Chord Electronics Qutest Standalone DAC
Description
The Chord Electronics Qutest is a compact, high-performance standalone DAC designed to bring Chord's proprietary FPGA digital conversion technology to home and desktop audio systems. Unlike Chord's portable DACs, Qutest is purpose-built for fixed-system use, without an integrated headphone amplifier or battery.
Built around Chord's custom-coded FPGA architecture, Qutest supports high-resolution PCM up to 768 kHz and native DSD512, with flexible USB, BNC coaxial, dual-data, and optical digital connectivity.
Advanced FPGA DAC Technology
At the heart of Qutest is Chord's custom-coded Xilinx Artix 7 FPGA, implementing a 49,152-tap WTA filter and 10-element Pulse Array design.
Rather than relying on a conventional off-the-shelf DAC chipset, Chord's proprietary architecture handles digital filtering and conversion using its own FPGA-based algorithms.
Qutest also provides four selectable digital filters, allowing listeners to tailor the presentation to their system, recordings, and listening preferences.
Designed for High-End Audio Systems
Qutest provides a stereo pair of RCA analog outputs for connection to an integrated amplifier, preamplifier, or headphone amplifier.
Its fixed analog output can be configured to 1 V, 2 V, or 3 V RMS, making it easier to match Qutest with different downstream components.
The galvanically isolated USB Type-B input supports PCM up to 768 kHz, while two BNC coaxial inputs support up to 384 kHz individually. The BNC inputs can also operate together in dual-data mode, supporting sample rates up to 768 kHz and enabling high-resolution connection with the Chord Electronics Hugo M Scaler.
Compact, Precision-Machined Design
Qutest is housed in a solid, precision-machined aluminum chassis designed to protect and isolate its internal circuitry. Its distinctive illuminated spherical controls provide convenient access to input selection and digital filter settings.
With its compact footprint, Qutest brings Chord's advanced DAC technology to systems where a dedicated headphone amplifier, battery, or portable functionality is not required.
Key Features
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High-performance standalone FPGA DAC
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49,152-tap WTA digital filter
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PCM playback up to 768 kHz
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Native and DoP DSD support up to DSD512
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Four selectable digital filters
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Galvanically isolated USB-B input
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Dual-BNC input for high-resolution digital audio
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Selectable 1 V, 2 V or 3 V RMS output
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Precision-machined aircraft-grade aluminum chassis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Electronics Qutest?
Does Qutest have a headphone amplifier?
Does Qutest have volume control?
What audio resolutions does Qutest support?
What are the four Qutest filter settings?
Can Qutest be used with Hugo M Scaler?
Can Qutest connect directly to a power amplifier?
Specifications
| TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS | |
| DAC Architecture | Chord Electronics Custom-Coded Xilinx Artix 7 XC7A15T FPGA |
| Tap Length | 49,152 Taps |
| Pulse Array | 10-Element Pulse Array Design |
| Output Stage | Class A |
| PCM Support | Up to 768 kHz / 32-Bit |
| DSD Support | Native DSD64 through DSD512 |
| Digital Inputs |
1 × USB Type-B — 44.1 kHz to 768 kHz / 16–32 Bit 2 × BNC Coaxial — 44.1 kHz to 384 kHz / 16–32 Bit Dual-Data BNC Mode — Up to 768 kHz / 16–32 Bit 1 × Optical — 44.1 kHz to 96 kHz / 16–24 Bit |
| Analog Output | 1 × Stereo RCA Pair |
| Output Level | Fixed, Selectable Between 1 V, 2 V, and 3 V RMS |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz–20 kHz ±0.2 dB |
| THD | <0.0001% at 1 kHz / 3 V RMS / 300Ω |
| THD + Noise | 117 dB at 1 kHz / 300Ω, A-Weighted |
| Noise | 2.6 µV A-Weighted; No Measurable Noise-Floor Modulation |
| Channel Separation | 138 dB at 1 kHz / 300Ω |
| Power Supply | 5 V / 2 A Micro-USB |
| Dimensions | 45 × 160 × 88 mm (H × W × D) |
| Weight | 770 g |
| WHAT'S INCLUDED | |
| Included Accessories |
Qutest User Manual Safety Instructions Drawstring Bag 5 V / 2 A Switching Micro-USB Power Supply USB Type-A to Type-B Cable |
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