. As you put it, it is very very polite. So polite in fact that that you don't feel anything while listening to music. No excitement, no energy, no vibration, no life at all. Imagine and English butler coming to you and tell you with calm "Sir, this is a detailed list of all the notes, if you would like to examine it. " After an hour or so the overall impression it leaves you is... dull. I really do not understand what do you mean by ""engagement" and "sweet". The last thing I am while listening to the Qtest is engaged, in fact I often find myself drifting away with other thoughts, and not listening to the music at all. 1 year later I got Jcat Initio 3 PSU for my Qtest and OMG the difference. The presentation was just about the same, but details were more apparent, everything moved further away a little but the sound had texture and somehow … shape. I perceived it to be more liquid and better defined. Qtest + good psu can be an end game. I could definitely use this dac for the rest of my life and not care about any new dac. If I am going to upgrade the dac will not be because of the sound.

[@icebergzero]

Thank you so much for publishing your reference tracks! I got lost in a wonderful rabbit trail of amazing music. Thank you for the wonderful evening!

[@micatske]

The best review of this year!

[@MidFiGuy]

Thank you!! It was honestly a pain putting all of this info in one video but I wanted someone to do an all-DAC roundup

[@micatske]

I could imaging. I would this vid will become something people played again and again. It roughly includes all the popular Dacs

[@victorchiappetta3230]

Am I the only one who simply will not purchase any China-made Hifi no matter the value or sound quality?

[@mikeweatherford5312]

Long term ADI-2 owner, I really do love this device. The remote, the EQ, the vu meter.. it's all been great. Nothing else on the market has this combination of features and performance. The EQ is particularly useful for doing room EQ on your powered monitors, and you can easily switch to your headphone rig and switch profiles quickly. Love it, there was no D90 when I bought the ADI-2 however, little bit weary of chi-fi but it's an interesting option. The ADI-2 pair's really well with tubes, sounds great with my Liquid Platinum, the USB implementation in the ADI is no slouch either. They just feel no need to pimp it, that is one area where Chi-Fi often times comes up very short.

[@MidFiGuy]

I love the ADI-2, never a bad decision. Looking back at my review I feel I probably should have worded how better the D90 is at "raw performance" vs the RME. They both are great and if you value soundstage the RME is the better decision. If you value highly resolving details above all else then the D90 takes it there, but hearing *every* single detail doesn't automatically equate to a better listening experience. To each their own.

[@ronniefranks4351]

@@MidFiGuy Can the ADI-2 display be turned off?

[@bassmaschine]

@@ronniefranks4351 yes

[@newkid7]

Does EQ work in Dac alone mode?

[@kaankucuk1612]

Hello, do you think buying decent DAP (Sp2000, FiooM17…) is better than buying these DAC? (In Terms of soundqualilty)? Also, what is the best DAc you can recommend? Hugo 2? Thank you

[@pietossing]

I have a Qutest and wouldn't have anything lower end. I really want an mscaler.

[@Chuek-WaiTai]

I have a Qutest. No problem on low when using Yamaha integrated amp and class D power amp.

[@dmartyn3809]

I have a Hugo TT2 and M Scaler - could never go back to anything less!

[@michaelwright1602]

How to put this? DACs do matter. I have a nice setup, around $10,000 invested. But the sound was never quite there, I tried to fix it with amplifiers, preamplifiers, cables, those de-junkifier gizmos, power supplies, etc... Well, after purchasing the Ares II R2R ladder DAC, I discovered it was these damn chip DACs! If you try to listen to your favorite tracks, and in a short time you are ready to go do something else, or find yourself bouncing between tracks to find something pleasing to your ears, it may just be the DAC. I have great sound coming out, but it was not enjoyable, not for say longer than 20 minutes. Then I bought the Ares II, no chip, old school technology... Game changer! Now I can sit and listen, no more hyper analytical sound, it was great in the beginning, hearing all of those details, but in time, it made the music painful to listen too. Others in the household said the same. The sound was clinical, sterile, like visiting the dentist office, it became boring. So, if you are like me, thinking it could not possibly be that expensive chip DAC you own, it must be your amp, preamp, cables, etc... Before you go spend another dime, give the Ares II, or if that is out of your budget, the Cayin RU6, which is an inexpensive dongle DAC that comes darn close to the Ares II. I own both, and can now painlessly listen to my music. Game changer.

[@stewstube70]

Really great review and comparison. I had the Qutest on home dem about a year ago. I agree that it has a massive soundstage and in my case I thought also amazing detail (I'm finding it hard to imagine the D90 and RME have more detail, but I haven't heard them!). However, I wouldn't describe the sound as soft or rounded at all, if anything I found it a bit forward and hard in the higher frequencies - for example Bono from U2's voice sounded too nasal and a bit synthetic. It was extremely fast and dynamic sounding but that slightly synthetic timbre and wide soundstage started to grate after a while with some instruments seeming to loose focus and solidity and almost disappear in the mix. In the end I decided to keep my much older Chord DAC64 which provided it is fed from a high quality source and NOT run in buffer mode (i.e. a source with a better clock than the DAC64's internal clock) , I found gave 90% of the detail and soundstage of the Qutest but with a more natural timbre and solid if somewhat smaller soundstage.

[@18yearsoldnot]

I’ve done the same by getting the first Hugo tt instead of the qutest. I think the qutest has a ton of processing power but doesn’t balance it out with a worthy power source supply and the guys who suggest upgrading the wall wart are still bottlenecked by the usb dc input

[@1jhnpennington]

​@18yearsoldnot Me too. I couldn't live with never knowing when the next track was going to sound a bit harsh. I moved it on and am now happily living with a Schiit MMB2.

[@marcusm5127]

Pound out those individual reviews to and I shall watch them.

[@al201103]

Incredibly valuable video to any of us looking into DACS. Simultaneously, really enjoyable!! Thanks :)

[@joshuabichsel]

I thought I was the only one using cowboy bebop as one my test tracks. Space Lion is another great test.

[@MidFiGuy]

Thank you for the rec!! I will check it out

[@drsuresh9]

Wonderful review. A million thanks for your effort. Recently purchased Topping D90SE. Would have opted for RME ADI if I saw your comparison review earlier... Anyway I am happy with Topping D90SE, being very Transparent and crystal clear which helps aging person's like me ( 55 yrs )... Keep doing what you like most and do include comparison reviews as much as possible.🤗

[@Ceko]

Great video man! Thanks for sharing all this!

[@omaior20]

Dude I love that you are ballin AF but don't spend too much on this shit xD. You should try Mytek Liberty DAC, its the best DAC I've heard on my HD800s, super wide and textured and probably the only DAC that actually made a difference in my setup. I compared it to qutest and hugo 2 in store and Liberty sounded more immersive which is for what HD800s were made so its a perfect combo for me.

[@MidFiGuy]

Mytek is a local company and I've always wanted to try their equipment. It's on the list when I carve out some time. Thanks for the rec! And my wife agrees with you on the spending bit lol.

[@temp7774]

3:36 "...when I switch between this and delta-sigma DAC's..." What are you "hearing" and referring to is not a "chip processor" but the analog section (output implementation) on the individual DAC. Signal extrapolation and clocking of the same is the entirely different subject beyond a scope of this review attempt.

[@ixoye56]

RME is the winner because it has most features, no one will hear any difference in a blind test between DAC's nowadays.

[@klaymoon1]

The price of RME is little less than double in U.S. compared Europe. When you convert a European price, you need to deduct 20%, which is a pre-applied sales, which does not apply to people in U.S. Considering it, the U.S. price is about double of Europe. Other countries in Europe also go through all the export/import like U.S. and that cost is not much higher than U.S. Do you love being ripped off?

[@rndm4642]

Great video. Thank you. If someone is forcing you to say d..a..c instead of DAC, give us a safe signal and we’ll rescue you.

[@frankfang4605]

Wow, so you’re the one selling a bunch of dacs on headfi yesterday lol. I was wondering who da fuk would buy these many dacs. Anyway, good to see you back with maybe the best dacs review on KZbin. Seeing other reviewers even separate a review to a unit to two videos with an extra pointless open box video to get more views, you are just role models here. Love it.

[@xq0404]

The most useful review of almost all DAC reviews on KZbin. I know where my Gustard A22 ranks now.

[@vulongcon]

@Xie, can you give your opinion on the A22 and its ranking compare to these DACs

[@FEGTTTSDH]

I have the Qutest no matter what you listen, the sound is always amazing (To Hi-res songs to crappy pop music) is always a joy with a lot of detail and not a hot treble.

[@MrGrosMamouth]

It feels good to spend big money on stuff our friends and family don’t understand.

[@rktrkt-tw8nd]

Very brave attempt of testing chord dacs with schiit and other r2r dacs. Nobody has done that earlier at least in KZbin. 😀

[@ZadiusTech]

welcome back, and you have a camera person now :)

[@MidFiGuy]

My wife was cool with doing it but not for the entire video 🤣😭 Really appreciate the kind words 👍👍

[@ZadiusTech]

@@MidFiGuy somehow I thought it might be your wife doing it for you hehe

[@hocheye]

I still would go d90 out of this review, thanks for doing this!

[@michaelr8313]

Have you heard the Aune x8 Magic DAC with FPGA? Im wondering how it sounds compared to the topping d90.

[@MidFiGuy]

No never heard of it and I always wanted to try Aune equipment! I'll keep an eye out, ty

[@cheapaudioman]

Awesome. Really enjoyed this. Just got the Ares 2 and I'm probably keeping it too.

[@MidFiGuy]

Thanks! Big fan of your channel, the kind words mean a lot. The Ares is just so smooth and satisfying, it honestly makes me want to make the jump to the Venus but the cost difference is astronomical, and it isn't even their top tier DAC!

[@cheapaudioman]

@@MidFiGuy Ron at New Record day reviewed the Terminator and was really impressed. I think I’ll be happy with the Ares though

[@laika25]

Chord.... BNC inputs??? Who uses BNC?

[@jeffreylowy3180]

Schiit is the answer for me. Great company great products, great build quality, customer service and REASONABLE prices.

[@Steveh817]

Really enjoyed your comprehensive review. I bought my first DAC a couple months ago...(Topping D90) and really have nothing to compare it to other than my vinyl. Your review only reinforces that I made a decent choice. At some point I may venture into the higher end but for now I’m enjoying what I have and the limitless selection of music now as well as the ease of playing select tracks without leaving my chair. Subscribed

[@MidFiGuy]

Great to hear! Try setting the D90's filter to slow if you think it sounds overly digital compared to vinyl. It may help take the edge off like a Scotch! :D

[@sproket343]

ADI-2 slaughters everything as a DAC. The Bass and Treble knobs are freq and Q customizable. The loudness is fully customizable, uses the B/T as it's basis and can have individual B/T gains set per output. It's insane, and if you learn to use it, it simply outperforms everything on this list to absurd levels. If you want something you just plug in and go, perhaps something else is better. If you want to dial in your ideal, get the ADI-2. As for blackness of background. Only expensive measurement equipment can hear anything and even that puts it in the SOTA category. You aren't going to hear the difference in black levels between a d90 and ADI-2. They are beyond the capability of human hearing.

[@kaankucuk1612]

Hello, do you think buying decent DAP (Sp2000, FiooM17…) is better than buying these DAC? (In Terms of soundqualilty)? Also, what is the best DAc you can recommend? Hugo 2? Thank you

[@thehunattila1]

Your findings largely match my own in regards to DS vs R2R/Multibit dacs. My preferences lead me away from the DS dacs as I consider them, relatively flat and overly clinical in comparison. I'm a proud owner of the Bifrost 2 as I found it to be the sweet spot of details with that fullness and depth in the sound. Preferences aside, it's nice to hear others coming to similar conclusions for the subjective findings assuring one that they are not falling into audio-induced insanity. Thank you for the review.

[@Villaboy78]

I've got a Qutest and my amp has an internal 4490 chip based DAC. I prefer the Qutest because the bass notes don't start and stop on a hair pin like the amp, even though I love electronic genres like DnB - it's just easier to listen to the qutest for a prolonged period and doesn't have that 'edginess' you feel from other DACs Great review video, +1 sub!

[@MidFiGuy]

Totally agree. I'll be honest with you though, sometimes I miss that edginess for certain tracks. Maybe it's just bad habits due to years of being conditioned listening to cheaper DACs. Like missing Pop Tarts every so often even though you live next to a French bakery. =) In the end the Qutest is the better overall experience and I really enjoy it!

[@Villaboy78]

@@MidFiGuy let's be honest - French Bakeries ? They're waffly Good

[@DBravo29er]

It looks like you’re using the old version of the ADI-2. I own the second now and the SDLD filter (only available on the v2) really brings into near parity with the Hugo TT2. It’s the do everything filter that sounds much more organic and precise than the version 1. I’ve since added an iFi Matrix X power supply that provided an even blacker background and increased dynamics as well. The V2 outclassed the D90 MQA in every way when I demoed them together. I got my ADI-2 FS v2 for $900 BNIB from an authorized dealer. Hand made in Germany.

[@MidFiGuy]

That's great to hear! I have a real soft spot for RME and want to buy their products again in the future. The thing is tiny but it's built like a tank and despite it being so complex I didn't really run into any gremlins or issues. It really is built to last.

[@DBravo29er]

@@MidFiGuy I used to do professional audio work and used an RME BabyFace Pro for about five years. Loved that thing. Ultra stable. Sounded amazingly neutral. Just never had to think about it. It was a DAC/VC for a computer audio editing station.

[@Micke65]

V2 is with remote ..i guess v1 didnt or ?

[@DBravo29er]

@@Micke65 V1 had a remote. V2 remote is upgraded.

[@Micke65]

@@DBravo29er okay i just bougt one , i think its v2 😁 . Its got auto fade or dark on the remote .. I will probobly get that uppgrade power

[@dmartyn3809]

CHORD Hugo TT2 & M Scaler combination - the best!

[@gaycha6589]

The most expensive, so it should be best by far.

[@rktrkt-tw8nd]

What ? how can it even be possible that chord beats schiit r2r dacs and all other dacs for more life like sound, refinement, details, 3d imaging and realism. You must have definitely made some mistake. Chord dacs are touted to be bright !😂

[@herrtrigger7220]

If RME dropped the headphones, gimmicks, light shows and got the 4499 chip and proper IEC power input it could own the market and keep the same price or close to it. We want sound quality not gimmicks. Do a video SMSL M400 vs the D90, that is the big showdown now

[@vulongcon]

@herr trigger i would agree with your RME assetment. I have tried RMEv2,SMSL M400, Pegasus R2R, Gustard A22, Bifrost2, but at the end none beats my old emotiva DAC yet

[@TheCangle]

This is a great video and gives me some good ideas on potential dac upgrades in the future. I have the RME ADI-2 and although it may be the main selling feature I find it somewhat annoying that there are so many options. This was fun at first but I've got to the point where I just want to plug and play and don't need all of the features. I'm thinking that a multibit "shite" dac or Chord product is in my future

[@MidFiGuy]

Dude, I *really* liked the Gumby. I'm sad it's not in my possession anymore and it's close to the price of the RME. I think you'll really appreciate it coming from the ADI-2.

[@kaankucuk1612]

Hello, do you also use amp for RME DAC 2? Thank uou

[@prabinpaudel5572]

Now do similar amp review. Rebel amp Topping a90 Flux lab fa10 Schiit lyr 3 Monoprice Liquid platinum And one class A amp from headamp forgot the Name..😂 Etc etc

[@MidFiGuy]

Dude I actually want to do this review so bad. You read my mind haha

[@prabinpaudel5572]

@@MidFiGuy I'm very very excited about pairing of bifrost 2 and Flux fa10. Not a single reviewer in KZbin have reviewed them both. That is my midfi endgame. 😍 And I want to buy an abyss headphone as endgame. This will be at least a couple years and both there amp dacs might have an upgrade out by then. But still I would love to watch. 😍

[@GodfreyMann]

30:37 re: “Pizza Guy” by Touch Sensitive - wow what an amazing track for separating the Chord vs RME. How did you come across it? My Mojo smokes my RME ADI-2 FS Pro with this track. The RME sounds harsh and muddled, whereas the Mojo plays it smoothly and deals with the complexity like a walk in the park with a smooth and clear midrange (which the RME isn’t able to render nearly as well). It’s so night-and-day that I can’t bear to listen to it on my RME - it’s the first time my Chord smoked my RME - thx for helping me with that. I agree with Thomas & Stereo...you have golden ears!

[@MidFiGuy]

This is probably the nicest comment I've ever received, thank you 😁🙌 I love that song. I found it by listening to playlists of people much cooler than me!

[@r423sdex]

My Topping E30, Smsl su 9 and khadas tone board are all better than my chord mojo. It's on eBay !

[@StefanUrkel]

so do you mean to say that, aside from one particular track, the RME is otherwise NOT smoked by the Chord.

[@GodfreyMann]

@@StefanUrkel correct, the RME seems to be the much better DAC in terms of detail and resolution, thus it’s my preferred DAC for my main system. However, I’ve recently bought a much better system and will do some A/B tests to confirm this is still the case, because some people say that detail & resolution can be faked/overdone. My new system should be good enough to better tell these DAC’s apart....if the Mojo can smoke it on “Pizza Guy” then who knows what my tests will reveal.

[@GodfreyMann]

@@StefanUrkel so I’ve just finished my A/B testing on my new system, discussed in my previous reply. Pretty incredible - the Mojo is more natural sounding than the RME. The RME, I think, is more digital and the way it achieves its famed resolution, detail and clarity is artificial because as a side-effect it produces glare. I discovered this in a few tracks: 1) “The Pink Panther”, Manchini on ‘Audiophile Speaker Setup’ from the label 2xHD. Files were in DSD256. From 2:22 to 2:57 (where someone shouts ‘Yeah’ around 2:42). RME: the trumpet solo is forward with a glaring tone which distorts the relationship between the tone of the trumpet and tone of the room ambience. This makes the musician seem closer to the mic. Chord: trumpet solo sounds natural and fits well with the ambience of the room as they sound natural...i.e. they don’t sound out of balance. The result is better depth perception (as though the musician is a bit further from the mic). 2) “Route 66”, Doreen Smith, from the same album as (1). The RME renders her voice with more precision which gives the effect of a midrange with fantastic clarity. However, the Mojo renders her voice with less clarity and less well defined edges but it sounds more natural. 3) “Sambebe” by Dom um Romao from Saudades, CD ripped to lossless FLAC. The recording of the opening trumpet solo captures the sound of the room perfectly. With the Mojo it sounds natural but on the RME it’s over emphasised, which makes it more amazing to listen to but it’s unnatural. 4) “Pizza Guy” same conclusions as my original comment. I now understand why people think the RME is so good, but I’m after a more natural sound, so I’m putting swapping out the RME and putting in my Mojo. Here’s my main system” - Vandersteen Model 1Ci speakers - YBA Heritage A100 amp - YBA Passion 600 CD player. - Isol-8 Minisub Axis power conditioner.

[@jjphoenix4055]

Bought a brad new Chord Qutest 3 years ago for 1150 euros (with a discount) and never looked back. Love electronica and classical, pop, rock and jazz and all those genres sing their best through the qutest... especially hooked up with a high end amp like the ifi pro can signature. I don't care about the rest.

[@robertfecu9620]

Hi, rme adi-2 is the new version v2 with the ak4493? Or you reviewed the ak4490 version. Thank you for replie

[@junzhang2087]

I have the Toping D50s , I am pairing it with LD Mkii tube amp and Senneheier HD600. I have a collection of DSD so a native delta-sigma DAC is the best match.

[@LakerTriangle]

Nice video! Love my Bifrost 2 and it fits on my desk.

[@Klyystron]

I found you contradicting yourself in parts of the review on topics such as detail. At times you said Qutest doesn't give up on any details but only smoothens the edges but then when summarizing you say that CON of Quetest is it gives up details as compared to RME or D90. Are you mixing up glare with detail ? Also my request is that when you make a comparison video such as this can we use same set of parameters and same songs for comparison. You talked about how these DACs sound on different songs , that defeats the purpose of comparison. I never heard anything about your opinion on how Ares 2 compares with D90, RME or others on Soundstage.

[@klewja]

if you save up I think you would find that the MSB discrete provides all of what you are looking for in a dac. I have the dCS Bartok and I find it to best my old TT2 and Mscaler paired with the Auralic Aries G2. It is also a bit cheaper than the Chord stack with the Aries and is a one box solution.

[@MidFiGuy]

These high end DACs make my brain spin but I want to try them all 😈 I've heard of the Bartok but not the MBS. I'll look into it, thanks for the heads up!!

[@klewja]

@@MidFiGuy MSB makes quite possibly the best Ladder dacs available. They are not cheap though the discrete is their entry point and is around $9K and they go up to over $100K for the select dac

[@joseluishernandezseptien]

I love your reviews! How did you do the narrated translations? 😮

[@veritas932]

one of the best DAC review I've heard. Very concise, choice of DACs are affordable and popular. These DACs are what I've been considering all along. Especially the Denafrips. From other reviews, I couldn't find a negative on R2R DACs. Now I know the cons on R2R. thanks.

[@kaankucuk1612]

Hello, do you think buying decent DAP (Sp2000, FiooM17…) is better than buying these DAC? (In Terms of soundqualilty)? Also, what is the best DAc you can recommend? Hugo 2? Thank you

[@CriPPleR_HD]

Have you compared the Topping D90 to the SMSL M400? If so, thoughts?

[@ruffandruff]

You have no idea what an amazing job you did by making this video and also making it extremely detailed and organized. Thanks a lot man! What do you think of the ares II soundstage. Is it bigger than the bifrost 2 multibit.? Thank you

[@MidFiGuy]

Thanks so much. It literally took me months to get this done but I wanted it to be as helpful and concise, while getting in proper testing time as well. Glad it was helpful. ARES II soundstage is bigger than the BF2. Both are nice but after years owning only delta sigma DACs I wanted a complete 180 and really liked the sound of discrete R2R. I'd still be completely happy with the BF2 if I only had 1 DAC

[@ruffandruff]

​@@MidFiGuy yes...your hard work is very evident. Appreciate it man. One of the best audio gear comparison I have seen. Very tightly scripted with lots of info but without any drag. Great Job man! Thanks a lot for your thoughts on my question.

[@aceofspades6667]

This review is great! If you're ever looking to move upward I'd suggest reviewing the Holo Audio Spring KTE, Holo Audio May KTE, Denafrips pontus, MHDT Orchid, MHDT Pagoda Balanced... All top tier R2R dacs that are musical yet detailed.. however not "MidFi".

[@MidFiGuy]

Haha, I probably need to change the name at some point!

[@aceofspades6667]

@@MidFiGuy The Phonitor E that I purchased from you is still rocking hard! Paired it with a focal clear and HP3s and it's been a great combo. Keep up the cool content!

[@MidFiGuy]

@@aceofspades6667 ohh haha glad you're enjoying it! Tbh I miss it dearly, especially for reviewing as it's a great reference amp 👍👍

[@bernardmueller5676]

Imagine for a moment that just one electrolytic capacitor in the Denafrips begins to leak... Probability is high, as there are so many in there. Nice review, BTW.

[@jaykabel]

Time to add the Hifiman EF400 Amp/DAC, with built in R2R DAC. Sounds fantastic, LOTS of power

[@antoniobolgnameyerwe3844]

The Topping benefits from a good preamp. The RME, as you stated in the video, has an already pretty good amp section and I don't think you called out that it's also a very good headphone amp?

[@markthambas2713]

Can you review media player, bluesound node 2i, audiolab 6000n, cambridge cxn v2, nad c658 etc

[@MidFiGuy]

I was looking at the node 2i. I'll definitely add this to the list but tbh it will be a while before I get to these.

[@markthambas2713]

@@MidFiGuy i prefer audiolab 6000n than node 2i

[@MrPlikestechno]

From personal I can tell you that the Bluesound Node 2i sounds like complete garbage compared to the Topping D90 which I now own. If you dont want to use a computer BluOs and the Node is a nice way to stream but dont buy a Node or other Lenbrook products like NAD for the sound quality.

[@keeferdog5617]

Chord Qurest vs Denafrips Pontus ll would be an awesome vid comparison…just saying

[@robk5745]

I’ve had a d90 for a while and find it a little dry and boring. Great sound but just not exciting or natural enough. Schiit gungir multibit or Pontus 2 are my top two options. I run from a pic only though, so that gungir is likely my ticket. I like that many have said it’s so smooth and natural sounding, while still having life to it.

[@kaankucuk1612]

Hello, do you think buying decent DAP (Sp2000, FiooM17…) is better than buying these DAC? (In Terms of soundqualilty)? Also, what is the best DAc you can recommend? Hugo 2? Thank you

[@audioreviews]

Which lavalier mic do you use? Sounds beefy with a good body! Do you apply much post processing?

[@MidFiGuy]

Getting the right audio is a constant battle for me. I feel I sound really muffled and don't know anything about audio post processing, except maybe adjusting the bass & treble in Premiere, which I didn't do for the video. Do you have any resources or tips to make it better? Thanks for the kind words, the lav mic is a $35 PowerDeWise connected to a Zoom H5.

[@Leo-yn5fx]

i would own all 3 of these honestly, but i'm mainly a detailed and clean dry person. The denafrips is not good for metal and electronic.

[@jorgemariohernandez4582]

Great video, I was going to get Denafrips ARES II but I listen to a lot of electronic music, and this DAC would not be for me, thanks for this video it is helping me to decide what dac to choose. I am going to get RME ADI-2 since he point out that this dac is great for electronic music. Not all dacs and speakers sounds great on all genres, and depending of what genres you listen to is the equipment that should alines to the music you listen to.

[@oohtob6685]

That made me subscribe. Cant wait to see part 2.

[@bitterbuffalo8997]

I forgot, do you have an Aeolus? I was thinking of getting a Bifrost 2 to go with my Asgard 3 (currently has the AK4490 DAC inside). But was wondering how the Aeolus sounds through that.

[@MidFiGuy]

The Aelous sounds great with multibit, but the amp will have a bigger effect. I haven't listened to the Asgard but I hear it's great. I think running the BF2 through the Asgard for the Aeolus will give you better results than the ak chip. It'll be smoother and fuller while still retaining s good degree of details.

[@bitterbuffalo8997]

@@MidFiGuy Great! I thought the Asgard 3 was a good pairing with my HD600 which lead it to being a good pairing for the Aeolus. I think Bifrost 2 is the next upgrade to complete my 'MidFi' setup, haha.

[@DistroUser]

Great job on the review and most of us will appreciate the comparisons, I know I do! Cheers

[@meshplates]

Dacs change so fast: buy one and something new is guaranteed to come out and be the dac of the moment. Ok the qutest has been around a while. The rme too. I got the rme for a few reasons. The very high output especially from the XLR outputs is great for driving a TVC. Second the remote volume control. Frankly I could not live without it. So many radio streams and file streams are of very different levels I'd drive myself nuts jumping up and down to change volume: my TVC is not remote controlled. Loudness and remote bass/treble come in very handy too. I like the graphic display especially switched to amber. So although the chord may be the better sounding dac, on a day to day level the rme has the features i needed. Mine is the latest version 2 with the akm 4493 dac chip so it may sound a little better than the one you tested. Also rme is an established German company and will probably be around years from now if I need service down the line (plus I am Europe based). That may not be the case with the here today gone tomorrow Chinese brands.

[@MidFiGuy]

The RME is an amazing choice and totally worth it, as it's such a solid piece of equipment loaded with features the competition would never be able to match.

[@meshplates]

@@MidFiGuy Thank you. Frankly the biggest variable in audio is the recording itself. No dac can make a poor or mediocre recording sound good and there are oh so many of those.

[@sunillekhi7924]

As you go up the chain in audio - imaging, sound staging, palpability become More apparent. For the beginners - features, detail and bass impact is more apparent. What are your priorities?

[@johnnemesh5459]

I am LOVING my Gungnir multibit! It's WAY more versatile than I thought when I first bought it. I started out hooking it to my main system, an older Marantz SR7007 AVR, running in stereo ("Pure Direct") only, bi-amping a pair of Martin Logan Theos speakers. I shortly thereafter upgraded from a Chromecast to a proper streamer...the Bluesound Node 2i, so I could get high-res digital audio to the DAC. Then I realized that I had a wireless audio transmitter and receiver in my box of cables, the Atlantic Technology WA-50, being unused. I took those out and hooked it to the second RCA output from the Gungnir, and hooked the receiver into my bedroom system (Parasound 2100 pre-amp, Proton D-1200 amp, Atlantic Technology AT-1 speakers). I know the WA-50 probably does horrific things to the sound quality here, but it's primary purpose is to link the Node 2i to the bedroom system for internet radio while I sleep...I have a Parasound ZDAC (v1) in there as well, if I need better sound quality...also a Sony turntable. Later, I decided to pick up a headphone amp and connect my PC audio as well. I currently just have a set of Bose QC35 II headphones...not the best, but they are OK for now, I will upgrade soon. I picked up the Schiit Magnius headphone amp (which is, honestly, a STEAL at $200!) and then hooked the unused XLR outputs from the Gumby to the amp. So yeah...now I have a single DAC running 3 audio systems! And they all sound pretty great! In the future, I will probably switch things around a bit. I want to get a good balanced pre-amp (looking at the Schiit Freya+), then I can run balanced cables all the way back to the bedroom through my crawlspace...and use the RCA for the main system and the headphone amp. The only thing I really wish for on the Gungnir, which the lower cost Bifrost 2 has, is a remote. Fortunately, I have a small house, but if I want to change inputs, I have to get up and go press the button on the face of the unit...a little less than ideal. Still, I am THRILLED with the performance of this DAC, and I can't recommend it highly enough to anyone considering a DAC in this price range! HOWEVER, Schiit just did something amazing. They recently improved the analog audio stage of their higher end "Yggdrasil" DACs, and offered their customers an upgrade. They ended up with a pile of the "old" Analog 1 boards from those upgrades, and didn't know what to do with them. They decided to put these old boards into new units and sell them at a pretty steep discount! So, right now you can get the Gungnir multibit for $1250, or for $1599 you can get the Yggdrasil with one of these old boards (with an option to upgrade later to the new one), or you can buy the "new" Yggy with the v2 analog stage for $2449. It's nice having options!

[@MidFiGuy]

Thanks so much for the detailed comment! Amazing price on a Yggy!! I actually have a Chromecast streamer for my 2-chan setup and was looking at the Blue Node 2i. Did you hear any difference on basic 16/44 music from Tidal? And yes I absolutely love the Gumby and am sad I sold it. :( There's a used one going for a good price right now but my wife will kill me if I start buying up more DACs again. Do you notice a difference on the Gungnir when using the RCA vs XLR outputs? I heard some chatter that there may be a difference in SQ.

[@dominicdriman1319]

Thanks for yet another great video! For reference sound (clear and clean and neutral and natural) to mix and master dialogue and acapella in a small studio. No extra bells and whistles needed, I just want the best possible reference audio. What would you recommend? 1. RME ADI-2 DAC FS 2. TOPPING A90 + D90 3. Or another option?

[@johnratcliffe6438]

I would like you to review some Metrum Acoustics DACs, like the Pavane and Adagio. And the Schiit Yggdrassil.

[@ianodonnell5552]

Planning to get a pair of HD800S or something else in that price range, I really enjoy EDM, Aphex Twin, Boards of Canada, etc. but especially the more ambient tracks. So I think the Sennheiser cans would be great for that, minus the issues with bass. I also want to get a nice DAC/Amp for them, so this video was perfect for me, I found it because I’m considering the RME ADI-2. At the moment, I have a pair of Sennheiser HD 660S and I power them with either a Mojo 2, xDSD, or a Schitt Modi Multibit, Vali 2, and Loki EQ stack I got back in 2018-19 I think. I feel like the Schitt stack blows the others out of the water when it comes to sound quality, though I haven’t done a ton of testing, so it could just be that they’re making the HD660S louder. I really want a setup I can be happy with for a long time, as I don’t have much money and I’m terminally ill and likely don’t have much time left, maybe 5-10 years, though I think making it 10 years will require LOTS of luck and work on my part. If anyone has any recommendations, I’d be happy to hear them, especially if you have experience with the setup I’m considering.

[@gino3286]

Hi thank you very much indeed for your excellent test. I do not want sound provocative ... but some interconnects like the ones with solid core copper wires or litz wires have the tendency to give some of the midrange thickness that can be very beneficial with voices (the fleshing out effect). I had this feeling testing for instance some ICs from Cardas. I know that it can sound weird ... but those cables smoothed out a lot of harshness in the midband and provided some very welcomed warmth to voices. I see cables swapping like a fine tuning exercises. And if you like the very last drop of detail but no harshness silver solid core has an advantage. They can sound extremely transparent. The wires can be thin as a hair Actually i read that some DIYers buy the bare wire from some jeweler and make their own cables with some teflon tubing. Thanks again and kind regards, gino