Hi Folks…
Wondering if anyone has any experience with Chord? The Dave and TT2 are pretty highly regarded. I’m trying out a TT2 and so far, it matches up pretty well.
Wondering if:
You run straight USB from server or PC?
If you used a Matrix or SPDIF?
If you loved it and popped for a M Scaler?
I’m running PC via USB to Matrix. Coax to TT2. XLR out to amp.
No upgraded power supply at this point. Both Matrix and TT2 plugged into Niagara
Thank you…
I have a TT2. I use it in my office with a Sonore ultraRendu with Roon. This is a near-field system so I am very close to the speakers. I rarely play it loudly. Playing it with low to medium levels is excellent. Lots of detail.
I have had it for two years and I really like it. I have had pretty much all of their DAC’s from the Mojo to the TT2. I enjoy the Chord house sound. When I was looking for a new DAC for our main system I was close to purchasing a Dave. But I came across the DS and have been very pleased with it.
I haven’t tried an M Scaler with the TT2. I would like to but haven’t found a dealer or someone who will loan me one.
TT2 user here, via Mojo, Qutest and Mojo 2. Another Rob Watts fan I suppose. I use it USB from an Innuos Zen MK3 and then it does DAC and preamp duties to the power amps. I’m extremely pleased with its performance and yes, would one day like to add an MScaler. It’s also a ripper headphone amp for most headphones. Just a terrific product.
Some point to it’s price as being too high for various reasons, but I use it for all three of its functions and I’m happy with the value proposition. If you want to buy three separate components that are equally able, you also need to add cable costs. With all of that in mind, I like the value.
Thanks for the input. I can borrow a Scaler at some point. It’s an hour drive but I can run get one. I am enjoying the TT2 as is for the moment so no hurry.
I’m using the TT in DAC mode only. Great that it is a pre but it’s strong point is the DAC in my opinion but versatility is great as I’m never quite sure where this hobby may take me. I don’t have much for headphones but got to at least try them as many place the TT2 over Dave in this regard.
It’s really worth trying as a preamp to see what it can and can’t do in your system.
I have a Mojo and a Qutest and should just buy a Dave and a Blue just cause. I got offered the Dave and the Blue, on the special rack, all in black for $8500. I had to say no cause that combo cannot compete with the Ethos so where would I use it? Dang. But still, it’s like old Nakamichi gear, just have it to look at in respect of what it was.
You could store the Dave at my place. 
If I were were in your circle Al I would just go grab a Vivaldi my friend. However the TT2 is surprising me and I have not entertained it previously due to aesthetics and funny colors. The Dave was tempting and who knows, it’s about time for Dave II. But I think a TT2 + M Scaler will do nicely till one of these dang lottery tickets comes thru.
I’m still using the Matrix as well. Thought being until (if ever) I go back to a streamer, it helps with the PC as a less than perfect pitcher of 1s and zeros.
I’m currently running my Qutest straight off of the roon NUC USB port via Supra Excalibur cable. Looking at network transports options out there, so far the StackAudio Link II seems to check all the boxes.
Welcome, @llatpoh
Welcome @llatpoh
The smart money is on the TT2 Mscaler combo. That has to be sweet!
My thoughts exactly Al. Also I can 1/2 punch it rather than throw all that cash out there at once. But sound wise I think that prospect will be hard to beat. At the price point anyway which would be about 8k total. Which is still a lot for most of us mere mortals… (lol)
I stream from Roon to a Lumin U1 Mini streamer connected into an Mscaler / TT2 combo and could not be happier with the Chord setup. The TT2 is connected to a BHK Pre + BHK 250 amp.
Actually, the Lumin U1 Mini is plugged into a DDC (Singxer SU-6) to split the signal: Coax into the Mscaler/TT2, and I2S into a DS Sr.
95% of the time I stream to the Mscaler/TT2. The other 5% of the time is when I stream DSD since Chord has to do a conversion to PCM. It is a bit subjective, but the DS Sr. sounds a smidge better to me when playing DSD. YMMV
The only drawback is that I cannot play SACD DSD layer to the Chord setup (use the DS Sr for this), but Redbook upscaling with the MScaler is pretty good to my ears.
I also own a Qutest in a smaller rig and a Poly/Mojo.
Wow. Great info, thank you. I don’t do SACD or DSD at the moment but I got to try it soon to satisfy my curiosity I guess. I did try some 24/192 files. They sound excellent but have to really try and compare a file in 16/44 then 192 then DSD. That would be cool though.
Did you use the TT2 stand alone at first? Then add the M Scaler? Impressions?
I have always used the Mscaler with the TT2 but I have tried disabling the upscaling (there is an option to select the amount of upscaling or no upscaling at all. The TT2 on its very good on its own but the Mscaler is worth getting, the difference is noticeable to me. Some reviewers claim the combo is very similar to the Dave but I have never auditioned the Dave so I could not say.
If I only played PCM files, I’d just be happy with the MScaler/TT2 and not go down any further through the rabbit hole.
I agree, the Mscaler sharpens things up.
So you were right of course, the M-Scaler is an improvement and the combo of TT2 + Scaler is pretty awesome.
However the BNC connectors that came with the unit seem loose. Any disturbance of the wires and the TT2 resets.
Thank you…
I just saw another comical “review” by Amir, where he rates the Dave as “bested by DACs that cost less than $150.” He’s hilarious.
MScaler feeding a DSD snr here - a combo reviewed on Audiobacon website - Titled “Digital disruption”. The DSD snr replaced a Chord Hugo 2 ( portable). Even though I compromise on the upsampling being limited to 352 kHz (This now possible input to DSD with sunlight I2S) , I love the MScaler + DSD combo. More musical and easy on the ear. Wouldnt take the MScaler out of the digital chain to the DSD