Chord Qutest DAC - Black

Chord Qutest DAC - Black

What You Need to Know

A Clearer Window into Every Recording

The Chord Qutest is a compact standalone DAC built to bring the precision of Chord Electronics’ proprietary digital technology to a dedicated home audio system. It replaces the generic conversion circuitry in a computer, streamer, or disc transport with a custom FPGA design that reveals finer texture, more stable imaging, and more convincing musical timing.

If you want Chord’s celebrated digital performance without paying for a headphone amplifier or preamp you do not need, Qutest was designed for you.

49,152 Taps Preserve Musical Timing

Rob Watts’ WTA1 filter uses 49,152 taps and a 10-element Pulse Array design to reconstruct transient information with exceptional precision. You’ll hear notes start and stop more naturally, with cleaner separation and a stronger sense of rhythmic flow.

Four Filters Let You Shape the Presentation

Four selectable frequency-shaping filters offer incisive neutral, incisive neutral with high-frequency roll-off, warm, and warm with high-frequency roll-off responses. You can subtly tailor Qutest to your recordings and system without abandoning its fundamentally transparent character.

High-Resolution Inputs Welcome Every Digital Source

A galvanically isolated USB-B input accepts PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, while dual BNC inputs support Chord’s 768kHz dual-data connection and pairing with the Hugo M Scaler. Optical and individual BNC coaxial inputs make it equally easy to upgrade a streamer, CD transport, television, or computer.

Selectable Output Voltage Simplifies System Matching

Choose a fixed 1V, 2V, or 3V RMS output to suit the input sensitivity of your integrated amplifier, preamplifier, or headphone amplifier. This flexibility helps you achieve useful volume range and strong signal level without adding an unnecessary analog volume stage.

Machined in England for Long-Term Performance

Qutest is made in England and housed in a solid aircraft-grade aluminum chassis that protects the circuit board while helping isolate it from external vibration. Its compact Jett Black casework brings serious digital performance to systems where space matters.

Building Your System

Connect Qutest’s stereo RCA outputs to an integrated amplifier, preamplifier, receiver, or dedicated headphone amplifier. Because Qutest is a fixed-output standalone DAC with no built-in headphone amplifier, it should not be connected directly to headphones or directly to a power amplifier unless another component provides safe volume attenuation.

It is an excellent match for computers, network streamers, CD transports, and televisions with compatible digital outputs. Add a Chord Hugo M Scaler through the dual-BNC input when you are ready to explore Chord’s one-million-tap upscaling architecture.

Features & Specifications

Custom-Coded Chord FPGA DAC
A Xilinx Artix 7 FPGA runs Chord’s proprietary conversion code for exceptional resolution, timing, and musical coherence.

49,152-Tap WTA1 Filter
The long-tap digital filter reconstructs transients more accurately for focused imaging and natural rhythmic expression.

Four Selectable Digital Filters
Choose neutral or warm responses with optional high-frequency roll-off to complement your music and system.

Galvanically Isolated USB Input
Electrical isolation helps prevent computer-borne noise from contaminating the analog output.

PCM 768kHz and Native DSD512
Extensive high-resolution support accommodates advanced music libraries and Chord’s dual-data ecosystem.

Selectable 1V, 2V, or 3V RMS Output
Three fixed output levels make Qutest easier to match with a wide range of amplifiers and preamplifiers.

Specifications

·       Type: Standalone digital-to-analog converter for fixed-system use

·       DAC Architecture: Chord Electronics custom-coded Xilinx Artix 7 XC7A15T FPGA

·       Digital Filter: WTA1 16FS, 49,152 taps

·       Pulse Array: 10-element design

·       Digital Inputs: 1 x galvanically isolated USB Type-B; 2 x BNC coaxial; 1 x optical

·       USB Input Support: 16- to 32-bit PCM, 44.1kHz to 768kHz

·       BNC Coaxial Support: 16- to 32-bit PCM, 44.1kHz to 384kHz per input

·       Dual-BNC Data Mode: 16- to 32-bit PCM, 44.1kHz to 768kHz

·       Optical Input Support: 16- to 24-bit PCM, 44.1kHz to 96kHz

·       PCM Support: Up to 32-bit/768kHz

·       DSD Support: Native DSD64 through DSD512

·       Analog Output: 1 x stereo pair of RCA outputs

·       Output Level: Fixed, selectable at 1V, 2V, or 3V RMS

·       Output Stage: Class A

·       Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz, ±0.2dB

·       Dynamic Range: 124dB A-weighted

·       THD: 0.0001% at 1kHz, 2.5V RMS into 300Ω

·       Channel Separation: 138dB at 1kHz into 300Ω

·       Output Impedance: 0.025Ω

·       Headphone Amplifier: None

·       Power Supply: 5V/2A Micro USB supply, included

·       Dimensions: 41 x 160 x 72mm (1.61 x 6.30 x 2.83 in.)

·       Weight: 770g (1.70 lb.)

·       Finish: Jett Black

·       Country of Manufacture: England

·       Warranty: Three years, parts and labor, with product registration

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect headphones or a power amplifier directly to Qutest?
No—Qutest has no headphone amplifier or user-adjustable volume control, so its RCA outputs should feed an integrated amplifier, preamplifier, receiver, or headphone amplifier that provides safe volume control.

How does Qutest compare with Chord Mojo 2?
Mojo 2 is a battery-powered portable DAC/headphone amplifier, while Qutest is optimized as a dedicated home-system DAC with RCA outputs, galvanically isolated USB, multiple digital inputs, selectable output voltage, and Hugo M Scaler compatibility.

What would I gain by moving up to Chord Hugo TT 2?
Hugo TT 2 adds a preamplifier, powerful headphone outputs, Bluetooth connectivity, substantially greater processing capability, and a more advanced output stage, while Qutest remains the compact value choice for systems that already have amplification.

Who is the Chord Qutest designed for?
It is designed for music lovers who want a compact, high-performance standalone DAC for an existing home system without paying for an onboard preamp or headphone amplifier.

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