The Chord Qutest is a pure standalone digital-to-analog converter, meticulously engineered to elevate the performance of any home audio system. It replaces its multi-award-winning predecessor, the 2Qute, by inheriting the advanced FPGA technology and software code from the acclaimed Hugo 2 DAC/headphone amplifier. At its heart lies a custom-coded Xilinx Artix 7 FPGA, implementing a 49,152-tap Watts Transient Alignment (WTA) filter, which ensures exceptionally precise timing and startlingly realistic sound reproduction.

Connectivity is comprehensive, featuring a galvanically isolated USB-B input, dual BNC coaxial inputs (including a high-resolution dual-data mode for pairing with Chord’s M Scaler), and an optical input. The Qutest provides stereo RCA analog outputs with user-selectable voltage levels (1V, 2V, 3V RMS) for optimal matching with various amplifiers. It supports high-resolution audio files up to 768kHz PCM and DSD512. With four user-selectable digital filters and intuitive spherical controls, the Qutest delivers unparalleled clarity, dynamics, and musicality from all digital sources in a compact, precision-machined aluminum chassis.

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.

Device Power Supply: 5v 2amp Micro USB
Connectivity (input): USB Type B (White): 44.1kHz – 768kHz – 16bit – 32bit
2x BNC Coax (Red): 44.1kHz – 384kHz – 16bit – 32bit
1x Dual data mode input (using both BNC coax inputs together): 44.1kHz – 768kHz – 16bit – 32bit
Optical (Green): 44.1kHz – 192kHz – 16bit – 24bit
Connectivity (output): 1x stereo pair of RCA (Left and Right)
PCM support: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 358.8kHz, 384kHz, 717.6kHz, and 768kHz.
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

- 1.5m 5v 2a Switching Micro USB Power Supply
- 2m Type A to Type B USB Cable
- Qutest Owners Overview Manual
- Raw Silk Drawstring Bag

Orders ship Sunday through Friday from our offices in Dubai, UAE.

In-stock products typically ship within 48 hours and should be expected to arrive in 3-4 business days. Orders outside of the UAE should be expected to arrive in 5-7 business days.

Pre-order and backorder products will state the approximate delivery timeline beside the Add To Cart button.

If you would like to place a custom order, chat with our specialists for a guided shopping experience. Once your order has been placed, a timeline will be provided depending on your order details.

- Free delivery within the UAE
- Shipping charges will be calculated upon checkout for orders outside of the UAE (Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia & Qatar).
- Taxes and duties are calculated according to the applicable laws of the state or country an item is shipped to and are the customer's responsibility.

For additional information on shipping and our exchange & return policy visit our help center.

Installation charges are applicable and can be paid upon delivery for our clients based in Dubai.

- Installation Charges: AED 450 Per Hour
- Speaker Cables: AED 32 Per Meter
- Trunking: AED 10 Per Meter

For clients based outside of the UAE, please contact our specialists and we will share an estimate based on your requirements.