Your Cart is Empty
New Zealand's Chord Electronics Experts
Chord Electronics - Qutest - DAC
$2,895.00
-
Lightning Fast Delivery
Your Audio Adventure Begins in No Time!
We know the thrill of unboxing a new gadget, and we won't keep you waiting. With our lightning-fast delivery, your new audio companion will be at your doorstep in no time. We ensure it reaches you in pristine condition, ready to play your favourite tunes.
-
Always Great Pricing
Quality Sound Doesn't Have To Break The Bank!
We believe in offering the best value to our customers. That's why we ensure our pricing is always competitive. Enjoy the superior sound quality of our award-winning products without stretching your budget. Great pricing, without compromising on quality - that's our promise to you.
-
Official Chord Electronics Dealer
We Only Deal In 100% Authentic Products.
When you purchase from us, you're not just buying a product; you're investing in a genuine audio experience. As an official dealer, we stand by the quality and authenticity of our products. Shop with confidence.
Qutest is a standalone DAC whose performance belies its compact dimensions. With DAC architecture based on the award-winning Hugo 2, Qutest offers class-leading digital conversion.
Qutest is Chord'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 our 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 our 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 our digital technology to a wide range of connected devices, it features a galvanically isolated USB-B, optical and coaxial digital input, giving an instant performance upgrade, plus the ability to modernise 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.
FEATURES
Materials: Precision machined aluminium casing with polycarbonate buttons and glass viewing portal. Available only in Jett Black.
Device power supply: 5v 2amp Micro USB
Tap length filter: 49,152 – 10 element Pulse Array design
Connectivity (input):
USB Type B (White): 44.1kHz to 768kHz – 16bit to 32bit
2x BNC Coax (Red): 44.1kHz – 384kHz – 16bit to 32bit
1x Dual data mode input (using both BNC coax inputs together): 44.1kHz to 768kHz – 16bit to 32bit
Optical (Green): 44.1kHz to 96kHz – 16bit to 24bit
Connectivity (output): 1x stereo pair of RCA (Left and Right)
PCM support: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 717.6kHz, and 768kHz. 16 – 32bit
DSD support: Native playback supported. DSD64 (Single) to DSD512 (Octa-DSD)
Variable output: Fixed, but selectable between 3v (blue), 2v (green), and 1v (red) via dual press of ‘Filter’ + ‘Input’ upon startup
Driver support: Driverless with Mac OS X and Linux, driver required for Windows OS
Digital designer: Rob Watts
Mechanical designer: John Franks
Country of manufacture: England
INCLUDED ACCESSORIES
Qutest user manual
Safety instructions
Drawstring bag
5V 2A Switching Micro USB power supply
Type-A USB to Type-B USB cable
TECHNICAL SPEC
Chipset: Chord Electronics custom coded Xilinx Artix 7 (XC7A15T) FPGA
Tap-length: 49,152
Pulse array: 10 element pulse array design
Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz +/- 0.2dB
Output stage: Class A
THD: <0.0001% 1kHz 3v RMS 300Ω
THD and noise at 3v RMS: 117dB at 1kHz 300ohms ‘A’ weighted (reference 2.5v)
Noise 2.6 uV ‘A’ weighted: No measurable noise floor modulation
Channel separation: 138dB at 1kHz 300Ω
Weight: 770g
Dimensions: 4.5cm (H) 16cm (W) 8.8cm (D)
Boxed Weight: 1500g
Trusted Audio Experts Since 1990
Our enduring presence in the audio industry since 1990 speaks volumes about the trust we've earned from our customers. We're more than a business; we're a legacy built on audio excellence and unwavering customer satisfaction. With us, you're not just buying a product, you're joining a community built on trust, quality, and a shared love for sound.
Check Out Our Thousands Of Reviews
Our services hit the high notes, but don't just take our word for it. Scroll down to read the rave reviews from our chorus of happy customers. They've heard the difference, and you can too. Read Reviews
Collections: Chord Electronics, DACs, Digital-To-Analog Converters, HiFi
Type: DAC
Message Us
Where Sound Meets Soul!
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of music with the Chord Electronics - Qutest - DAC. This isn't just a device; it's an experience, a bridge to musical memories and new adventures. With its sleek design and unparalleled sound quality, it transcends being a mere piece of equipment. It's a statement, a lifestyle, a celebration of sound. Why hold back? Embrace the rhythm, live the melody!
@realmusicco
Just got my new audio system from #TheRealMusicCompany. The sound quality is out of this world! It's like I'm hearing my favourite tracks for the first time again. #AudioBliss
Shoutout to #TheRealMusicCompany for their amazing customer service. They helped me find the perfect headphones, and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. #CustomerServiceWin
Trusted Since 1990.
For over 30 years, we've been the heartbeat of New Zealand's Hi-Fi scene. Our pride lies not just in the products we offer, but in the exceptional customer service that forms the heartbeat of our operations. We don't just sell equipment; we share in your love for sound. No matter what you're seeking, we're here to guide, assist, and ensure your journey into the world of superior sound is nothing short of extraordinary. With us, you're not just a customer, you're part of our vibrant, music-loving family.
Feel The Thrill Of Extraordinary Sound!
That goosebumps-inducing moment when the first note hits, that's what we live for. We love seeing our customers' eyes light up as they experience the breathtaking sound quality of their new audio system. It's not just good; it's jaw-droppingly good. It's the kind of sound that makes your heart skip a beat and leaves you craving for more.
We Are Tuned to Your Needs
In a world of automated responses and impersonal interactions, we take pride in offering good old-fashioned customer service. We're here to guide you, help you, and ensure your journey into the world of high-quality sound is smooth and enjoyable. Feel the difference of personalised service that's as impressive as the sound quality of our Chord Electronics systems.
“Absolutely love the speakers. The speakers do show of the recording. If however the recording is not well mixed it will show the listener as well that it was a bad recording. When they did a bond song together. However if you have a well recorded album like London Grammar or Faithless etc the music is not just fun but dynamic and entertaining. Totally recommend these speakers. ”
“I’m loving the minimalist design. The warmth and depth of sound this turntable achieves makes listening sessions bliss”
"Just upgraded my phono cartridge to the Linn Ekstatik. This is a truely amazing cartridge. Running on my Linn LP12 Klimax turntable. The amount of information extracted is incredible. Very detailed presentation even at reasonably low volume. I am sure that as the moreI use it the better it will get. A worthwhile upgrade. Thanks to all at The Real Music company"
“The quality and reproduction of my Lps lifted 10 fold, the sound is so pure, like listening a new Lp, I'm hearing things i haven't heard before. Visiting The Real Music Company and meeting Carey was a true pleasure. The service was impeccable, no rush, listened to my wants and suggested the perfect set up for me at a very acceptable Price. Thank you”
Highly Reviewed
Our commitment to delivering top-tier audio experiences has earned us glowing reviews from customers and industry experts alike. Our passion for sound, dedication to quality, and exceptional customer service have made us a favourite in the audio community. But don't just take our word for it - see what our satisfied customers have to say!
The Best Brands Under One Roof
Contact Us
Have a question about the Chord Electronics - Qutest - DAC or other Chord Electronics products Contact your local store below