Chord Electronics Qutest DAC

Chord Qutest DAC

The Chord Qutest DAC is available for demonstration in our Hull store.

The Chord Qutest DAC received a 5 Star review from What HiFi? Read the full review here

Embodying the perfect blend of aesthetic finesse and innovative technology, the Qutest DAC from Chord Electronics arrives with an all-new precision-machined aluminium chassis, featuring convenient fascia controls.

Being the most recent evolution of Chord Electronics' esteemed standalone DAC line, Qutest replaces the multi-award-winning 2Qute, raising the bar for its high-calibre proprietary hardware and software technology. With its unique high-resolution 768kHz capability and dual-data digital inputs, Qutest offers unrivalled connectivity to modern audio devices and revives ageing digital source components.

Qutest benefits from the same award-winning internal DAC architecture and custom software coding that put the Hugo 2 on the map, solidifying its position as a leader in technical and sonic performance. It presents the unique user-selectable frequency-shaping filters and input selection controls, available via two fascia-mounted spheres, from Hugo 2. This imparts exceptional flexibility and value to the user, as Qutest manages to offer these features at a significant cost-saving over Hugo 2.

Equipped with RCA analogue outputs, Qutest seamlessly integrates with integrated amplifiers, preamps, and headphone amps. Future-proofing your audio setup, it supports up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512 via its galvanically isolated USB-B input, 24-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD128 via coaxial, and 24-bit/192kHz data on Optical TOSLink.

With its focus on stationary use in home audio and desktop hi-fi systems, Qutest’s new design benefits from 5V Micro USB powering for increased flexibility. Its Class 2 USB input, thanks to Qutest's home-system orientation, has been galvanically isolated employing an innovative technique allowing for very high data rates of up to 768kHz.

Qutest’s novel square-edge chassis design, conceived by owner and Chief Designer John Franks, retains the signature circular magnifying porthole window. This illuminates the proprietary Chord Electronics’ circuit board within, providing a captivating view of the device's heart. The Qutest control spheres offer user-adjustable brightness settings and illuminate with useful colour-coded information indicating sample frequency and filter used.

Integrating the latest FPGA and advanced WTA (Watts Transient Aligned) filters, Qutest surpasses its predecessor, 2Qute, with improved timing accuracy, noise reduction, dynamic range, and tap length. A user-selectable four-function switch filter offers a varying degree of frequency-shaping, rendering warm and soft or transparent and incisive audio outputs.

In essence, Qutest serves as a cutting-edge home audio solution offering unparalleled versatility, setting new standards in DAC technical performance. With its proven legacy of class-leading performance, Qutest cements Chord Electronics' status as a trailblazer in the world of high-end audio equipment.

Part Exchange Available

As you would expect from Fanthorpes hifi, we offer a generous part exchange against the Chord Qutest DAC. If you have any hifi that you wish to use as part payment then either call us on 01482 223096 or email us at shop@fanthorpes.co.uk and we will give you a price to change. This is a fantastic and hassle-free way of making the Chord Qutest more affordable.

Finance Available

Fanthorpes hifi can also offer buy now pay later on the Chord Qutest DAC, allowing you to spread or defer your payments over a year. If you are interested in taking advantage of our payment terms, email shop@fanthorpes.co.uk or call us on 01482 223096 and we will email an application form to you.

Chord Qutest Specification:

• Frequency response: 20-20 kHz +/- 0.2dB
• Tap-length: 49,152
• Dynamic range 124 dB AWt
• THD: 0.0001% 1 kHz 2.5V RMS 300 ohms
• THD and noise at 2.5v RMS ref 3V: -117dB 300 ohms AWt
• Channel sep 138 dB at 1kHz 300 ohms
• Galvanically isolated USB
• No measurable noise floor modulation
• Inputs: 1x Optical TOSLink 24-bit/192kHz-capable, 2x BNC coaxial input 24-bit/384kHz-capable (dual data mode up to 768kHz for M-Scaler operation), 1x HD galvanically isolated USB-B input 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512-capable
• Outputs: 1x (pair) stereo RCA phono outputs: 1, 2 and 3V RMS