Chord Qutest DAC Review and Demonstration

This week Tom reviews the new Chord Qutest Digital-to-Analogue Convertor.
The Chord Electronics Qutest DAC retains the architecture, and improves upon the premiere technologies previously found in the Hugo 2. With a brand new design and a vast array of technological advances, this DAC will offer only the best quality in sound reproduction.
You can buy the Qutest here: bit.ly/2v3XJN6
Please visit us online for more great deals at: www.hifix.co.uk
Or feel free to pop into our showrooms at:
163 Spon Street
Coventry
CV1 3BB
For all sales inquiries, please email: [e-mail]
Or give us a call on: 02476 631 707
Video by Alex Lodge and Evan Boulton
Edited by Alex Lodge (www.alexlodgeproductions.co.uk)

[@kurt120032002]

I love how every reviewer are like "oh this have the latest FPGA and supports all the format... bla bla bla" did you actually try to output 512 DSD in to this dac? on the website it says it uses drivers for win 10, and no driver for Linux and Mac OS. They admitted the fact that it does not support 512DSD nor 768kHz PCM on Mac, but how about Linux. Everyone who knows anything above mp3 format, knows that in linux, driver needs to be compiled in to the kernel, and it is nearly impossible to output 512 DSD on windows due to the fact that nobody cares to make the software for it, including the hardware manufacturers for some reason. So did you actually test the capabilities and limits of this DAC? "We did apply an input signal and output was not shit" No shit Serlock. Imagine a 2000Euro at release, 1400 Euro in 2020 not sounding shit. It is heavy and it doesn't suck; great review.

[@oysteinsoreide4323]

It's a long time since drivers had to be compiled into the Linux kernel. But, yes, you had to do it early in Linux history. So if you use an old distro, then you may have to do that.

[@kurt120032002]

@@oysteinsoreide4323 Since then I moved from pc tu ProJect S2 sream box (the pro version) and that runs on Volumio (linux based). The iFi DACs run just fine, but It had an update, and pre-update SMSL M7 was running just fine, post update, id did not play DSD 256 (M7 can play up to DSD 512). My point is that compatibility under linuc, even in dedicated product running dedicated software is based on "try and see" method. I am looking for a new DAC and I am limited to what I can find in stores because I need to take my streamer in to the store and see if DSD 256 actually plays on whatever DAC I will end up aiming for.

[@marcus1970]

Very curious on trying the Qutest from my Bluesound node 2/Parasound Halo A51/Kef LS50 foregoing full mqa unfolding capability in favour of the Chord presentation

[@HifixCoUkFrankHarvey]

That would definitely be an interesting combination and certainly be worth listening to.

[@axlpam]

Hi there and thanks for the nice review. I am considering the qutest to match it with a denon network player and cd and a Cambridge audio amplifier. Do you think that the qutest would boost up the sound quality? Thanks in advance!

[@HifixCoUkFrankHarvey]

Hi Alexandros! We don't have experience with Cambridge Audio products as we've never stocked them ourselves but can confirm the Qutest will give you a nice mark up on the sound quality. At the price it is we would recommend listening to your desired set up in store at your local Hi Fi dealer if possible to see the difference it makes in person.

[@anthonytait3428]

Don't suppose you've tried the Qutest with the KEF LS50 wireless speakers? If so, how much of a performance boost was there?

[@HifixCoUkFrankHarvey]

What source are you hoping to use with the LS50 Wireless? The Chord DAC will definitely be an upgrade on the internal DAC in the LS50 Wireless but how much will be dependant on the source and what you would like to achieve. Let me know and I can try and best advise.

[@anthonytait3428]

Frank Harvey Hi Fi Excellence hi, I'm currently using my laptop running ROON but that'll eventually be replaced by an Innuos Zen (subject to demo) thanks for the reply.

[@HifixCoUkFrankHarvey]

That sounds very good to me. I would say with the Innuos Zen and the Qutest they would make a very good partnership to go into the LS50 Wireless. I would say it provide a significant source end upgrade. If you are nearby to us we would be happy to do a demonstration on this for you.

[@anthonytait3428]

Frank Harvey Hi Fi Excellence that's what I was hoping to hear! I'm not too far away from you guys so I'll be in touch soon to arrange a demo. Thanks for the advice.

[@HifixCoUkFrankHarvey]

We look forward to your call. If you're interested we are having an open day next weekend on the 21st April for Record Store Day. There will be plenty of manufacturers here for the day but it will be a more analogue based event.

[@photosandclips9452]

Bla-Bla review. :) Dislike.

[@lextr3110]

how can you test your dac with a track like this.. hehehe

[@HifixCoUkFrankHarvey]

Don't you like our taste of music, Lex? 😂 If you have an suggestions for music, let us know!

[@patrickkubitza7238]

@@HifixCoUkFrankHarvey I like to hear the whole track, who is this?

[@patrickkubitza7238]

Can someone help me please, whats the name of this track?