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Chord Qutest DAC

Qutest is a standalone DAC whose performance belies its compact dimensions. With DAC architecture based on the award-winning Hugo 2, Qutest offers class-leading digital conversion.
 

Chord Qutest DAC 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)
  • 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

 

Chord Qutest DAC Technical Specs

  • 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
  • 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

Reviews

 
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So satisfied are we with the improvements accompanying the Qutest, we ask ourselves (as we did with the 2Qute): where next for Chord’s ‘budget’ powered DAC line?
 
We don’t know the answer, or even what such a successor would be called. Qutester doesn’t work. But, from experience, we reckon Chord might (in a year or two) find another way to hoist the benchmark another notch. No pressure.
 
Until then, or until a superior DAC from another brand comes along, the Qutest occupies the gap in the pecking order between the Chord Mojo and Chord Hugo 2 as the DAC which lesser rivals look up to at this price mark.

 

Download the Qutest’s Manual
to Learn More

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