Chord Electronics Qutest (Black) is rated
out of
5 by
40.
Chord Electronics Qutest (Black)
DAC
£1,195
Disabled assistance
All products that are available to purchase on the Richer Sounds website can be delivered free to blind, partially sighted or those with a disability. Find out more
Please contact web after sales for more info.
For delivery of in-store only deals, please contact your local store for more details.
Ts&Cs apply - see our delivery page.
For delivery of in-store only deals, please contact your local store for more details.
Ts&Cs apply - see our delivery page.
Disabled assistance
All products that are available to purchase on the Richer Sounds website can be delivered free to blind, partially sighted or those with a disability. Find out more
Please contact web after sales for more info.
For delivery of in-store only deals, please contact your local store for more details.
Ts&Cs apply - see our delivery page.
For delivery of in-store only deals, please contact your local store for more details.
Ts&Cs apply - see our delivery page.
This superb Chord DAC remains the benchmark for the premium market.” ’What Hi-Fi?’ 2023 award-winner.
Reference quality DAC
Based on the technology of the more expensive Chord Hugo, the Qutest gives class-leading sound quality. Redefining expectations in its class, this Chord DAC has astonishingly low distortion levels of 0.0001%. What this means for sound is the most detailed, crystal clear sound and totally life-like realism.
High Resolution audio compatible
The extremely high quality digital processor is compatible with a huge range of high resolution music formats. Capable of playing files from 44.1kHz (CD quality) to reference studio quality 768kHz and even DSD512, the Qutest is the ideal DAC to playback your Hi-Resolution music files.
Highest quality USB input
Supporting audio files up to 32-bit/768kHz, the USB offers the best way of hearing music files stored on your home computer or laptop. The USB-B input is galvanically isolated for even greater sonic performance. Compatible with Apple, Android and Windows, the Qutest is the one-stop solution to improving the sound of all your digital devices.
Optical and twin coaxial
As well as USB, the Qutest also features twin coaxial and one optical digital inputs. These make it ideal for connecting everyday sources such as your TV, set-top box or CD player and then taking their audio performance to a whole new level. The coaxial inputs use BNC sockets that lock for a tighter, more secure connection.
Aircraft-grade aluminium case
Machined from a solid billet of aircraft-grade aluminium, the Qutest is built to the highest standard. This case doesn’t just look and feel luxurious, it also provides excellent shielding and isolation from electrical and mechanical outside interference.
A small box that delivers big results, the Chord Qutest is the simple way to get reference level sound quality for all your digital sources.
Click here for link to our blog review
Reference quality DAC
Based on the technology of the more expensive Chord Hugo, the Qutest gives class-leading sound quality. Redefining expectations in its class, this Chord DAC has astonishingly low distortion levels of 0.0001%. What this means for sound is the most detailed, crystal clear sound and totally life-like realism.
High Resolution audio compatible
The extremely high quality digital processor is compatible with a huge range of high resolution music formats. Capable of playing files from 44.1kHz (CD quality) to reference studio quality 768kHz and even DSD512, the Qutest is the ideal DAC to playback your Hi-Resolution music files.
Highest quality USB input
Supporting audio files up to 32-bit/768kHz, the USB offers the best way of hearing music files stored on your home computer or laptop. The USB-B input is galvanically isolated for even greater sonic performance. Compatible with Apple, Android and Windows, the Qutest is the one-stop solution to improving the sound of all your digital devices.
Optical and twin coaxial
As well as USB, the Qutest also features twin coaxial and one optical digital inputs. These make it ideal for connecting everyday sources such as your TV, set-top box or CD player and then taking their audio performance to a whole new level. The coaxial inputs use BNC sockets that lock for a tighter, more secure connection.
Aircraft-grade aluminium case
Machined from a solid billet of aircraft-grade aluminium, the Qutest is built to the highest standard. This case doesn’t just look and feel luxurious, it also provides excellent shielding and isolation from electrical and mechanical outside interference.
A small box that delivers big results, the Chord Qutest is the simple way to get reference level sound quality for all your digital sources.
Click here for link to our blog review
Connectivity
Audio Outputs
RCA
Coaxial Digital Input
2 BNC
USB Input
Yes
General
Manufacturer's Warranty
5 years
Audio
High Resolution Audio
Yes
Dimensions
Dimensions WxHxD (mm)
160 x 41 x 72
Minimum £100 trade-in available against this product. Contact your local store or our telesales team for details, full Terms and Conditions can be found here. One trade-in per purchase. Excludes Clearance, Refurbished and Open Box products.
Make the most of your DAC. View our hottest deals on interconnects.
Rated 5 out of
5
by
interrupt from
The best money I have ever spent on audio gear.
I play music from PC via Chord MOJO2 and Acoustic Energy AE1 active speakers. The Qutest was almost an impulse buy after reading good reviews and I was nervous about spending so much. When it arrived and had been set-up (very easy) I played a few tracks and ended up listening to music for the entire rest of the day such was the almost unbelievable improvement. It sounded like my entire music collection, from low quality MP3s to hi-res files, had been replaced with much better recordings. I heard details I had never heard before, the music was transformed and i couldn't stop listening for hours and hours. I feel like not only is the Qutest a huge improvement on the MOJO2, but it has revealed how good the AE1 speakers are also so I have a kind of double-improvement. I'm blown-away by the Qutest and cannot recommend it highly enough.
Date published: 2024-03-09
Rated 5 out of
5
by
M_a_r_t_i_n_i from
A sonic treat
The Qutest has all the digital inputs I need (USB, coaxial x2, optical) and handles more frequencies and formats than I will ever need. Technical details aside, it sounds really very good handling streams from my Innuos Zen. It is a good step up from the Mojo, with more detail and dynamics.
Date published: 2023-09-23
Rated 5 out of
5
by
AntonH from
A fabulous sounding DAC
I bought this recently and am more than happy; a clear and precise performer with a superb tonal balance. Money well spent. Exemplary service from Richer Sounds.
Date published: 2023-01-28
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Jon hi fi from
Chord qutest
Chord qutest expensive by dac standards but worth it.
Build quality great with two slabs of milled aluminium with black finish.
Sound wise wide sound stage fantastic separation of instruments. Great for vocal good midrange and a taught bass. Great service from richer sounds as usual.
Date published: 2023-01-17
Rated 5 out of
5
by
SpiderMan1 from
Supurb piece of kit.
Bought this a couple of weeks ago and can't believe the difference it's made, every note seems clearer and better defined Although it's been on every day it still needs plenty more time to run in...Can't wait!
Date published: 2022-10-15
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Nizelshacker from
Wowser
I am technically illiterate but love the sound of good music, but barely knew what a DAC was. However, having read some rave reviews I decided, on a whim and unheard, to buy the Chord Qutest from Richersounds in Maidstone. Must be crazy huh? What a revelation. I have connected it by optical cable via NAD CD player into Linn Majik amp through Linn Majik 109 speakers and I am completely blown away by the tremendous sounds coming out of the system, the improvement is astronomic. I'm even into streaming via the thingy cable. Every good word you can summon up about harmonic excellence applies to the Qutest. I think that this is a great product and it is giving me immeasurable pleasure. If in doubt please don't hesitate to arrange a demo, I am sure that the excellent Richer Sounds in Maidstone would happily oblige, but be warned, once heard you will want to buy. I can't praise the Chord Qutest or Richer Sounds, Maidstone too highly. Both the product and their service is excellent.
Date published: 2022-09-02
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Chord qutest
My system consists of a maranta cd6007, roksan blak and Dali rubicon 6. Some cds sounded great and others ordinary, but when Bluetoothing my iPod to the roksan the sound was much better. The weak link seemed to be the CD player. Toyed with the idea of upgrading the player, but how much to spend? Read great reviews of the qutest so decided to take the plunge and without an audition. Went into Chester branch and was served by Adam who was very helpful and explained that whilst not in stock, next day delivery could be arranged, I took the plunge! The qutest arrived before 10am. Easy to set up, well made but most importantly it has transformed my CD player, the sounds are superb, I hear things in tracks not heard before, everything is so much better, the system now excels its price. Highly recommended and will get another one for my other system, service from Richer sounds excellent as usual.
Date published: 2021-10-31
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Chord qutest bought without hearing
As above, took the expensive plunge into the dark and was rewarded with light! System maranta cd 6007, roksan blak and Dali rubicon 6. An instant improvement, everything is so much better, the music has come to life, worth every pound, get one!
Date published: 2021-10-25
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