The Chord Qutest is a high-performance standalone DAC engineered to deliver exceptional digital-to-analogue conversion in a compact, desktop-friendly design. From the first note, the Qutest reveals a sense of clarity and timing that makes digital music sound effortless and natural. Vocals gain presence. Instruments occupy real space.
Built in the UK, the Qutest uses Chord’s legendary FPGA technology, featuring the same advanced digital technology found in their flagship DACs — refined for pure DAC operation.
The Qutest handles music with extraordinary precision, uncovering texture, nuance and emotion that lesser DACs often blur or gloss over. Whether you’re listening to a delicate acoustic recording or a dense, complex mix, everything arrives with confidence, control and flow.
Its compact, understated design hides a level of performance that feels anything but small. Once placed into a system, the Qutest quietly transforms it — making long listening sessions addictive and rediscovering albums feel new again.
Specifications
Digital Conversion
-
DAC Architecture: Custom Chord Electronics FPGA (Xilinx Artix-7) with 49,152-tap, 10-element Pulse Array filter design for ultra-precise conversion.
-
Digital Filters: Multiple user-selectable filters for tonal character shaping.
Inputs
-
USB Type-B (White): Up to 768 kHz PCM / DSD512.
-
2 × BNC Coaxial (Red): Up to 384 kHz PCM; dual-data mode up to 768 kHz.
-
Optical (Green): Up to 192 kHz PCM.
Outputs
-
Analogue Output: Stereo pair of RCA phono outputs.
-
Variable Output Voltage: Selectable between 1 V, 2 V or 3 V RMS to suit different amplifiers or preamps (set via button combo at startup).
Supported Formats
-
PCM Support: 44.1 to 768 kHz (16–32 bit).
-
DSD Support: Native playback from DSD64 up to DSD512.
Performance
-
Frequency Response: ~20 Hz – 20 kHz ±0.2 dB.
-
THD: <0.0001 % (1 kHz, typical).
-
THD + Noise: ~-117 dB @ 3 V RMS at 300 Ω (A-weighted).
-
Channel Separation: ~138 dB @ 1 kHz (300 Ω).
Physical
-
Chassis: Precision machined aluminium with glass viewing portal and polycarbonate control buttons.
-
Power Supply: External 5 V, 2 A Micro-USB.
-
Weight: ~770 g (1.7 lbs).
-
Dimensions (H × W × D): Approx. 4.5 cm × 16 cm × 8.8 cm.
-
Country of Manufacture: England.
Compatibility
-
Driverless: Works without drivers on Mac OS X and Linux.
Windows: Requires drivers for USB.