Downsizing: can I get a similar sound for much cheaper?

[Shrek]

they do perfect record storage too perfect size

https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/eket-cabinet-brown-walnut-effect-60530577/#content

 

[Revolutions]

So... I was a little surprised at not noticing much difference between cheaper all-in-one dac & streamer SC15 mk2 vs separate units with Chord Qutest. And a week or so in, I'm finding the treble a touch fatiguing.

Decided to try and settle this the only sensible way: a protracted a/b test over the next week or so, swapping between the setups every couple of days. Interestingly, doing a lot of rapid switching & comparing this afternoon, I don't think I can hear any improvement with the separate units.... Time will tell!

A)
Primare SC15 mkii (internal DAC: ESS ES9028Q2M Sabre Reference) > ATC SCM40a

B)
Primare NP5 mkii > Chord Qutest > Primare PRE30 > ATC SCM40a