Design and Build: The 2Qute is housed in a compact, brushed aluminium case, measuring 160x70x40mm and weighing less than half a kilogram. It features a simple, no-frills design focused on performance rather than aesthetics, yet its build quality is noted for being solid and well-crafted.

• Coaxial Input: Up to 32-bit/384kHz audio.
• Optical Input: Supports up to 24-bit/192kHz.
• USB Input: Class 2 USB input up to 384kHz, with support for up to 32-bit/384kHz audio. It’s also noted for being driverless on Apple and Android devices, with drivers supplied for Windows. DSD64 and DSD128 are supported across inputs via DoP (DSD over PCM).

• FPGA Technology: Utilizes a high-performance Spartan 6 FPGA, similar to that found in Chord’s Hugo, providing advanced digital processing.
• Distortion Levels: Boasts an astonishingly low distortion rate of 0.0003%.
• Dynamic Range: Offers a dynamic range of 119dB A/Wt.
• Frequency Response: Flat within +/- 0.1dB from 20Hz to 20kHz.
• Crosstalk: Measures at 126dB at 1kHz.

Sound Quality:

Users and reviewers praise the 2Qute for its musicality, delivering a sound that’s described as rhythmic, naturally detailed, and less tiring to listen to over long periods. It’s particularly noted for its ability to handle high-resolution audio with finesse, providing an almost-effortlessly cohesive and musical sound.

The Chord 2Qute is notably an entry-level model from Chord Electronics that still packs considerable technology and performance into a small package, making it an appealing choice for those looking to upgrade their digital audio playback without a significant investment in space or money.