Chord Qutest Dac
"Nice guys over at HeadAmp to deal with."
Skip to product information
Out of stock
Chord Qutest DAC
Join Waitlist
The Qutest packs a huge punch into a small, stout chassis. Featuring superb clarity and presence as one expects from a Chord DAC, the Qutest is a purist's dream, with simple connectivity and use, and a small footprint. It pairs extremely well with our range of headphone amps, particularly the similarly desktop-friendly GS-X mini, for an unassuming but uncompromising stack of audio performance.
Ships in USA
30 Day Returns
Free 1 or 2 Day
Authorized Retailer
Qutest is Chord Electronic's ‘pure’ DAC (it does not contain headphone amplification or rechargeable batteries like some of its range stablemates) and is designed to improve sound quality in the home. It is the latest evolution of Chord's most affordable standalone DAC, the multi-award-winning 2Qute, which it directly replaces.
Qutest, which is a What Hi-Fi? Star of CES 2018, is based on the award-winning proprietary FPGA technology developed for the class-leading Hugo 2 DAC/headphone amp, giving it proven class-leading technical and sonic performance. Perfectly equipped to bring the benefits Chord's digital technology to a wide range of connected devices, it features a galvanically isolated USB input, optical and coaxial digital inputs, giving an instant performance upgrade, plus the ability to modernize ageing digital source components.
The Qutest chassis is all-new, too. It has significantly greater mass than its predecessor and has been precision-machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminium billet. The Qutest PCB nestles within a shallow cavity in the solid aluminium chassis, giving the circuit board greater protection within the casework and additional isolation from external vibration compared to previous designs.
Qutest offers Hugo 2’s proprietary user-selectable frequency-shaping filters and input selection controls, available via two fascia-mounted spheres, introducing useful flexibility. It also features RCA analogue outputs for connection to integrated amplifiers, preamps and headphone amps, plus high-resolution dual-data digital inputs for connection to future Chord Electronics products.
A further new feature is a user-selectable output voltage available in 1, 2 and 3V RMS outputs for flexible connectivity with a wide range of partnering devices.
Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 19 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
Summary topics
Review topics: [].
Review highlights
Reviews
Very happy with my new Chord Qutest
"This is a sweet sounding little DAC. Definitely needs time to break in. Was concerned at first but read that it needed time. Have about 20 hours on it now and it is just getting better and better. Very happy with my purchase."
I laughed, I cried, I listened to some tunes
"I had originally purchased a Chord Mojo 2 a little over a year ago (an amazingly good little DAC, btw) thinking I'd mainly use it with headphones (the Mojo 2's primary intended use). I ended up pretty much permanently having the Mojo 2 connected to my in-home stereo system (audiophile quality - custom monoblocks each with dual Western Electric 300B's, Audio Note AN-E/LX Signature speakers with the external crossovers, etc. ). The Mojo 2 sounded great but I kept wondering what a more system-appropriate DAC would sound like, so I bought a Qutest, and it has not disappointed. As good as the Mojo 2 was, the Qutest is (as I had hoped and expected) even better - more resolving with a wider, deeper soundstage. I highly recommend the Qutest. I would also note that all the guys at HeadAmp were a real pleasure to deal and chat with."
Chord Qutest & HeadAmp team - 5 stars
"So just got a Chord Quetest DAC from the wonderful HeadAmp team. First, the HeadAmp team, CS is top notch, superlative vendor - now my favorite: I got the DAC within 48 hrs. It was carefully packaged and it arrived unscathed. Lastly, the Qutest DAC itself is fantastic, despite its diminutive size. Here is my chain: source is Tidal HiFi/Max, from a laptop, USB out (SKW USB cable) to Qutest, RCA (also SKW cables) to Chord Anni, and the headphones are the equally impressive Meze Audio 109 Pro. I'm sure you've read all the reviews - they are all spot on: this DAC can sing. Paired with the Chord Anni (which I also purchased from HeadAmp team), it provides a very musical experience. Sure, it's all about system energy, but the Anni was designed to go with the Qutest, and the Meze 109's are superb with most equipment. Couldn't be happier! Taking this song Wheel of Fortune by Allan Taylor. Everything is open, musical, wide, the experience is expansive; I can pinpoint the individual instruments, Allan's voice is deep and authoritative , just like his guitar riff throughout - I was tapping my foot along. Same superlative experience for other artists like Diana Krall, Sophie Zelmani, Chantal Chamberland - I am rediscovering music again. Thanks Chord Electronics! So if you value a truly remarkable musical experience, without a doubt, I am happy to recommend you purchase Chord Qutest DAC from HeadAmp enough. You will thank me later. Happy Listening!"
The best in its class!
"The detail it resolve is stunning.. for what you paid it worths every penny."
Chord Qutest DAC
"Product was shipped fast and well packed. DAC was in excellent condition as described. Will do business with headamp.com in the future."
Magnificent
"The performance packed into the Qutest's modest size is truly impressive. Coming from about two year's of daily driving a Schiit Bifrost 2 and the Qutest is a providing a truly enjoyable and engaging listening experience. Also quite surprised at how much sturdier the USB connection feels to to any other DAC I've used."
Chord Qutest DAC
"Arrived on time and well packaged. Thank you very much, Headlamp. I really enjoy the Chord Qutest DAC."
Delightful!
"I was looking for a basic DAC that'll grow with me over the next long while. I have limited desk space, and I was previously using an old Mojo as my desktop DAC. The Qutest is a big step up from that and I'm still getting that Chord signature. Tons of detail and no fatigue. I'm hooked. I purchased open-box - it arrived as-new save for a small dent in the inner box."
Chord Qutest - quite the punch
"Superb product. The ability to change filters lends itself to various experiences. highly recommended"
Q&A
- Hi, I would like to run a Chord Qutest to a balanced headphone amp. To get the best sound, what connections do I need? Best Regards,
- Hello- since the Qutest has a single-ended analog output, your amp will need to convert RCA to balanced inputs. What amp are you using?
- What analogue headphone amp do you recommend to use with the chord qutest?
- HeadAmp GS-X mini is our top headphone amp recommendation for the Chord Qutest DAC!
We Also Recommend
Loading product recommendations