Does anyone know anything about the new Chordette Peach DAC from Chord? It has been developed from the Gem but in terms of spec, the Peach seems to differ only in that it has optical and coaxial inputs, yet it is nearly double the price. That seems a massive price difference for a couple of inputs, so presumably it also has much better sound. But is this true?
Equally, I find that reviews of DACs only very rarely compare their sound with CD players. So how good is a Peach (or Gem)? Does it compare with a good-quality £1000-ish CD player? Or is it nowhere near as good? And how much does the sound quality depend on which input you use? I ask because I have what might be described as a low high-end audio system - a Rega Saturn CD player, Leema Pulse amplifier and B&W 805S speakers. I'm considering adding a DAC to the system to enable the playing of files stored on a computer and/or iPhone, and the flexibility of the Peach/Gem appeals. However, I don't see the point if the audio quality is going to be significantly lower than from my Saturn. And I can't afford a QBD76, much as I might like to!
Equally, I find that reviews of DACs only very rarely compare their sound with CD players. So how good is a Peach (or Gem)? Does it compare with a good-quality £1000-ish CD player? Or is it nowhere near as good? And how much does the sound quality depend on which input you use? I ask because I have what might be described as a low high-end audio system - a Rega Saturn CD player, Leema Pulse amplifier and B&W 805S speakers. I'm considering adding a DAC to the system to enable the playing of files stored on a computer and/or iPhone, and the flexibility of the Peach/Gem appeals. However, I don't see the point if the audio quality is going to be significantly lower than from my Saturn. And I can't afford a QBD76, much as I might like to!