Seems to be a tricky ask; spacious and great imaging (width/depth and placement within) but also fast and punchy with detail dialled up to eleven..

So initial reviews would seem to push this one more in the direction of Denefrips; warm, spacious, smooth. Doesn't really sound like a good DAC for someone after a more alive and exciting sound signature although the spacial aspect does sound appealing.

Ugh, Steve Huff has a new reference anytime a new piece enters his listening room. On a side note has anyone noticed the two glass windows directly at the first reflection points next to his speakers? Surprised he can make anything out in the ensuing audio soup...

Interesting thoughts, I agree generally with what you say.

One reviewer says detailed and exciting, another says warm and laid-back...

Interesting... I have quite a few gold CDs and they've never been an issue on the CDPs I've owned (Rega, Cyrus, NAD, Pioneer).

Nope, there is no consensus. To find out which one you like you'll have to buy both and return the one you don't like as much.

Because Schiit like really confusing nomenclature for their gear?

That doesn't sound ideal...

What I want, and I think Shanling is close to having with the ET-3 is; A high quality CD transport with the quality top loader mechanism. No built in DAC. Comprehensive outputs including AES/EBU, Coax, USB, Optical and BNC. Simple but elegant display that shows basic CD playing info' required...

But not a simple CD Transport. Sometimes a 'jack of all trades' is a master of none.

I wish they'd make an "ET-2"; the CD transport minus the streaming functionality. Put a nice simple display on it rather than the currently hideous one (as discussed on this thread) and job done.

Interesting. I wonder if the FPGA is running the filter ala chord dacs. With Mikes known dislike of D/S it will be interesting to see/hear his take.

Well I read through and can't see any reference to a Qutest update...

And how do you know this? It's six years since Qutest was announced... what would be Chords update cadence?