Would a Graham Slee Ultra Linear with PSU1 power supply still be worth buying in 2025? For £375, There are so many to choose from nowadays it is hard to decide,

Thanks

Just my opinion.

Happy Listening

Ian

I would say go for it as I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Try it out on loan. Nothing like listening to it in you HiFi system.

Hi all,

I'm considering buying a Solo ULDE to plug directly into a Chord Electronics QTest DAC - just wondering if anyone does this with a QTest or any other DAC?

The QTest phono output has three selectable output levels -1,2 and 3 volts so I think it will drive the Solo OK looking at the specs. I've got other bits of CE kit, but the Hugo TT desktop DAC/pre amp/phone amp which CE offer for the "desktop" is very expensive, and I don't need all that functionality because I only listen to music via headphones (Beyerdynamic T1 latest version - Z=30R). So a DAC/headphone amp would be perfect for me and the QTest will accomodate my future plans with my existing CE kit.

I think a loan might be required!

A home loan is the best way as you can try it with your system.

Thank you Jon, I will get organised and order the new DAC and book a loan. Dave

It is a bit more expensive, but as a pre-amplifier will form the heart of an excellent system.

Ian

Forgot the USB input!

So try a Majestic, be careful this stuffs addictive.

Many thanks for your suggestions. The main reason I am  looking at the Qutest is that will integrate with my existing CE equipment and also fit in with future plans. I have a very limited listening space and currently (and for the foreseeable future) have no need for a full preamp (or power amp - no speakers!), no vinyl, just digital sources and headphones. I really like the sound of the current set up from ripped CDs and high res (up to 192kHz 24 bit) downloads (predominantly classical and Jazz) but I think I can do better and potentially upscale all files to 768kHz via the QuTest for an even more detailed and open sound - but it will need a very transparent headphone amp. 

I take you point about the multicoloured LEDs, the Chord kit lights up like a Christmas Tree! Quirky, but once you get into it, it does mean something. I manage to steer clear of Windows etc my using a Chord server directly attached to the DAC, controlled by a Music Player Demon client on the PC, so the PC has no direct impact on the music. It does make a noticeable difference to keep clear of the PC. Thanks for your help, Dave

Back to the original question of whether the Solo ULDE "fits in" with your system - I don't see any reason that it wouldn't. The trial of a Solo through the loan scheme will best provide the answer of whether it suits you and your system. The variable output from the QTest would probably be best set at its' lowest nominal value of 1 Volt as the Solo input sensitivity for full output at 32 ohm is 510mV. Any higher and you might push the solo into overload, a little experimentation may be necessary.

Do let us know how you get on.

Happy Listening,

Ian

Many thanks Ian, the next thing to buy is the Qutest which is a couple of weeks away. I'm also intrigued in how upscaling affects the sound, although a physical solution from CE is some way away as it is an extremely pricey but impressive piece of technology. There are software upscalers for PCs I might try - I have a PC powerful enough to handle it, but for me that takes me back into music through the PC which in my experience has not been as good - maybe there are workarounds but quite honestly I want to work with what I already have and not go down another rabbit hole. I take your point on the input sensitivity of the Solo UDLE, I can't wait to give it a try. 

I'll keep you posted, Dave