johndoe21ro

I'm afraid Qutest can do much more with a proper linear power supply such as a Paul Hynes SR-4, UpTone JS-2 and the likes... I'm not trying to defend the Qutest but it's performance is related to the ancillaries in a very profound way... In fact, I'm searching for a replacement but I couldn't find the right price/performance performer so far...

You should upgrade the LPS first (although, as I understand, the sPS-500 in not a linear power supply). tX-USBultra and sMS-200 Ultra scale a lot with a good LPS, power cable, fuse, etc. That's also the cheapest upgrade. A DAC is definitely costlier!

I think he has made the right choice! So, Kudos to OldBigEars! ☺️

I've also tested MPAudio with excellent results. I'm afraid Qutest scales a lot with better equipment (reclockers, galvanic isolators, pigtail, linear power supply, power cord for the linear power supply, isolation feet, streamers, renderers, etc.). I think my system is the listenable proof for that!

As far as I'm concerned the tX-USBultra doesn't mate well with the LPS1.2. I know this because I used to have this pair in my system. All PH linear power supplies (I've tried SR-3, SR-4 and SR-5) and MPAudio sound better than the UpTone power supply... So it might not be the best comparison to make!

I did. But my conclusion might differ than yours... I found it a tad more refined than the JS-2 with wider soundstage and better microdynamics and resolution, maybe a tad more relaxed too but the UpTone PS had better bass, better macrodynamics, deeper soundstage and better layering and was maybe a tad more transparent. But it was not quite an apple to apple comparison. I've used different cables with each power supply (standard Belden with the JS-2 and solid core silver with the 10 regs MPAudio).

I wouldn't power the Qutest with an UpTone LPS1.2 unless you want it to sound more analytical and with less mid bass than desired. The LPS1.2 is one helluva power supply but it works better with other equipments!

Buy an ISORegen!

As far as I'm concerned there is the UpTone ISORegen (with UpTone LPS1.2) in a strict budget or the SOtM tX-USBultra (with a good linear power supply) if money isn't an issue! I've had both and they work wonders with digital!

So has Paul started to work again on his custom power supplies?

I'd put my money on the JS-2! I'm stating this as a previous owner of TP power supply, btw!

Melody Gardot, Norah Jones, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Concha Buika, Gillian Welch, Halie Loren, Jeanie Bryson, Katie Melua, Lhasa de Sela, Natalie Merchant, Mariza, Molly Johnson... C'mon!

I'm running my tX-USBultra with UpTone LPS1.2 and I'm very pleased with the results!

I'm using an UpTone JS-2 power supply with my e32 too and I'm very pleased with it!

Any new Habst users?