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Chord Electronics Qutest Standalone Digital Audio Converter
£1,195.00 £995.83
SKU
Qutest
Free UK Delivery
3 Years
New
24 hours
Winner of What Hi-Fi?'s Best DAC £500-£1200 & Product of the Year, Qutest is Chord's ‘pure’ DAC (it does not contain headphone amplification or rechargeable batteries like some of its range stablemates) and is designed to improve sound quality in the home. It is the latest evolution of their most affordable standalone DAC, the multi-award-winning 2Qute, which it directly replaces.
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Chord Electronics Qutest Standalone Digital Audio Converter
Winner of What Hi-Fi?'s Best DAC £500-£1200 & Product of the Year, Qutest is Chord's ‘pure’ DAC (it does not contain headphone amplification or rechargeable batteries like some of its range stablemates) and is designed to improve sound quality in the home. It is the latest evolution of their most affordable standalone DAC, the multi-award-winning 2Qute, which it directly replaces.
Qutest is based on Chord's award-winning proprietary FPGA technology developed for the class-leading Hugo 2 DAC/headphone amp, giving it proven class-leading technical and sonic performance. Perfectly equipped to bring the benefits of Chord's digital technology to a wide range of connected devices, it features a galvanically isolated USB-B, optical and coaxial digital input, giving an instant performance upgrade, plus the ability to modernise ageing digital source components.
The Qutest chassis is all-new, too. It has significantly greater mass than its predecessor and has been precision-machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminium billet. The Qutest PCB nestles within a shallow cavity in the solid aluminium chassis, giving the circuit board greater protection within the casework and additional isolation from external vibration compared to previous designs.
Qutest offers Hugo 2’s proprietary user-selectable frequency-shaping filters and input selection controls, available via two fascia-mounted spheres, introducing useful flexibility. It also features RCA analogue outputs for connection to integrated amplifiers, preamps and headphone amps, plus high-resolution dual-data digital inputs for connection to future Chord Electronics products.
A further new feature is a user-selectable output voltage available in 1, 2 and 3V RMS outputs for flexible connectivity with a wide range of partnering devices.
Features
- Materials: Precision machined aluminium casing with polycarbonate buttons and glass viewing portal. Available in black.
- Device Power Supply: 5v 2amp Micro USB
- Connectivity (input): USB Type B (White): 44.1kHz – 768kHz – 16bit – 32bit
- 2x BNC Coax (Red): 44.1kHz – 768kHz – 16bit – 32bit
- Optical (Green): 44.1kHz – 192kHz – 16bit – 24bit
- Connectivity (output): 1x stereo pair of RCA (Left and Right)
- Galvanically isolated inputs
- PCM support: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 358.8kHz, 384kHz, 717.6kHz, and 768kHz.
- DSD support: Native playback supported. DSD64 (Single) to DSD512 (Octa-DSD)
- Variable output: Fixed, but selectable between 3v (blue), 2v (green), and 1v (red) via dual press of ‘Filter’ + ‘Input’ upon startup
- Driver support: Driverless with Mac OS X and Linux, driver required for Windows OS
- Digital designer: Rob Watts
- Mechanical Designer: John Franks
- Country of manufacture: England
Future-proof: High-Res Audio to 768kHz PCM/DSD 512
Qutest has been designed for static use within home audio and desktop hi-fi systems. The new design benefits from 5V Micro USB powering which offers improved flexibility over its predecessor. Qutest offers support for up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512 via its galvanically isolated USB-B input, 24-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD128 via coaxial (BNC) and 24-bit/192kHz data on Optical TOSLink. DSD 64 to DSD 256 is supported via DoP and ASIO native DSD format is also supported up to 512.
The device features a Class 2 USB input which, because of the Qutest’s home-system orientation compared to Hugo 2’s more mobile aspirations, has been galvanically isolated. This has been achieved using a novel technique which allows for very high data rates of up to 768kHz; the input is driverless on Apple and Android devices, with (ASIO included) drivers for Windows devices.
All-new aluminium casework
The Qutest chassis is all-new. It has significantly greater mass than its predecessor and has been precision-machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminium billet. The Qutest PCB nestles within a shallow cavity in the solid aluminium chassis, giving the circuit board greater protection within the casework and additional isolation from external vibration compared to previous designs.
Qutest’s new square-edge chassis design created by owner and Chief Designer John Franks retains the popular circular magnifying porthole window, which reveals the custom Chord Electronics’ circuit board within. Qutest’s control spheres (for user-selectable frequency-shaping and input selection) illuminate with useful colour-coding information denoting sample frequency and filter used; brightness settings are user-adjustable. A further new feature is a user-selectable output voltage available in 1, 2 and 3V RMS outputs for flexible connectivity with partnering devices.
New levels of technical performance for a compact DAC
The latest FPGA and advanced WTA (Watts Transient Aligned) filters have been implemented in the Qutest, bringing a wide variety of performance improvements over the 2Qute in a number of areas. Performance gains have been made in timing accuracy, noise reduction and dynamic range and tap length, the technical indicator of how complex the interpolation filter is, has more than doubled compared to its predecessor, to 49,152.
User-selectable filtering option
A four-function switch filter, operated by its own control sphere, offers a useful degree of user-selectable frequency-shaping, bringing warm and soft or transparent and incisive presentations, giving additional flexibility and user control.
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"The Chord Electronics Anni amplifier and Qutest DAC really dig every last bit of detail out of the recording allowing you to hear it all." Speaker Shack - Editors Choice - 2023 |
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"Chord Electronics’ DACs seem able to communicate particularly well at an emotional level, in a way that most others cannot. The Qutest is no exception – it’s the cheapest serious digital converter that the company produces, yet you wouldn’t be able to tell by listening to it. It’s rather like its DAVE bigger brother – doing what all Chords do, albeit on not quite such a grand scale." (Read More) Hi-Fi Choice - Issue 436 |
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"Take one Chord Hugo 2. Strip off battery, Bluetooth and headphone amplifier. Shrink what’s left. The result? A damn fine DAC" (Read More) HI-FI WORLD - November 2018 |
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"One of the things that hit me about the Qutest’s sound after I had run it in for a good, long while is the amount of resolution it is capable of digging out of even well-worn tracks in my library, surprising me more than a few times with its clarity and subtle spacing of players within the confines of recordings at this price point." AudioStream DAC Review - February 2019
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Specification
- Chipset: Chord Electronics custom coded Xilinx Artix 7 (XC7A15T) FPGA
- Tap-length: 49,152
- Pulse array: 10 element pulse array design
- Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz +/- 0.2dB
- Output stage: Class A
- Output impedance: 0.025Ω
- THD: <0.0001% 1kHz 3v RMS 300Ω
- THD and noise at 3v RMS: 117dB at 1kHz 300ohms ‘A’ wighted (reference 2.5v)
- Noise 2.6 uV ‘A’ weighted: No measurable noise floor modulation
- Channel separation: 138dB at 1kHz 300Ω
- Galvanically isolated inputs
- Weight: 770g
- Dimensions: 41mm (H) x 160mm (W) x 72mm (D)
- Boxed Weight: 1500g
- Please Note: We are unable to ship this item for International orders if a local Chord Electronics distributor is available
About Chord Electronics 
Chord Electronics Ltd is a renowned British audio company with a rich history and a distinct design philosophy that sets them apart in the industry. Established in 1989 by John Franks, Chord Electronics has gained a reputation for its innovative audio technology approach and unwavering commitment to sonic excellence.
Chord Electronics began its journey by specialising in designing and manufacturing high-performance amplifiers. Their early success can be attributed to the unique implementation of advanced technologies and meticulous attention to detail in constructing their products. Over the years, the company expanded its product range to include digital-to-analogue converters (DACs), headphone amplifiers, preamps, and other audio components.
One of the key aspects of Chord Electronics' design philosophy is its relentless pursuit of audio quality. The company believes in delivering the most transparent, detailed, and engaging sound reproduction possible. To achieve this, Chord Electronics employs cutting-edge technologies and innovative circuit designs. Their products often feature proprietary technologies such as FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), digital signal processing, advanced filtering algorithms, and ultra-precise clocking systems. This combination of cutting-edge engineering and meticulous design ensures that Chord Electronics products deliver exceptional sonic performance.
Chord Electronics also strongly emphasises the quality of materials and craftsmanship. Each product is meticulously designed and hand-assembled in their UK-based facility, with great attention to detail and rigorous quality control. The company uses high-quality components and materials, including custom-made circuit boards and precision-machined casings, to ensure both durability and optimal performance.
Furthermore, Chord Electronics maintains a strong commitment to continuous research and development. Their team of engineers and designers are constantly exploring new technologies and pushing the boundaries of audio innovation. This dedication to advancement and improvement has led to several industry accolades and a loyal customer base.
In summary, Chord Electronics Ltd has a history rooted in innovative design and engineering excellence. Their products result from a meticulous design philosophy focused on achieving the highest levels of audio quality. With their commitment to advanced technologies, attention to detail, and continuous improvement, Chord Electronics continues to be at the forefront of high-performance audio, offering products that redefine the boundaries of sonic reproduction.
Specification
- Chipset: Chord Electronics custom coded Xilinx Artix 7 (XC7A15T) FPGA
- Tap-length: 49,152
- Pulse array: 10 element pulse array design
- Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz +/- 0.2dB
- Output stage: Class A
- Output impedance: 0.025Ω
- THD: <0.0001% 1kHz 3v RMS 300Ω
- THD and noise at 3v RMS: 117dB at 1kHz 300ohms ‘A’ wighted (reference 2.5v)
- Noise 2.6 uV ‘A’ weighted: No measurable noise floor modulation
- Channel separation: 138dB at 1kHz 300Ω
- Weight: 770g
- Dimensions: 41mm (H) x 160mm (W) x 72mm (D)
- Boxed Weight: 1500g
- Please Note: We are unable to ship this item for International orders if a local Chord Electronics distributor is available
![]({{media url="wysiwyg/Awards/175x125/2020/Chord_Qutest_2020.png"}})
UK Delivery
1. We use Royal Mail 1st Class Services as a Standard Postage Option
Orders received before 4.30pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) are usually dispatched the same day by FIRST CLASS post (unless premium postal or timed courier services are selected), subject to stock availability. Over 98% of our orders are usually delivered the next working day including Saturdays.
Standard delivery is usually within 2-3 working days, although 98% of all orders are delivered the next working day including Saturdays . In extreme cases, such as delivery to the Highlands and Islands, this may take 3 days.
All items are fully insured and come with an invoice from Futureshop.co.uk. We use the Royal Mail for delivery of small packages and DPD or Interlink Express for items that weigh over 2KG. Items over 2KG are fully insured and will usually be delivered within 48 hours of placing your order Monday to Friday subject to stock availability. For International orders, we use FedEx Services where customers have selected this option.
Please note, special orders for non-standard cable lengths or custom-made cables may be subject to longer delivery time-scales. This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
We offer 'Free UK delivery on orders over £99' subject to the following terms & conditions:
- Applies only to orders with £99 or more of items (including VAT at the UK rate), at FutureShop.co.uk
- Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK (excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by UK Mail).
- Applies only to deliveries to addresses within mainland UK and Northern Ireland addresses. Applies only to orders that are to be delivered to a single Mainland UK delivery address.
- You will not be eligible for free delivery on your order if any items are cancelled or returned for a refund, bringing the total order amount below £99. Where items are returned, the refund due will be the cost of the item less any postage costs.
- We reserve the right to change or discontinue 'Free delivery on orders over £99 promotion at any time.
- FREE DELIVERY FOR ORDERS OVER £99 OFFER DOES NOT APPLY TO TRADE CUSTOMERS.
Free Delivery on orders over £99 utilises Royal Mail First Class postal service for items weighing under 2KG. For items weighing over 2KG, we use DPD or Interlink Express next working day services which deliver from 9.00am to 6pm within mainland UK.
Free Delivery for orders over £99 excludes Royal Mail Special Delivery Services and timed next day delivery services by DPD or Interlink Express.
2. Special Delivery UK - Guaranteed Next Working Day
We have 99.9% of the UK covered With Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery. We guarantee delivery to most UK addresses by 1pm the next working day. This includes Northern Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey. Some places take longer to deliver to but we still guarantee delivery within three working days by 5.30 PM.
For the Next Day Special Delivery service, orders must be received by futureshop.co.uk by 4.30pm weekdays. Orders after the 4.30pm deadline cannot be guaranteed for same day dispatch.
Please note, Royal Mail Special Delivery for next working day may not be possible where non-standard cable lengths are ordered. If this is the case, the item will be shipped via The Royal Mail Special Delivery service as soon as the cable is custom made.
For orders weighing over 2KG, we reserve the right to ship items using Next Day Pre-Noon Courier Services where Royal Mail Special Delivery option has been selected.
3. Channel Islands & Northern Ireland
We accept orders from all Channel Islands including Alderney, Jersey, Guernsey and Sark. Unless you select a premium service, Items weighing under 2KG are delivered using our standard UK delivery option above. For items weighing over 2KG, a surcharge may be applied for all deliveries to the Channel Islands as well as Northern Ireland.
European Countries
Deliveries to EU member states are subject to 20% VAT. We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Untracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 10 working days.
- Royal Mail First Class International Tracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 3 to 7 working days.
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 24 to 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm for next day service to most destinations in Europe
- Federal Express International Economy - Item are usually delivered within 48 to 72 hours
Worldwide - Excluding UK & Europe
Deliveries outside of the EU are not subject to 20% VAT and so the 20% tax on items is automatically deducted when you login or register.
We offer the following shipping services:
- Royal Mail First Class International Untracked Airmail Services - Items are usually delivered within 15 working days.
- Royal Mail First Class International Tracked Airmail - Items are usually delivered within 10-15 working days.
- DHL Express International - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. DHL orders must be received by 3:30pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability.
- Federal Express International Priority - Items are usually delivered within 48 hours. FedEx orders must be received by 3.00pm in order to ship items the same day, subject to stock availability.
Where the actual weight of the package significantly exceeds the shipping cost charged on orders, we may write to you for an additional shipping charge. For larger orders, items may be shipped in multiple packets.
Customer Reviews
4.9 /5.0 of 16 Reviews
Absolutely fantastic DAC
Rob
17 Jan 2024
Verified Buyer
The Qutest offers a nuanced and detailed sound that is not overly forward or bright. It's detailed but not in an overly etched and fatiguing way, it is just very musical.
I use it in a highly resolving system with high-quality cables from Audioquest that work well with it. The sound stage is very good in width and depth in my system.
For the price, this little box is a hifi bargain, in my opinion, and I highly recommend it.
I use it in a highly resolving system with high-quality cables from Audioquest that work well with it. The sound stage is very good in width and depth in my system.
For the price, this little box is a hifi bargain, in my opinion, and I highly recommend it.
Great Product and Excellent Service
Christo van der Merwe
16 Jan 2023
Verified Buyer
I have a NAD M33 streamer/amp connected with Audioquest Mont Blanc Cables to my PSB Imagine T3's speakers.
The Quest is connected to the line-in of the M33. For this purpose, I use an Audioquest Yukon RCA to RCA. The Quest adds detail without any harshness, depth, and layers of music.
The customer service of Future Shop has been remarkable.
The Quest is connected to the line-in of the M33. For this purpose, I use an Audioquest Yukon RCA to RCA. The Quest adds detail without any harshness, depth, and layers of music.
The customer service of Future Shop has been remarkable.
Ok but overhyped
Chris
5 Nov 2021
Verified Buyer
This is a good DAC. It is sweet-sounding, detailed and musical, but I can’t help wondering why it gets such astoundingly good reviews. I did a lot of research before plumping for this on the basis of the descriptions of the sound quality it offered. Sadly I couldn’t find a demo model anywhere to audition but took the plunge as the many review descriptions of refined, detailed sound with a spectacular sound stage and ability to make anything sound great we’re just what I was looking for (I mainly listen to classical and some recordings are upwards of 80 years old and need all the help they can get to appreciate the art of the conductor, being mono and very limited productions). I also needed something to run the TV through to upscale my opera DVDs and make Netflix more cinematic.
I’m running a PrimaLuna preamp and monoblocks with Amphion speakers, also streaming directly from a laptop as well as using my Roksan K3 CD player as a transport.
What I discovered was that, when running an optical from the TV, the Qutest and the onboard DAC in the Roksan CD player sound identical. However, a very slight improvement was gained with the warmer filters (nothing significant enough to justify the price, mind). When running the CD as a transport and using optical again, the Qutest sounded slightly rolled off and a bit less detailed than the onboard DAC, but with a richer presentation that was actually very pleasant. The cleaner, neutral filter worked best here. Using the Coaxial instead of the optical warmed the sound up a little but didn’t improve the detail. I would definitely recommend coax over optical (but this depends on the quality of your coaxial cables - I was using an Atlas DD at 0.5m) for added musicality of presentation, but honestly, the difference is subtle. Again I didn’t think the Qutest justified the money.
Next, I streamed using an Apple Airbook pro, as well as downloaded tracks stored on the machine (using the USB connection that Chord provide with the Qutest). The sound here was similar to the presentations from the CD player: musical, rich and refined and very enjoyable, but without being at all remarkable. I was by now rather disappointed that the Qutest was little better than the onboard DAC of the Roksan and not worth the money.
I should add at this point that I had (before investing in the PrimaLuna valve amps) auditioned a Hegel H120 integrated amp, the onboard DAC of which is my benchmark DAC and the best I have ever heard. The Hegel blew the Roksan away but sadly Hegel no longer sells independent DAC machines. By the lack of significant improvement, the Qutest offers over the Roksan, I’d hazard that it would also lack the clarity, detail, vast soundstage or powerful presentation to compete with the Hegel.
Disappointing then, after a couple of months of constant use. That is, however, until I bought the Chord Anni headphone amp. Suddenly the magic of the Qutest blossoms like a cherry tree and, just, wow. The sound is finally that of all the reviews I’d read. Clearly, Chord synergy is not to be underestimated and, moving the DAC into the office and away from my main system, I can finally say it’s justifying the purchase and making me very happy.
Like anything else in hifi, room acoustics and pairing between equipment and cables make everyone’s experiences different but, for me, this wasn’t the DAC I’d read about and in no way justified the price or the praise.
I’m running a PrimaLuna preamp and monoblocks with Amphion speakers, also streaming directly from a laptop as well as using my Roksan K3 CD player as a transport.
What I discovered was that, when running an optical from the TV, the Qutest and the onboard DAC in the Roksan CD player sound identical. However, a very slight improvement was gained with the warmer filters (nothing significant enough to justify the price, mind). When running the CD as a transport and using optical again, the Qutest sounded slightly rolled off and a bit less detailed than the onboard DAC, but with a richer presentation that was actually very pleasant. The cleaner, neutral filter worked best here. Using the Coaxial instead of the optical warmed the sound up a little but didn’t improve the detail. I would definitely recommend coax over optical (but this depends on the quality of your coaxial cables - I was using an Atlas DD at 0.5m) for added musicality of presentation, but honestly, the difference is subtle. Again I didn’t think the Qutest justified the money.
Next, I streamed using an Apple Airbook pro, as well as downloaded tracks stored on the machine (using the USB connection that Chord provide with the Qutest). The sound here was similar to the presentations from the CD player: musical, rich and refined and very enjoyable, but without being at all remarkable. I was by now rather disappointed that the Qutest was little better than the onboard DAC of the Roksan and not worth the money.
I should add at this point that I had (before investing in the PrimaLuna valve amps) auditioned a Hegel H120 integrated amp, the onboard DAC of which is my benchmark DAC and the best I have ever heard. The Hegel blew the Roksan away but sadly Hegel no longer sells independent DAC machines. By the lack of significant improvement, the Qutest offers over the Roksan, I’d hazard that it would also lack the clarity, detail, vast soundstage or powerful presentation to compete with the Hegel.
Disappointing then, after a couple of months of constant use. That is, however, until I bought the Chord Anni headphone amp. Suddenly the magic of the Qutest blossoms like a cherry tree and, just, wow. The sound is finally that of all the reviews I’d read. Clearly, Chord synergy is not to be underestimated and, moving the DAC into the office and away from my main system, I can finally say it’s justifying the purchase and making me very happy.
Like anything else in hifi, room acoustics and pairing between equipment and cables make everyone’s experiences different but, for me, this wasn’t the DAC I’d read about and in no way justified the price or the praise.
Pricey but Nicey and QUTEST without doubt.
Richard Taylor
27 Dec 2020
Verified Buyer
The QUTEST replaces my portable MOJO which I had pressed into service in my Home system along with converter plugs two cables one to play while the other was continually re-charging. This made the MOJO run extremely HOT. The solution was on the Futureshop website. One power lead, one USB feed and runs ever so cool. I do not switch it off but leave it in circuit all of the time. I am ever so pleased with it and Futureshop's attention. If they can supply my 'futurefunky' needs I shall never look elsewhere.
Great Value DAC
Scuttlebucket
17 Dec 2020
Verified Buyer
Very Pleased with this DAC. It has greatly improved the sound of my 851N Streamer and CXC CD Transport. I suspect this little box is capable of quite exceptional performance.
I am using with an Anker PowerCore which sounds infinitely better than with the poor Wall mart cable supplied.
I am using with an Anker PowerCore which sounds infinitely better than with the poor Wall mart cable supplied.
Magical! The quality of music produced is staggering.
Bill Partridge
26 Jul 2020
Verified Buyer
Good - Better - Qutest!! Brilliant.
Stunning! Especially the dynamic range it has brought. My Roksan Blak amp now sounds like a giant killer!
I would also like to thank Futureshop for their very good customer service.
Stunning! Especially the dynamic range it has brought. My Roksan Blak amp now sounds like a giant killer!
I would also like to thank Futureshop for their very good customer service.
DAC top-end
ian Ramsay
14 Jun 2020
Verified Buyer
Lives up to most expectations. Performance is very revealing of the nuances missed in the past. Construction beautiful except that one of the BNC sockets has a very tight and difficult to release grip on any BNC plug inserted. The second socket releases the plugs normally. The use of colour of operation is a work of genius.
No brainer purchase.
Dave
12 Jun 2020
Verified Buyer
How can I add to the many superlatives already spoken by so many who have listened to this DAC and then gushed forth about the sound?,
Well here goes.
If you are reading this review?, then you have reached the point of audiophile status!...Ta Daaa!,
you take your listening uber seriously and quite rightly as well, because the pleasure of listening to music is something that has been taken seriously since music began.
Now then, before buying the Qutest I did not have the opportunity to listen to one, all I could do was read endless reviews online and have never read so many positive
reviews of a product of any sort.
So I took a gamble and purchased one.
There is now no going back, no matter what genre of sound is listened to?, it is improved.
That might be rock jazz classical grunge rap...a tv programme...a movie...you tube...etc etc etc.
All sounds of anykind are enhanced of clarity, depth and width perception, dynamics, sense of scale of accoustic.......erm? everything.
So yes, I think the qutest is very very very good.....Nuff said?.
The delivery from Future shop was very quick and it was well packaged as usual.
Well here goes.
If you are reading this review?, then you have reached the point of audiophile status!...Ta Daaa!,
you take your listening uber seriously and quite rightly as well, because the pleasure of listening to music is something that has been taken seriously since music began.
Now then, before buying the Qutest I did not have the opportunity to listen to one, all I could do was read endless reviews online and have never read so many positive
reviews of a product of any sort.
So I took a gamble and purchased one.
There is now no going back, no matter what genre of sound is listened to?, it is improved.
That might be rock jazz classical grunge rap...a tv programme...a movie...you tube...etc etc etc.
All sounds of anykind are enhanced of clarity, depth and width perception, dynamics, sense of scale of accoustic.......erm? everything.
So yes, I think the qutest is very very very good.....Nuff said?.
The delivery from Future shop was very quick and it was well packaged as usual.
Amazing Sound!
Matt
30 May 2020
Verified Buyer
Even after one day of using this in my system (USBridge transport + Pro-Ject MaiA DS2 + Monitor Audio Silver 2) it has transformed the listening experience.
First thing you’ll notice is how small the device is, the second thing you’ll notice is how heavy it feels, the third is how good it sounds.
A joy to use.
Great customer service from Adam S!
First thing you’ll notice is how small the device is, the second thing you’ll notice is how heavy it feels, the third is how good it sounds.
A joy to use.
Great customer service from Adam S!
Just incredible....
Alan Causer
23 Feb 2020
Verified Buyer
I bought a reasonably priced DAC to link my laptop to my HIFI, the results were good. Then I was tempted by the Chord Qutest and bought one. OMG this thing i amazing, the increase in quality is actually shocking. I thought my system was great until this thing came along.I now use my Roksan K3 CD as a transport, linked via optical cable. The sound is a huge jump up in quality - everything, bass, mid and treble. I just cant put into words how good this is. Best £1200 I have ever spent. My Sonus Faber speakers are singing the sweetest ,deepest, most taut sound so far. Personally I love the lights, other might not. Time to save up for a DAVE.
Great sounding Dac and Build quality is excellent
Andy
24 Nov 2019
Verified Buyer
Great sounding Dac and Build quality is excellent.
Needed a decent DAC between average cd player and good headphone amp. Had seen the chord and thought it was a little on the expensive side but saved up a little and went for it. It sounds fantastic and not as important but it looks and feels like a really high-quality piece of kit.
Had it for a few weeks now and i think the sound is improving further. It has 4 filters to change the sound very slightly but I can't really tell any difference between them.
Needed a decent DAC between average cd player and good headphone amp. Had seen the chord and thought it was a little on the expensive side but saved up a little and went for it. It sounds fantastic and not as important but it looks and feels like a really high-quality piece of kit.
Had it for a few weeks now and i think the sound is improving further. It has 4 filters to change the sound very slightly but I can't really tell any difference between them.
The ONLY Chord DAC you’ll need
KevinK
10 Jun 2018
Verified Buyer
June 11th
I’ve had the DAC for over a month and I have to say they sound very good. I ran it with a Bakoon 5210 MK3 amp. If you know the Bakoon MK3, it’s a very open and warm amp. The transparency, warmth really appreciates the Qutest. They are a great match. I’ve heard them with the HD800s, Utopias and the TH900 MK2. They sound very, very good. The DSD and the PCM format are very well converted into a very musical and warm sound. I assure you, you won’t be dissapointed. There’s nothing more important than the sounds but the build quality is exceptional. Very well built ! You can reallly feel the quality of the Qutest. If you own an AK dap~ they go very well together. I have the SP 1000 copper and they sound amazing together. I would recommend using an optical cable with the AK for PCM and usb-b to type-c for DSD. It also works well with your IMac ~
If you have any questions about the Qutest~ just ask the Staff at FutureShop ~ They are very helpful!
I’ve had the DAC for over a month and I have to say they sound very good. I ran it with a Bakoon 5210 MK3 amp. If you know the Bakoon MK3, it’s a very open and warm amp. The transparency, warmth really appreciates the Qutest. They are a great match. I’ve heard them with the HD800s, Utopias and the TH900 MK2. They sound very, very good. The DSD and the PCM format are very well converted into a very musical and warm sound. I assure you, you won’t be dissapointed. There’s nothing more important than the sounds but the build quality is exceptional. Very well built ! You can reallly feel the quality of the Qutest. If you own an AK dap~ they go very well together. I have the SP 1000 copper and they sound amazing together. I would recommend using an optical cable with the AK for PCM and usb-b to type-c for DSD. It also works well with your IMac ~
If you have any questions about the Qutest~ just ask the Staff at FutureShop ~ They are very helpful!
Qutest
biscuitbloke
20 Mar 2018
Verified Buyer
What can I say about this DAC. I am so glad I purchased it I don't suffer from audiophile nervosa and my trusted Advantage S1CD gave up the ghost after 13 years of service !
I auditioned the dac 64 many years ago and that is the only DAC i really loved from the moment i first listened. I have married the Qutest with a SMS200 network adapter. The sound is amazing my noise floor has gone down and the sound quality has gone through the roof. I can listen to this dac for hours at a time move from genre to genre and not suffer from audio fatigue separation and staging is massive and I feel my speakers amps and music has taken a massive upgrade.
Frank and Watts have done a fantastic job I can't see the Dave giving 8x more performance the dac is a keeper.
My System:
- SMS 200 (should get the ultra)
- Supratek Cortese preamp
- Odyssey Audio Kismet Power amps
- Martin Logan odysseys ( need the Blades 2 NOW)
I auditioned the dac 64 many years ago and that is the only DAC i really loved from the moment i first listened. I have married the Qutest with a SMS200 network adapter. The sound is amazing my noise floor has gone down and the sound quality has gone through the roof. I can listen to this dac for hours at a time move from genre to genre and not suffer from audio fatigue separation and staging is massive and I feel my speakers amps and music has taken a massive upgrade.
Frank and Watts have done a fantastic job I can't see the Dave giving 8x more performance the dac is a keeper.
My System:
- SMS 200 (should get the ultra)
- Supratek Cortese preamp
- Odyssey Audio Kismet Power amps
- Martin Logan odysseys ( need the Blades 2 NOW)