Chord Qutest

My take on the earlier QuteEX model is that the presentation was forward. In fact, that's why I sold it; I like a mid-hall experience for classical music.
  But, I must say music sounded so smooth and natural.

Doesn't the blue light and red light/filter change automatically depending on sampling rate? Or can you change it manually?

It changes by sampling rate

Oops:

you change the 4 filters manually.
sampling rate colors change automatically

OK, so there is much more flexibility with the Qutest over previous models.
I've read that each filter on a DAC needs break-in time. How many hours are on your unit now? I'd guess you should go for 200 hrs. on each filter that you use.

This review is in agreement with you regarding the playback of poor quality digital. This DAC seems to be very revealing.
https://www.avforums.com/review/chord-electronics-qutest-dac-review.15073

So, you've been using Tidal/Roon as your source. Have you tried any other sources such as CD or downloads? Trying a source using S/PDIF would be a good experiment.
I'm guessing you're using USB out from a PC; have you tried different cables? IME, different cable designs can change sonics dramatically.
If USB, are you using some type of noise reduction, such as an i Purifier?

Low,

I've run Amarra and JRiver as source.
Both are not nearly as good as Roon in sound quality.
I'm suprised at difference especially when using a parametic equalizer and Upsampling
The Roon is so much more delicate and refined in its sound.

I've used all the chord filters and they do change the sound with out interfering in the sound........making it muddy and thick

The incisive neutral really defines the transients...........
I use the red filter.

I do not think there is much break-in
It sounds the same, new or old

Anyway, I'm keeping the DAC & using ROON at dsd128.
This setting makes all the poor recording pretty gosh darn good
AND good stuff really good
Oh, I' m using a Mac Mini as source

pcm is really incisive and sharp. 
I bet the pcm would impart a dull/warm system lots of details and make it sound great
a resolving system would be over top...sharp

I'm happy running Dsd128 with the Qutest and keeping the dac.

FYI, The Playback Designs Merlot was the best DAC I've listened to, but $6500

I'm quickly becoming a fan of DSD playback and its associated big bass, smoother & detailed highs

vs PCM and all it incisive edge portrayal
The better the dac the sharper the edges, therefore poor stuff sounds like scraping glass to me.

Anyway, My thoughts

jeff

go Brewers