DAC Roundup Pt 2: Chord TT2 + M Scaler & Amp Pairings

[@ericmercado2147]

Three years later and I still find your DAC roundup relevant. Great job!

[@michaeldasilva8834]

I felt that this was a fair and comprehensive review of DACs and amp pairings.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for the plug, MFG, and great video! Glad you found the M-Scaler content helpful. I totally agree with you that the M-Scaler really makes the most sense with the TT2 or Dave. For me, using it with the Qutest is a stepping stone to one of those others. One thing I'd add is that the THX789 is a bit of a trade-off with the TT2. It might come across preferable in some ways on early listens but you're losing out on fine details and soundstage depth. I'm actually yet to find an amp that's as transparent and resolving as the TT2 amp. It's one of the rare occasions where an in-built amp actually IS better than a separate.

[@LukeIcardMusic]

I just got an RME DAC this weekend and I love it! It really opened my eyes to how bad my main soundcard sounded and now my mixes sound great!

[@sumtheglad]

Really appreciate you reviewing all of these at once. In my opinion it's the most objective way to understand subtle differences in the products. I hope you continue to do more comparisons like this.

[@cernus2279]

Finally the second part is there. Thanks for the review! Listening to you on my RME ADI-2 DAC... ;)

[@richardrever6154]

Just discovered your channel through your two part DAC roundup. You're a great communicator with a discerning ear, and your abiding love of the hobby really shines through. Thanks for sharing who you are and what you're hearing - it's a beautiful thing.

[@eddiebaby22]

I really like the closing comment, ‘it all sounds fake but just pick the fake you like’. That couldn’t be truer! The original sound that was recorded has gone when the recording was made, whats left is the recording and our music reproduction machines. These are all basically effects on what the original sound was, however in that original recording is something that gets us near what happened that day. The many ways it can be reproduced audibly bring elements of what exactly happened that day. This is why I love vinyl as well, it’s totally different to digital and portrays in a totally different way which captures elements that only vinyl can do over digital. Of course both mediums are great and as you say just enjoy what you like.

[@wailwong8712]

Another excellent review. It's almost like you know what's our minds and you answer and make the comparisons for us.

[@robertnoblitt518]

Thanks for comparing all these DACs. I'm very happy with my system which includes Chord M Scaler, Qutest, and a Burson Soloist 3X headphone amp. The Qutest and Burson together are a lot more affordable than The Chord TT2, and I prefer the features of the Burson, such as a balanced headphone output and its excellent performance as a pre-amp.

[@chefsteve8381]

been waiting for this review all i can say is yes , yes, and yes give me more thanks

[@denteomd]

I paired my Chord Qutest with Topping A90, sounded really good on my Sennheiser 660s. It scaled up my 660s, heard more detail, soundstage got a little bigger, never felt fatigued from long listening, the Sennheiser veil just disappeared. The Topping A90 also drove my DIY Purifi power amp and Klipsch RP600M into new heights, Hayley Williams acoustic version of "Ignorance" makes me stand up and sing with her . Yes! Klipsch do makes you feel you are in a pop or rock concert, even though the specs on the low end of the spectrum don't go that low, the bass just felt right and appropriate for the speaker size.

[@dilbertpugh8517]

Wow, what clarity of thought and expression of ideas into tangible and relatable meaning. I’ve never heard audio gear being talked about which conveys a more descriptive sense of the experience of listening to it. I’m more excited to hear you talk about gear than I am to listening to it myself! Subscribed 👌.

[@MistaLova-Lova]

Fantastic review, really informative with very common sense conclusions. I have owned a D90 for a while and partly thanks to this review I have recently bought an Ares II. While I have immediately formed an emotional connection with the Ares II, I don't think I could own it as my only DAC; it is a perfect yin to my D90's yang, though (A90 amp). Switching between them (especially for certain genres) makes me continue appreciating them both for what they offer. I have never heard the Bifrost 2 but going by your description I can see why it would be the best DAC to own if one were to only have one (as most people surely do). In my case, I feel that if I were to sell both of mine and buy a Bifrost 2 I'd probably end up missing either of the two "extremes", so instead of chasing "perfection" I'll settle for switching between the two DACs for different genres of music. For now. ;-)

[@Steveh817]

I’ll just have to be satisfied with the D90 because the wife would look at those two little boxes that say Chord on them and say, “we could’ve remodeled the bathroom for that kind of money”. 😩 Great review. That took a lot of time and effort on your part.

[@Mike-lp2th]

This is the second video I watched on your channel (obviously Part 1 was the first). I like your style of presentation and it's clear you put a lot of time into it. I have Denafrips Pontus II 12-1 which I absolutely adore and have been very curious about the Qutest for just the reasons you mentioned (Hype, Rob Watts interviews, the detail retrieval, I essentially the bought the whole Chord magic pixie dust lock stock and barrel. Same thing happened to me on the Ares, but I just opted for the next tier to make sure the hype = the sound. Anyway, you've convinced me to wait and save for the $10k stack. I was ready to order a Qutest just to see for myself, but I am afraid it might be just a lateral move from the Pontus. Now I am certain that if I do buy a chord, it will be the Hugo TT2 followed up quickly with an M-Scaler.

[@riccitone]

SO informative. This has helped me see well into the sonic possibilities within certain price points. Such a comprehensive overview, needed to rewatch some sections. And the second coming of Jeebus 😂👍🏼👌🏼

[@leonardjona]

Wow! Another excellent, detailed review. Keep doin ya thang boi 🤙🏼

[@larsstecken]

Absolutely one of the best and most in-depth reviews I watched - and I watched MANY. Thanks for the the work and I hope you will continue supplying us audio nerds with more "food". 🙌

[@jaanruu]

The THX 789 being a better amp than the TT2 - now that's a bombshell! Btw, I've listened to the TT2 + MScaler an an audio show, next to the Hugo and the dCS Bartok, both of which are supposed to be a class above, and the TT2 + MScaler sounded overwhelmingly better. The Hugo and the Bartok sounded academically clean and disciplined but the TT2 combo made music become alive and makes you fall in love with the music it plays. It is by a margin the best headphone listening experience I have ever had. Thanks for the review!

[@iComment87]

Quite an undertaking reviewing all of these units! Your hard work is appreciated my dude.

[@heatontom1]

Oh man! You really nailed it! These videos are worth watching year after year for reference purpose! Hope to see you doing more tube amps shootout in the future, which not many people are doing!

[@naikrosh]

That was a lot of stuff ! Can’t imagine how much effort went into this. Awesome!

[@stephencosta6814]

👍💪Totally awesome review I’ve never seen so many Dac‘s reviewed at one time💪👍

[@thorenjohn]

Very nice presentation in both parts. A good mix of tech with touchy-feely analysis. Thank you!

[@davidfriedman5154]

Refreshingly neutral, packed with useful insights, really adding depth to discussion of DACs and pairings. Great series. Thanks.

[@labalo5]

You’re the man dude! Great content and format. Darko who??!

[@BobTrainor]

Great job! Thanks for all the work you put into these comparisons (part 1 & 2). I watch a lot of hi-fi videos and these were some of the best most helpful. Thanks!

[@blejzerosamigos6115]

Thanks for the load of work that you put in great video and Don’t forget the Lampizator Amber 3(tubes)

[@jeffhartke5815]

Wow, Thank you, very detailed and enlightening. Appreciate your enthusiasm, love of the hobby and knowledge. Went with the Bifrost 2 and loving it so far. Running to an ancient Harman Kardon Citation 22 amp and Ohm Walsh Speakers in a fairly large room. Perfection.

[@llee4225]

This is one of the best reviews. This roundup gives perspectives to the singular reviews. Thanks.

[@oleksiifilippov68]

Oh, yeah! You’re da man! Thanks again for taking time to make this kind of head to head comparison!

[@shawnpwatsons1]

Magnificent review! Why? Because no one else does these wholistic reviews. Everything is about the whole experience with pairings. This could be YOUR special niche. Bravo!

[@nesutoneko]

Thanks for all of the work you put into this, very much appreciated and enjoyed! I've been DAC window shopping for a while now wondering if it's time to try something other than my Gumby but I recently landed on just chilling out and enjoying what I have.

[@TheJanakev]

As in the first part thanks for the effort involved here. You make great reviews. I have Chord 2qute and enjoy the Chord sound. I demoed the Qutest and TT2. For sure the TT2 brings a little more to the party, over the Qutest, but you really have to pay to get those small but clear improvements. So I would say you are bang on with your thoughts. Hearing such detailed comparison between different DACs in one test is perfect. I don't think I even want a new DAC currently, but enjoy watching manufacturers different ways of solving the same puzzle.

[@hedleychinn8059]

Thanks so much for taking the time. Great presentation . Great video . Go Jebus!

[@TheCangle]

I really appreciate the effort put into this and all the comparisons you made. I have to go back and re-watch the first part now as I'm definitely interested in some new gear.

[@gibgun]

Super glad I found this channel. Really enjoy your very natural approach to sharing your thoughts and findings. Curious how the Hugo 2 compares to the rest of the Chord stuff now!

[@kenjames246]

Really enjoyed part 1&2 of these DAC reviews. Thanks for the honest opinions/comparisons. I think I'll subscribe to your channel now. Thanks.

[@hudo]

Really looking forward to more reviews! Very professionally done, great presentation, talk, details, all the comparisons, very well done!

[@chrisboylan4599]

PS: I forgot to mention their top of the line comes with a gorgeous headphone stage and balanced outs I will b trying soon!

[@philpepp]

Thanks. I found this round up really useful. I am currently using a chord mojo in my system, it sounds good but it a bit of a pain though as it's aimed at mobile use. I have been debating whether to move up to the qutest. Then the denefrips reviews started! Well after your round up I'm going to stick with the chord as I have quite a revealing open system. Thanks again.

[@brandonburr4900]

This was a excellent roundup of dacs. Appreciate trying all the combos and even the expensive chord tt. When you get into that territory I would consider the dcs Bartok and the mula dac darko did a review for. That's a excellent hifi quote to remind us all to not take this all to serious.

[@prabinpaudel5572]

The new jotunheim with bifrost 2 stack is the pair I'm most excited about right now. 😁

[@quitegenius]

Also consider something like monolith liquid platinum with Bifrost 2. It's currently going for about the same price as Jotunheim. I'm loving the stack. Liquid platinum is very close to solid state in terms of sound so it has the benefit of extremely fast transients without being harsh. Just grows on you that amp.

[@dmartyn3809]

Thanks for a great review…I am now looking for an upgraded amp downstream…love my Chord Stack!

[@UrielJanoach]

I use the Qutest in combination with the V280 to drive my HD800S. I loved your description of the DAC/amp combo as a "gentle giant" because that is exactly what I was looking for and what I've been hearing since I got the combo. I've since added a black dragon cable to make the HD800S sound even more gentle and fuller. What I now have is like an HD600 with incredible soundstage, realism, and depth, i.e. perfection to my ears.

[@Maaruks]

great review, very useful and tons of information

[@Rev0ltTTV]

Very nice review. Appreciate it! Currently own the chord 2Qute and THX 887.. Will probably pick up a Bitfrost 2 and Jotunheim 2 for some different warmer musical experiences!

[@halowatcher7]

Great video! I had been waiting for part 2 and it didn't disappoint. 🙂

[@suryapratamak1690]

Loved part 1 and part 2. Skipped to end of part two. MFG picks bifrost 2 below 1k...awesome.

[@victormoreno2767]

Try to get the doge 7, it has tubes in the output too. Respect to you, you covered pretty much almost all the scenarios and combinations! Subscribed, as I think you will be my go to reviewer once Thomas shut down his channel.

[@wmc_videos]

This was a really insightful video. Thank you!!

[@morhpeus1]

Great work! I wish you had also compared the output stage of the RME ADI-2 DAC FS (ie: use it as a DAC + Preamp & not just as a standalone DAC) to others.

[@morespinach9832]

Is the FS version different from the one without “FS”?

[@ajuyal]

Been waiting for this one!! Thanks a bunch and a very happy 2021 to you. You have provided thoughts and combinations I have been curious about and hence appreciate the effort.

[@dr.zoidberg4313]

D90 + DSD256 upsampling for me, very nice imo.

[@net_news]

great review/comparo!! Incredible job!

[@dennisvanes9270]

Thank you for the informative review. I just bought a Bluesound Node 2i as streamer. As you get questions of comparisons a lot, the chances of you comparing that internal DAC to an external one are slim. So let me ask this question: would you either go with a good streamer first and then maybe use an external DAC for that streamer, or should I setup my laptop as streaming device and use an external DAC? My hifi system level is up for some good quality (using Diapason Ademantes ii speakers, Synthesis tube amplifier). Im considering either a Chord Mojo or Qutest, and im using tidal as software. Thank you for your response in advance. Regards, Dennis

[@1antastik]

Best dac review ever

[@nmnate]

I think my next DAC is probably going to be R2R or multibit. I'd like to have something to contrast with my Benchmark DAC3B. I have a friend with a D90, and for the price it's pretty fantastic, but I think I'm a little more interested in trying something different. Appreciate the comparison, it helps me understand a bit about the different technologies.

[@garethevans4125]

Great review of f a wide selection of Dacs. Thanks !

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Great job midfi ! Thanks for the video

[@MidFiGuy]

Thanks for watching! Big fan of your channel too!!

[@hahnlin]

Great review man! I wish you could review highend daps and portable dacamp too.

[@xyanide1986]

Damn man you are a godsend! Personally I listen to a huge variety of music, but I have audiophile tendencies. I have a questyle CMA400i I bought as an upgrade to my TEAC-ifi ican SE combo, but I ended up going back to the TEAC. Even though the questyle is 2~3x the price I just don't like it better. The TEAC DAC uses a burrbrown chip, and the questyle a AKM4490. The 4490 sounds less dynamic, less bass swing, while still throwing in lots of fun high treble and pinpoint stereo detail. The major TEAC's downfall is the slight harshness in busy parts, but other than that the signature sounds really nice and rich. Especially big crescendo parts just sound more swinging and fun on the TEAC. I'm probably going to pull the trigger on a 2nd hand Qutest. If that doesn't work out, i'll grab an ifi idsd black label.

[@mikecees2230]

Once again, great review! Regarding DACs with tube based outputs...I still have a 10 year old hot rodded Eastern Electric Minimax tube DAC (original version) that easily held its own against Chord Mojo, Yulong DA8, Ciunas and a few other DACs that I tried at the time. I eventually gave up on wanting to replace it figuring I'd need to spend a fortune to be able to hear a noticeable difference. Maybe I'm ready to take a chance on one of the DACs in your comparative. Just can't make up my mind on which one. Most likely not the Topping with its razor sharp detail. Been around too long for that type of sound.

[@bk8443]

Best review, ever on KZbin! Thank you!

[@SmallRoomAudio]

Terrific work, and absolutely agree with your summary at the end. Great video! 👍 🔥 💥

[@ToddCaldwell1]

Great reviews! Listening to you on my RME. I'm also a watch guy too and can't stop trying to guess what you are wearing on the sweet Nato strap 👍

[@hushpuppykl]

You do good reviews! I had the Hugo TT2 on loan and it sounds great. Most unfortunately, I did not take the MScaler. This combo is on my radar 😈

[@NemoPropaganda]

God bless u for this my bro! Excellent work.

[@locmanw1583]

I read Holo May R2R dacs are good too but the Denafrips Ares II is a good value I might try it! Thanks😊

[@ZadiusTech]

Thanks for the detailed info on the DAC and AMP pairings.

[@toddhupp]

excellent analysis.

[@j.m.harris4202]

Musicality, Emotional Content, Engaging, Life Like Seductively Alluring or Highly Resolving, Detail Centric, Sensory Overload, In Your Face! Why not the Best of Both worlds! Go down the Rabbit Hole and Chase Ultra HiEnd Audio components to the Complete Point of Madness! It's all the same on every level, does it Pleasure you or not! Don't worry, be Happy!

[@tahsinguneysu2313]

Respect and gratitude for your effort

[@snowrang3r657]

Love my Bifrost 2, I'm sure for fast electronic music I'd appreciate some things the D90 does and I'm sure for some live recordings I'd appreciate the additional space the Ares II offers but since I listen to a bit of everything the Bifrost 2 seems to be my Goldilocks. Schiit should definitely send you a Yggdrasil for review ;) not a lot of reviews with the Analog 2 upgrades and Unison USB.

[@stayin91degrees]

You can run some different dac filters and upsampling through hqplayer if you want to tweak the BF2 sound a bit whilst still keeping everything good about it. It also scales up a lot with a good source (pi2aes, ifi zen stream, etc). That plus the modular design makes it the best overall dac sub $1k imo :)

[@Ray-dl5mp]

@@stayin91degrees cool. Thanks for sharing. I might look into this.

[@neverknowit11]

Try the DACs with an Western Electric Amplifier. You’ll be amazed! “Made in the U.S.A.” Probably easier to discern with headphones.

[@JTB--]

I was considering a Denafrips Aries II or Pontus II but I heard they lag when hooked up to a TV. So any dialogue when watching a movie wouldn't be synced properly. Same lag/latency with gaming. The lag with a FPS would be maddening

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

Very impressive analysis!

[@borisbobowski628]

Awesome review

[@mpalen19]

Fantastic! Thank you for this.

[@sonoma314]

Great video, just one thing bothering me about it, you really should put something under the potted plant on the table, gonna leave a water mark on the table, stain it. Seriously, very good video as well as the part one, thanks. (I got an Ares partly based on your review.)

[@humanitech]

Thanks for the great review and work. It was good how you managed to outline the sonic qualities of each unit and component suggestions. I have found getting the right amount of detail, ambience and musicality is the fun part of digital playback and adding a cheap tube preamp can work really well. Thanks again

[@disastrousemouse]

I have a Bifrost MB first edition, and it was the first time I heard a DAC that made a big difference. I don’t know how to explain it except to say the notes (especially with acoustic music) had a shape they never had with a Delta Sigma DAC.

[@criptocolorlightstech5292]

hi what dac and amp sounds way better then the hdv 820 i play tons of call of duty and i love movies and music my budget is 2,300 what set up will sound way better then the hdv 820?

[@phantomplastics6582]

The Chord TT2 and MScaler can be found new at way under list price if you look.

[@aussie8114]

I want the RME but I’m too stupid to work out how to use it. The Denefrips is enticing but maybe the Schiit is the way to go. Though I’m tempted also by the smsl400 because that has MQA if I want it. Maybe I will have to buy all of them 💰

[@marcusbryant2007]

thanks for the review. more power to your channel

[@Velvet_Torpedo]

Brilliant, super useful!!! Thx!!!

[@cesargutierrez4999]

Great comparison man!!! Thank u

[@datdudeinred]

loved the quote you mentioned, here's my quote: "Real Audiophiles belong to the church of the ladder dac saints."

[@alvisgrady3357]

😂

[@lecisko]

I was trying the RME and Qutest and comparing them with the DAC in the Bluesound Node 3rd gen and realized I only need the Node.

[@sebastianschiefner1428]

Would be cool to hear how the smse D1se performs with the V280 especially for electronic music

[@amimartian]

Excellent job! On DACs: I don’t understand why bother if there are Chord DACs...

[@rustygates3367]

Great review! I did find the headamp output of the TT2 did elevate that much more with a Super3 LPS in terms of heft and impact... though its expensive relative to the THX 789. On the other hand, if you were comparing the THX 789 4-pin XLR headphone output vs TT2's single ended, that wouldn't be a fair comparison as they have different power ratings (did you volume match??)... the TT2's single ended and the XLR at the back can output more power than the THX 789 single ended and XLR respectively... you just need a 2x3-pin to 4-pin XLR cable to use the rear XLR outputs and that's cheaper than a THX 789. THX Single Ended: 0.1W into 600ohm 3W into 16ohm (16ohm limit) TT2 Single Ended: 0.145W into 600ohm 7.3W into 8ohm THX Balanced: 0.4W into 600ohm 6W into 16ohm (limit) TT2 Balanced: 0.54W into 600ohm 18W into 8ohm | 20W into 4ohm Output impedance: 0.042ohm (TT2) vs 0.05ohm (THX) So really need to reconsider if spending an extra 300 USD on a THX 789 is worth it. EDIT: Also remember what you hear from the 789 can only ever be worse (less resolved, more distortion) than its input (i.e. the XLR output from the TT2). The 789 can't take a signal at its inputs and make it 'better'.

[@morhpeus1]

@MidFi Guy: M Scaler is just an upsampling computer. Surprisingly, now, there is a BETTER SOUNDING and MUCH CHEAPER option than the TT2 + MScaler combo. But it does not work that great with Chord DACS (which convert to PCM). Try the free HQPlayer trial software on your RME ADI-2 DAC FS. (1) On the DAC, enable DSD Direct, (2) On HQPlayer, upsample PCM and DSD to DSD256 using the ASDM7EC Modulator and poly-sinc-ext2 filter. HQPlayer also has the sinc M filter (which does exactly what MScaler does) but the combo I recommended sounds better.

[@jaysonortiz3513]

I wish I would have read this and tried HQPlayer before purchasing the Mscaler lol… I’m guessing I don’t need it at this point

[@StefanUrkel]

just reading your reply now, 1 year later. do you find the RME ADI-2 DAC digital sounding as MidFiGuy seemed to find it? And does using the cheaper MScaler like solution like HQPlayer make it less so? Also, were you saying that the RME + HQPlayer with your settings you described would sound better than TT2 + MScaler?

[@djz2308]

@@StefanUrkel I'm also pretty curious about this. I'm interested in the RME ADI-2 DAC but the "digital" and "yelly" descriptors are discouraging. While the HQPlayer may do what the M-Scaler does, it wouldn't make the ADI-2 better than the TT2. Qutest is probably the way to go. Just wish it had balanced outs.

[@annarobertson8320]

Its superb wothvright headphones, my choice is Lcd5

[@jackbrechwald8344]

Best reviewer on the Tube.

[@MyChannel-vm6dw]

I think you should started by explaining what an "m scaler" is

[@Newrecordday]

Subscribed.

[@MidFiGuy]

Right back at you! Killer channel my friend, would love to review Manley gear some day 👍👍

[@kibreddy]

Thank you so much for this. Cant tell you how much this has helped understand the field. This is by far the best HiFi review I have seen so far, and I have seen them all! I use a pair of highly resolving GoldenEar Speakers and a Cayin tube KT88 Tube amp. Torn between the Ares and Qutest. A lot of plp say the tone of the Ares is better and more 'real' which is super appealing, but I a sound stage nut... What do you think I should go for giving my setup? You seem to me you liked the Qutest with the tubes best, so do you think the tubes already give me some of that tonal character any way so Chord is the way to go, or Ares still has something going for it?