Audio T Verdict
Qutest strips Chord Electronics' digital technology back to what many home systems actually need: an excellent standalone DAC. There is no battery, headphone amplifier or volume control, just a compact FPGA converter designed to sit between your digital sources and amplifier.
Inside is a custom-coded FPGA with 49,152-tap WTA filtering and a 10-element Pulse Array output stage. USB, BNC coaxial and optical inputs cover most digital sources, while selectable 1V, 2V or 3V RCA output levels make system matching refreshingly straightforward.
It can also grow with the system. Add Hugo M Scaler through Qutest's dual-BNC connection and it can accept digital audio at up to 768kHz.
Chord Electronics Qutest DAC
Qutest is Chord Electronics' compact standalone DAC, designed specifically for home and desktop Hi-Fi systems.
Unlike Mojo 2 and Hugo 2, Qutest does not include a headphone amplifier or rechargeable battery. Instead, it concentrates on digital-to-analogue conversion and provides a fixed stereo RCA output for connection to a suitable amplifier, preamplifier or headphone amplifier.
Custom FPGA DAC Technology
Rather than using an off-the-shelf DAC chipset, Qutest employs a custom-coded Xilinx Artix 7 FPGA programmed with Chord Electronics' proprietary digital architecture.
The design combines:
- 49,152-tap WTA filtering
- 10-element Pulse Array DAC
- Class A output stage
- Four selectable digital filters
- Galvanically isolated USB input
Digital Inputs and High-Resolution Playback
USB Type-B
Supports PCM from 44.1kHz to 768kHz at 16 to 32-bit, together with compatible DSD playback up to DSD512.
BNC Coaxial
Two 75-ohm BNC inputs support PCM from 44.1kHz to 384kHz individually.
Dual-Data BNC
The two BNC inputs can operate together in dual-data mode at up to 768kHz with compatible Chord Electronics products.
Optical
TOSLINK supports PCM from 44.1kHz to 96kHz at up to 24-bit.
Selectable 1V, 2V or 3V Output
Qutest's stereo RCA output can be set to:
This allows the DAC's output level to be better matched to the sensitivity of the connected amplifier or preamplifier.
Qutest Does Not Have a Volume Control
The 1V, 2V and 3V settings are selectable fixed output levels, not a variable preamplifier volume control.
System volume should therefore be controlled by the connected integrated amplifier, preamplifier or headphone amplifier.
Four Selectable Filters
Qutest incorporates four user-selectable frequency-shaping filters derived from Hugo 2.
The filters allow subtle adjustment of the presentation and are selected using the illuminated front-panel control sphere. There is no universally correct setting, so we'd suggest trying each with familiar music and choosing the one you prefer.
Add Hugo M Scaler
Qutest is fully compatible with Chord Electronics Hugo M Scaler.
Using the two BNC inputs together in dual-data mode allows Qutest to accept the M Scaler's full 705.6kHz or 768kHz output.
View Chord Electronics Hugo M Scaler
Compact Home Hi-Fi Design
Qutest's electronics are housed within a precision-machined solid aluminium chassis, with the circuit board recessed into the casework for additional physical protection and isolation.
Current dimensions are:
- Width: 160mm
- Depth: 88mm
- Height: 45mm
- Weight: 770g
Power is supplied by the included 5V / 2A Micro USB supply, and the current production model is available in Jett Black.
Key Features
- Standalone desktop DAC
- Chord Electronics Hugo range
- Custom Xilinx Artix 7 FPGA
- 49,152-tap WTA filter
- 10-element Pulse Array DAC
- Class A output stage
- Four selectable digital filters
- PCM up to 768kHz
- Native DSD64 to DSD512 support
- Galvanically isolated USB Type-B
- 2 x BNC coaxial inputs
- Dual-data BNC mode
- TOSLINK optical input
- Stereo RCA analogue output
- Selectable 1V, 2V or 3V output
- Hugo M Scaler compatible
- Roon Tested
- Plays with Audirvana certified
- Solid aluminium chassis
- Made in England
- Three-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Electronics Qutest?
Qutest is a compact standalone FPGA DAC designed to improve digital sources before feeding an amplifier, preamplifier or headphone amplifier.
Does Qutest have a headphone output?
No. It is a dedicated standalone DAC. Mojo 2, Hugo 2 and Hugo TT 2 include headphone amplification.
Does Qutest have a volume control?
No. It has selectable fixed 1V, 2V and 3V RCA output levels rather than continuously variable volume control.
What is the maximum PCM resolution?
Up to 768kHz at up to 32-bit through compatible USB or dual-data BNC connections.
Does Qutest support DSD512?
Yes. Chord Electronics currently specifies native playback support from DSD64 to DSD512 through compatible digital playback.
How many BNC inputs does Qutest have?
Two. Each supports PCM up to 384kHz individually, or they can operate together in dual-data mode at up to 768kHz.
Can I use Hugo M Scaler with Qutest?
Yes. Qutest is specifically designed to accept M Scaler's full dual-BNC output.
What does the selectable output voltage do?
It allows the fixed analogue output to be set to 1V, 2V or 3V RMS to better suit the input sensitivity of the partnering amplifier.
Does Qutest require a driver?
USB operation is driverless with macOS and Linux. Chord Electronics provides a driver for Windows.
What colour is Qutest?
Chord Electronics currently specifies Jett Black only.
What warranty does Qutest have?
Chord Electronics provides a three-year manufacturer warranty.
Related Chord Electronics Products
Why Buy From Audio T?
- DAC and digital-source demonstrations
- Output-level and amplifier matching advice
- Hugo M Scaler demonstrations
- USB, BNC and optical connection guidance
- In-store demonstrations where appropriate
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like to demonstrate Chord Electronics Qutest or hear the effect of adding Hugo M Scaler.