Chord Electronics Qutest DAC – Award-Winning Performance in Compact Form

The Chord Electronics Qutest DAC is a multiple award-winning digital-to-analog converter that has set the standard for compact, high-performance DACs. With a performance that defies its compact size, the Qutest brings out astonishing clarity, depth, and precision, earning it What Hi-Fi?’s coveted ‘Best DAC £1,000+’ award in 2023 and acclaim every year since its launch in 2018. Built upon Chord’s proprietary FPGA architecture, this DAC is tailored for audiophiles who want the best sound quality from their digital music sources, all in a design that effortlessly fits into any hi-fi setup.

Precision-Engineered for Superior Sound

At the heart of the Qutest DAC lies Chord’s renowned FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) technology, meticulously engineered to deliver an unparalleled level of detail and accuracy. Unlike conventional DACs that rely on mass-market chips, the Qutest is powered by a custom-designed FPGA, an advanced technology that allows for complete control over the DAC’s conversion process. This exclusive design delivers a higher degree of musical fidelity and sonic purity, reproducing even the finest details of every note with exceptional precision. The result is an authentic, natural sound that transforms your listening experience, bringing you closer to the music as it was intended to be heard.

Designed to Instantly Enhance Your System

The Qutest is specifically crafted to improve sound quality instantly, enhancing any connected device with a robust, high-resolution performance boost. It is the latest evolution of Chord’s standalone DAC range, offering flexibility for users who don’t require a built-in headphone amplifier. Ideal for audiophiles looking to enhance their main hi-fi system, the Qutest provides exceptional results when paired with integrated amplifiers, preamps, or external headphone amplifiers.

Multiple Connectivity Options for Versatile Use

Equipped to bring Chord’s acclaimed digital technology to various setups, the Qutest DAC features a range of inputs to suit modern and legacy digital devices alike. With a galvanically isolated USB-B input, plus optical and coaxial digital inputs, this DAC offers an instant upgrade to sound quality while enabling you to modernize older digital source components. Whether you’re connecting the Qutest to a CD player, streamer, or computer, the result is a remarkable improvement in clarity, tonal depth, and overall sound quality.

Robust, High-Quality Chassis Design

The Qutest’s chassis is as refined and resilient as its internal components. Precision-machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminium billet, the casework has greater mass than previous models, providing added protection and stability. The Qutest’s PCB rests securely within a shallow cavity inside the aluminium body, offering both protection from external vibration and additional isolation from electromagnetic interference. This careful design allows the DAC’s sensitive electronics to perform optimally, delivering pure, undistorted audio in a robust and stylish form factor.

Enhanced User Control and Flexible Sound-Shaping Options

One of the key features of the Qutest DAC is its user-selectable frequency-shaping filters, inherited from Chord’s celebrated Hugo 2 DAC. Accessible via two front-mounted spheres, these filters allow users to tailor the DAC’s output to their unique preferences, offering flexibility to suit various genres and listening environments. Additionally, the input selection control is intuitively placed, enabling quick and seamless switching between connected devices. For connectivity, the Qutest DAC is equipped with RCA analogue outputs, providing compatibility with a range of amplifiers and preamplifiers.

Dual-Data Digital Inputs for Future Compatibility

A standout feature of the Qutest DAC is its high-resolution dual-data digital inputs, designed to connect with future Chord Electronics products. This forward-thinking feature ensures that the Qutest will remain a versatile component in your hi-fi system, ready to integrate with upcoming technologies as they emerge. Chord’s commitment to future-proofing means that your investment in the Qutest DAC will continue to pay dividends as digital audio technology evolves.

Flexible Output Voltage for Optimized Pairing

The Qutest also introduces a user-selectable output voltage, allowing users to choose between 1, 2, and 3V RMS outputs. This feature ensures optimal compatibility with a wide range of audio equipment, providing the flexibility to match the DAC’s output with the sensitivity of your partnering devices. This level of customization means you can tailor the Qutest’s output to suit both your system’s needs and your personal listening preferences.

Recognized as the Definitive Compact Audiophile DAC

Celebrated as the What Hi-Fi? Best DAC for several consecutive years, the Qutest has earned its reputation as the ultimate choice for audiophiles seeking compact, high-quality digital conversion. Its ability to transform digital files into pristine analogue sound elevates every listening session, revealing nuances in the music that are often lost in other systems. The Qutest DAC is a testament to Chord’s dedication to superior sound engineering.