Chord Qutest

Description

Description Freakuence!

A real price/quality stunner! We like to put it next to other more expensive dacs in the shop. This compact device does exactly what you expect. You plug it in, and in no time you are immersed in music. Yes yes, a somewhat extravagant appearance with some complicated color lights, we know. Fits in any drawer or behind a device if desired. Lover of transparent and holographic displays, come along! Welcome.

Retail price: 1,499.00

Details

Because we are dealers of this brand, we are happy to offer you the full dealer warranty on this particular product! Why? We are confident and this assurance is sure to make it more enjoyable.

General description

This compact device is designed to instantly improve the sound quality of your system. It features a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) architecture based on advanced FPGA technology, ensuring accurate and detailed audio reproduction. With galvanically isolated USB-B, optical and coaxial digital inputs, it offers versatile connectivity options for various digital sources. The chassis, made of solid aerospace-grade aluminum, protects internal components and reduces external vibration. User-friendly front panel controls make it easy to select the settings you want. RCA outputs allow seamless connection to amplifiers or headphone amps. In addition, you can adjust the output voltage between 1, 2 and 3V RMS depending on your needs. This device supports high-resolution PCM up to 768kHz and native DSD playback up to DSD512, making it suitable for a variety of audio formats. It is powered via a 5V 2A micro-USB connector and is compatible with various operating systems.

Chord Qutest Specifications

DAC: Chord Electronics custom-coded Xilinx Artix 7 (XC7A15T) DSD: Native DSD512 (8x) Battery: No Bluetooth: No Inputs: 1x USB, 2x BNC, 1x Toslink, 1x Micro USB (power) Outputs: 1x RCA Stereo Line Out Dimensions (HxWxD): 45 x 16 x 88 mm Weight: 770 g

Background information

The Chord Qutest was designed by Rob Watts, Chord’s celebrated digital designer. The unit uses a proprietary FPGA chip instead of standard DAC chips, providing more control over signal processing. The aluminum housing is solidly milled from solid blocks for optimal shielding. Chord builds the Qutest entirely in England, with precision and attention to detail.

Brand history

The brand was founded in the 1980s in the United Kingdom, with a focus on technology originally developed for the aerospace industry. Its founder, Rob Watts, is an electronics engineer with a background in advanced digital signal processing. His expertise in this field led to the development of a number of products using Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology, a technique that at the time was primarily used in specialty industries.

The choice of this technology was not common in consumer electronics, but proved crucial to the performance of the products that followed. Rob Watts worked with John Franks, who has a long history in the technical and manufacturing aspects of the company. Together they laid the groundwork for a series of products known for their technical precision and reliability, without deviating from their original goal of providing accurate digital signal processing.

Additional information

Merken	Chord
Kleur	Zwart

Questions & Answers

How can the output voltage of the Chord Qutest be adjusted?

The output voltage is adjustable to 1V, 2V or 3V RMS by pressing the ‘Filter’ and ‘Input’ buttons simultaneously at power-up.

What digital inputs are available on the Chord Qutest?

The Qutest features a USB Type B input, two BNC coaxial inputs and an optical (TOSLink) input.

Does the Chord Qutest support DSD files?

Yes, the Qutest supports native DSD playback up to DSD512 via the USB input.

Is the Chord Qutest compatible with Windows operating systems?

Yes, but Windows requires a driver; Mac OS X and Linux do not require a driver.

What digital filters are available on the Chord Qutest?

There are four selectable filters: Incisive Neutral, Incisive Neutral HF roll-off, Warm and Warm HF roll-off.

How is the Chord Qutest powered?

The Qutest is powered via a 5V 2A Micro USB power supply.

Can the Chord Qutest be connected to headphones?

No, the Qutest has no headphone output and is designed for connection to amplifiers or preamplifiers via RCA outputs.

What is the maximum PCM sample rate that the Chord Qutest supports?

The Qutest supports PCM sampling frequencies up to 768 kHz via the USB input.

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Features

Dealership

Dealer warranty on used.

USB

Optical

BNC

Separate dac

DSD

All about | Chord Qutest

Description Freakuence! | Chord Qutest

Retail price: 1,499.00

Details | Chord Qutest

Because we are dealers of this brand, we are happy to offer you the full dealer warranty on this particular product! Why? We are confident and this assurance is sure to make it more enjoyable.

General description | Chord Qutest

Chord Qutest Specifications | Chord Qutest

Background information | Chord Qutest

The Chord Qutest was designed by Rob Watts, Chord's celebrated digital designer. The unit uses a proprietary FPGA chip instead of standard DAC chips, providing more control over signal processing. The aluminum housing is solidly milled from solid blocks for optimal shielding. Chord builds the Qutest entirely in England, with precision and attention to detail.

Brand history | Chord Qutest

Questions & Answers | Chord Qutest

How can the output voltage of the Chord Qutest be adjusted?

The output voltage is adjustable to 1V, 2V or 3V RMS by pressing the 'Filter' and 'Input' buttons simultaneously at power-up.

What digital inputs are available on the Chord Qutest?

The Qutest features a USB Type B input, two BNC coaxial inputs and an optical (TOSLink) input.

Does the Chord Qutest support DSD files?

Yes, the Qutest supports native DSD playback up to DSD512 via the USB input.

Is the Chord Qutest compatible with Windows operating systems?

Yes, but Windows requires a driver; Mac OS X and Linux do not require a driver.

What digital filters are available on the Chord Qutest?

There are four selectable filters: Incisive Neutral, Incisive Neutral HF roll-off, Warm and Warm HF roll-off.

How is the Chord Qutest powered?

The Qutest is powered via a 5V 2A Micro USB power supply.

Can the Chord Qutest be connected to headphones?

No, the Qutest has no headphone output and is designed for connection to amplifiers or preamplifiers via RCA outputs.

What is the maximum PCM sample rate that the Chord Qutest supports?

The Qutest supports PCM sampling frequencies up to 768 kHz via the USB input.

Reviews & awards | Chord Qutest

What Hi-Fi?

considers the Chord Qutest to be a new benchmark in its price range, with a clear, precise, and nuanced sound, excellent timing and rhythmic agility, and a compact, stylish, and well-equipped design.

TechRadar

highlights the Qutest's stunning clarity and rhythm, as well as its broad support for various file formats and its robust build quality.

StereoNET

notes that, after several hundred hours of break-in, the Qutest delivers a balanced and even sound across the entire frequency spectrum, with a fast and agile response that accurately reproduces both deep and fast bass lines.

Moon Audio

emphasizes that the Qutest, based on the Hugo 2 architecture, offers superior sound quality with double the processing power, exceptional clarity, and a "dead-quiet" background.

7Review

emphasizes that the Qutest, as Chord's most affordable home DAC, utilizes advanced FPGA technology and offers extensive file compatibility.

PHILE WEB

emphasizes that, despite its compact size, the Qutest delivers remarkable sound quality comparable to Chord's high-end DAVE.

Headfonics

highlights the precision and durability of the Qutest, with a chassis made from a single piece of aluminum and a design that withstands external vibrations.

RMS.pl