Chord Electronics Qutest Standalone DAC with FPGA Technology
We are an authorized Chord dealer!
This product is available in store only. Contact Simcoe Audio Video for more information on product availability including shipping and inventory.
Email Your Question
Pairs well with
30 Day Return Policy
Chord Electronics Qutest Standalone DAC with FPGA Technology
Chord Electronics Qutest Standalone DAC with FPGA Technology
Overview
The Chord Electronics Qutest is a compact standalone DAC (digital-to-analogue converter) that takes the digital signal from a computer, streamer, or CD transport and converts it to analogue for your amplifier. Chord calls it its most affordable standalone DAC, meaning it has no built-in headphone amplifier like Mojo 2 and Hugo 2, and What Hi-Fi has named it a 'Best DAC' every year from 2018 through 2023.
Inside is Chord's custom-coded FPGA (Xilinx Artix 7) running a 49,152-tap filter with a 10-element pulse array, designed by Chord's Rob Watts. Four user-selectable frequency-shaping filters, borrowed from Hugo 2, let you fine-tune the presentation, and the output voltage can be set to 1V, 2V, or 3V RMS to match the input sensitivity of your amplifier, preamp, or headphone amp.
Connections include a galvanically isolated USB-B input up to 768kHz, two BNC coaxial inputs up to 384kHz (or 768kHz together in dual-data mode), and an optical input up to 96kHz, with native DSD up to DSD512. Output is a single pair of RCA analogue connections. The chassis is precision-machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminium billet, which Chord says gives the circuit board greater protection and more isolation from external vibration.
Simcoe Audio Video Insight
Qutest is the right choice when you already have an amplifier you like and want a better DAC feeding it, or when you want to give an older CD player or digital source a modern converter. Because Qutest has no volume control, connect it to an amplifier, preamp, or headphone amp with its own volume control, and set the output voltage at start-up so its level matches your other sources. Windows computers need Chord's driver; Mac and Linux work without one.
More Info
Why the Chord Electronics Qutest Stands Out
Custom FPGA DAC
Chord's custom-coded Artix 7 FPGA with a 49,152-tap filter.
Four Selectable Filters
Hugo 2's frequency-shaping filters, chosen from the front panel.
Selectable Output Voltage
Set 1V, 2V, or 3V RMS to suit your amplifier.
Galvanically Isolated USB
USB-B input up to 768kHz, isolated from the source.
Dual-Data BNC Inputs
Two BNC coax inputs, combinable for 768kHz dual-data mode.
Native DSD512
Native DSD playback from DSD64 up to DSD512.
Solid Aluminium Chassis
Machined from aircraft-grade aluminium billet for vibration isolation.
Buyer's Guide
Who It's For
- The Hi-Fi Owner: Has an amplifier they like and wants a better DAC in front of it.
- The Computer Audio Listener: Wants high-resolution playback from a computer over USB.
- The CD Collector: Wants to pair an older CD player or transport with a modern DAC.
How It Compares
Qutest is Chord's standalone DAC with RCA outputs only. Mojo 2 is a portable DAC with a built-in headphone amplifier, and Hugo 2 is a transportable DAC, preamp, and headphone amp with built-in Bluetooth and a battery.
Chord Electronics Qutest Standalone DAC with FPGA Technology Specifications
| General Information | |
|---|---|
| Model | Chord Electronics Qutest |
| Brand | Chord Electronics |
| Product Type | Standalone DAC (no headphone amplifier) |
| Digital Designer | Rob Watts |
| Mechanical Designer | John Franks |
| Country of Manufacture | England |
| DAC Performance | |
| Chipset | Chord custom-coded Xilinx Artix 7 (XC7A15T) FPGA |
| Tap Length | 49,152 |
| Pulse Array | 10-element |
| Filters | 4 user-selectable frequency-shaping filters |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.2dB |
| Output Stage | Class A |
| THD | <0.0001% (1kHz, 3V RMS, 300 ohms) |
| THD and Noise | 117dB at 1kHz, 3V RMS, 300 ohms, 'A' weighted |
| Noise | 2.6uV 'A' weighted |
| Channel Separation | 138dB at 1kHz, 300 ohms |
| Connectivity | |
| USB Input | USB Type-B, galvanically isolated: 44.1kHz - 768kHz, 16 - 32-bit |
| Coaxial Inputs | 2x BNC: 44.1kHz - 384kHz, 16 - 32-bit; dual-data mode to 768kHz |
| Optical Input | 44.1kHz - 96kHz, 16 - 24-bit |
| DSD | Native DSD64 to DSD512 |
| Output | 1x stereo pair RCA |
| Output Voltage | Selectable 1V, 2V, or 3V RMS |
| Drivers | Driverless on Mac and Linux; driver required for Windows |
| Physical Specifications | |
| Dimensions | 4.5 cm H x 16 cm W x 8.8 cm D |
| Weight | 770g (boxed 1500g) |
| Construction | Machined aircraft-grade aluminium, polycarbonate buttons, glass viewing portal |
| Power Supply | 5V 2A Micro USB |
| Colours Available | Jett Black |
| In the Box | |
| Accessories | 5V 2A Micro USB power supply, USB Type-A to Type-B cable, drawstring bag, user manual, safety instructions |
Simcoe Audio Video Installation
Our professional team of designers and installers provide custom design solutions and installation for existing homes and new builds. We work with home owners, home builders and designers to create scalable solutions tailored to you.
Home Theatre & Media Rooms | Home Audio Solutions | AV Automation