Pure, Audiophile-Grade Performance from a Proprietary DAC: Chord Electronics Qutest Supports up to DSD512 and 768kHz PCM, Includes User-Selectable Filters and Incredible Connectivity

Pure DAC performance. Devoid of headphone amplification circuitry or even rechargeable batteries, the Chord Electronics Qutest DAC is devoted to digital-to-analog conversion and getting you optimum high-resolution sound. Able to process up to DSD512 and 768kHz PCM, the British-built Qutest provides audiophile-caliber fidelity distinguished by analog-like smoothness, clarity, detail, pace, rhythm, and naturalism.

A key factor behind Qutest's success – and super-low-noise operation – relates to its proprietary FPGA DAC designed by Chord Electronics engineer Rob Watts. Compared to the competition, Qutest offers up to 30 times more quiet playback and up to 300 times lower the distortion. No wonder Chord Electronics houses it in an aircraft-grade aluminum billet chassis to grant it Grade A protection and isolation.

Just like its acclaimed sibling, Hugo 2, Qutest also comes with proprietary user-selectable frequency-shaping filters and input selection controls, available via two fascia-mounted spheres, for more flexibility. RCA analog outputs for connection to integrated amplifiers, preamps, and headphone amps – plus high-resolution dual-data digital inputs for connection to future Chord Electronics products – as well as a galvanically isolated USB-B input, and optical and coaxial inputs, attest to it's all-rounder connectivity.

Factor in Chord Electronics' solid-as-can-be three-year warranty and our famous Satisfaction Guarantee, and Qutest passes every test with flying colors.

"This is a great sounding digital converter – indeed spectacular at the price. You'll have to spend a lot more money than this to find a DAC that does any better."
—David Price, Hi-Fi Choice, Editor's Choice