Chord Qutest Review: Refined, Resolving, Lovely, but......

[@Satyajit_Dey]

Can you do a review of Chord Mojo 2 and compare it with the Qutest and ifi Dacs?

[@KK-bt4no]

By far may be the most detailed review on YT, the way you compare and describe among different tracks is phenomenal. Thank you!

[@-havoc-tzu-3197]

You have described what I have been hearing within a week better than I could after a year of use. Excellent review and probably the best Qutest review out there. Looking forward to more reviews.

[@mistafizz5195]

Strange seeing you here. I'm 99% sure I played against you and the tzu clan in Doom 2016 on PC. What a small world lol.

[@nyvoreviews5443]

@@mistafizz5195 Yeap, that’s me, and this is my audiophile account.

[@briancampbell7712]

This DAC is garbage...I own and have posted trying to sell it and the ifi 5v power supply...small little board...most pc sound cards are way better...look at the insides of this Vs a Gustard R26 and the reviews...the owner of this company is the Ron Popeil of selling...he blah blah's so much as he's brain washing people...Literally nothing but snake oil!

[@cryharderlilbro]

how would u rate the qutest then? im considering getting the qutest and anni set, how well would u recommend them?

[@nyvoreviews5443]

@@cryharderlilbro not quite as good as Pontus 2 (which might still have audio buffer delay issues), a little better than RME adi 2 dac fs but without the super dark background Rme has, and kinda of at the same level as ares2 but they are way different. Ares2 is very colored (not in a bad way) and Qutest is trying to be more accurate. I have r26 incoming which I’m expecting to beat Qutest based on rumors, but will find out soon

[@sn0w8]

I thought this was zeos for a second. But this guy knows what he is talking about. Great channel thank you for introducing plini to me :)

[@phototristan]

He certainly thinks he is.

[@NoHairMan]

Well, he knows what he's talking about, he can actually describe sound and he doesn't get any benefits from sells. So he's basically the opposite.

[@sn0w8]

@@NoHairMan couldn’t agree more this channel introduced me to the band plini.... wonderful band and some fantastic content on this channel. Keep up the good work golden sound! I’ve edited my first comment to reflect my thoughts.

[@eiffe]

That’s true but then he is using an RGB keyboard!

[@justina9914]

but the hands aren't as chubby

[@aldphillip2003]

I am satisfied with my Qutest. I don't feel like I need to continue upgrading.

[@kinkias]

What was the power delivery? Included power supply? pc? I have owned one, and the power supply affects the punch and dynamic. I tried a sbooster (was the best option),, and also tried a power bank (was the softest/tamest)

[@k-doggy1762]

Oooh it's like Zeos without the swearing, cartoon porn and chatting bull💩 about pointless details for half an hour. And the better accent of course 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@Ali_Shafai]

And don’t forget about the fact that apparently Zeos can’t tell the difference between any Dac past a certain price point. 😆 I suspect it’s either because his hearing has been damaged or it doesn’t suit his channel and the type of gear he typically reviews.

[@johnratcliffe6438]

@@Ali_Shafai Or because there is no difference.

[@Ali_Shafai]

@@johnratcliffe6438 Fair enough. I suppose that could be, but in my experience there seems to be.

[@Ali_Shafai]

@@johnm3544 I think he constantly makes armature mistakes of making broad sweeping statements in a world where dependencies and minute details make incredible differences in experiences. Case in point, about his long rant about how a $200 DAC is really no different than a $20,000 DAC. And, no, he is not joking, though humor is a big part of his channel.

[@Clobercow1]

Lol. I like Zeos, but yeah, he does that. I don't see Zeos as an authority on anything, but I do like hearing what he has to say.

[@1antastik]

On the topic of power supply, I was using an IFI iPower, as this reviewer. I also noticed some "dissociation" of voices, until I went back to the supplied SMPS and voices returned normal. Anybody noticed the same?

[@Rev0ltTTV]

I got the Allo shanti will be comparing it to stock when I get my Qutest.

[@1jhnpennington]

Excellent comment, unfortunately not responded to by the reviewer.

[@Currawong]

Fantastic work describing the sound!

[@Nephilim-81]

Amos! Your channel is terrific too! Appreciate you, my friend. Hope you are well.

[@dingdong2103]

I'd say that if a 1500 dollar DAC has all these issues (separation, artificial sound) then it's broken or worth 20 dollars in reality.

[@Currawong]

@@dingdong2103 It's all relative. Remember he's comparing the sound to other, sometimes way more expensive DACs.

[@IHearEverythingDude]

Question, how would yo know if the synth that you mentioned at @16:10 mark suppose to be aggresive? Or how much aggression is not too much? I mean maybe Dave is overemphasizing it?

[@garethsnaim8174]

I like the review thank you, please consider a camera that sits still I felt sick in the end!

[@ccfunkster]

I have the Qutest and did the A/B test with the Oppo UDP 250 DAC. The Qutest had the increased wider sound stage/imaging. Oppo more focused sound. Both Bass response was close. Qutest seem to have more life like treble. I love my Qutest. Sound is warm almost analog. I could listen all night with no fatigue. 😊

[@DarioInserra]

If I'm correct you were using an Audioquest Carbon as USB cable, did you also try it with the Supra that can be seen attached to the M-Scaler? I have a Qutest and both USB cables and the Supra is a much better match to the DAC, the Carbon slows down the sound and tame the dynamics in my case, as you also pointed out, maybe what you heard is at least in part due to the USB cable. Also coupling the DAC with spikes or similar improves by a not irrelevant margin the sound stage. If you're interested I have recorded the Qutest with various USB cables and with and without coupling feet.

[@pascaljean2333]

Feild programmable Gatorade

[@DjePakoupe]

Thank you for this great review and for sharing so many informations about this dac. Even if I did not listen to it yet, I can imagine pretty clearly what it sounds like thanks to your review. Cheers from France.

[@paoloilusorio2042]

I wonder when Chord will release a new version given that this model has been out since 2017/2018.

[@mb-electricalservices]

Why spend a fortune on research and development when you can keep milking the cow you already designed. God, if I designed a product and it sold at this price, I would out my feet up and watch the cash roll in...:D

[@willmac5642]

Soon I reckon

[@TechStuff365]

Chord have been steadily increasing the tap numbers as FPGA gate array technology increased from the dac64, qbd76, qutest, Dave. They can probably go further. The more human aspect is the founders of chord are perhaps retiring soon.

[@tokobjork]

Nice review. But I think you should have used the standard power supply... I have read of instances of when other power supply had made the sound more "soft". This has made me hesitant to upgrade the power supply on my Qutest, because I also like to get the dynamics...

[@luisvazquez3224]

Excellent review! Seeing the Cutest is a $1699 DAC in the US, curious how it would compete with the Schiit Gungnir Multibit as it's goes for $1299 US... any thoughts of a possible review of the Gungnir in the future?

[@perinkolamanandganesh4226]

Hi great reviews. Are you planning to review ares ii and d90?

[@NatMart9394]

I've owned a Qutest for 18 months. I've always known but couldn't pin point what you've uncovered. I mostly listen to folk rock and orchestral, it's accurate full and detailed soundstage, with beautiful delicate vocals and solos. Then I put on Muse or Radio Head and it just doesn't like the raw aggression. Maybe a better power supply would help? Advise with the 1, 2 or 3v output option on start up would be appriciated.

[@gaza4543]

"Advise with the 1, 2 or 3v output option on start up would be appriciated." your amp will dictate this, most are built for a 2v (Redbook standard) some like active pres dont like a massive voltage. al so if your speakers sensitive 1v will give you more control of the volume dial. 3volts is to much for most amps and will cause distortion. Contact the manufacturer of amp.

[@NatMart9394]

@@gaza4543 Thank you, I much appreciate your detailed explanation as I’ve been unable to find any reference to the voltage output settings going into Roxan Caspian pre/power amp to Spendor A6R speakers.

[@circattle]

@@NatMart9394 For a Roksan Caspian using any of the inputs e.g. CD, Tuner, Line 1 etc. you should use either 1V or 2V to taste. 2V will match the output of a CD player. Just don't use 3V - it's too hot.

[@joonlee920]

I wanted to love Chord products having used/purchased the Mojo, Hugo 2, and Poly. But the sound was just too 'polite' for me; very detailed but I often want to relax to music and not worry about whether I can hear that third string violin in the left-hand corner of the chamber. I switched to R-R DACs and have not looked back - they sound natural and great for my ears (Metrum Acoustics Pavane and Xi Audio Sagra DACs).

[@Villaboy78]

I've got this and find it beats my integrated amp's DAC for every genre, and that's listening to electronic dreampop like Au Revoir Simone , Orchestral like John Williams, Mathrock like The Marmozets , and some real dark DnB from the likes of Ed Rush & Optical. And it likes beastie boys too and their stuff is sometimes really poorly recorded. For me it's a richness to the sound and how notes (especially bass) don't click on and click off but sound a little less 'reproduced'. Wife walked in one time I had the integrated doing the DAC work and she said it sounded like the hifi was broken. My amp is a Hegel H390.

[@joshklein6450]

@Matthew Newstead Thanks very much for your, actually rather timely, insights. I have the very same H390 integrated and I have been really considering adding a separate DAC...something in the lines of this one. I had considered going to an R2R ladder based DAC like the Denefrips Pontus 2 but this keeps coming up on my radar. It's good to hear that you are really enjoying this and in particular your comment about your wife thinking your hifi was broken when using the Hegel's internal DAC. Really helpful! If I might, and you see this...could you please tell me what streamer you're using, assuming an external not directly streaming from the h390 and also how you're connecting them all in terms of cables, etc into the amp? I would greatly appreciate any feedback you might be able to provide...Cheers!

[@Nephilim-81]

You make a terrific point about the Qutest being pretty easy on poorly remastered/mastered recordings. Now recently, I just bought an AC regenerator from PS AUDIO and right now I feel I can actually listen to any crappy recording at a reasonable volume. The Qutest combined with refined and clean power is very good. :)

[@biscuitgames_5016]

do you have any recommendation for a smaller regenators, maybe one that I could potentially take with me in my quite big 50L backpack?

[@zibikonti8901]

@@biscuitgames_5016 I would gently recommend that before you spend any money on regenerators listen to Amir at Audio Science Review about PS Audio regen. Controversial to say the least.

[@flamespirit1]

What is a good DAC for EDM or Dubstep?

[@emngaiden]

Mr, where can I find that desk? It looks awesome

[@stonefree1911]

I use a Chord Mojo2 as the DAC in my den near-field system and have been amazed at what a great DAC it is (it is NOT a headphone amp with a great DAC, the other way around). How is the sound of the Qutest over a Mojo2?

[@Percival1919]

I purchased mine, with an ifi power supply in Dec 22. My source is a Aurilic Aries Mini. Before that I had a CA DACmagic 100. A friend bought around his Hugo2 before I got the Qutest and I was blown away, so I decided to upgrade. But I’m certain my Qutest isn’t sounding as good as it should. Any advice? I’ll also have a chat with Chord at Ascot on Sunday.

[@sinbad64]

Thanks

[@BigMussMSFS]

You have an amazing setup. Thanks for the review, I really enjoyed it. A genuine suggestion - you have a lot of electronic equipment in close proximity. It might be worth investigating RFI suppression (ferrites on Mscaler BNCs) and optimisation (for reduced RFI) of your power supply. This has paid dividends for me.

[@bonsaiboi]

I would love if you could take a look at the other Chord products like the Mojo and the Hugo if you ever get the chance

[@GoldenSound]

Haven't tried the mojo, but I wasn't a fan of the Hugo 2. The dac portion sounded similar to qutest. Maybe a touch softer. But the amp really let it down, especially with planars

[@bonsaiboi]

@@GoldenSound thanks for the reply, definitely hope you take a look at the Mojo and I appreciate you sharing your experience with the Hugo

[@zeke937]

@@GoldenSound What was the issue with the amp, and for us Hugo 2 owners, what would probably be your choice of amps to pair with it for planars?

[@GuntarsO]

@@GoldenSound I own the original Gen 1 Mojo for years, and just last week bought the new Mojo 2. I liked broader soundstage, detailing of the instruments, but disliked lack of acoustic front impact (sharp drums, piano) that I sent it back ! As well - I feel - like the overall headphone output has been softened (Rob Watts was speaking of the redesigned output stage, getting rid of the output stage capacitors) - listened to Mojo2 both with Hifiman HE1000SE and via emulated 'Line Out' - to my amp. I was hoping for Hugo 2 to be a nice upgrade and keeping same kick and speed of th original Mojo, but I'm a bit hesitant now.

[@bc8251]

Great review. I just purchased a Qutest based on your review and currawong review.

[@PoliticalTheatreShow]

Great video! Great channel! This was my first video I've seen of yours. I love you!

[@Manuel-cb5jj]

Could you give your opinion about Soekris dacs (discrete R-2R sign magnitude) ? Would Soekris dac2541/dac1421 be comparable to Chord Qutest for classical, jazz or orchestral music? Thanks

[@ericochoa4034]

Well, if one doesn't like the sound, wouldn't it be possible for the developer to just push out firmware updates to change the sound profile to meet users' likes? I mean that should be the main advantage of using fpga technology to begin with. This dac should sound however you like. It could probably be made to sound like most any other dac out there easily. Of course i guess it just depends how the person developing the product pushes out firmware updates and how well they support their products.

[@snowrang3r657]

Great review, I hit that bell. Wish I could hear some of that stuff on your desk (one day!)

[@tituslafrombois1164]

Watching these videos about $1500 DACs from my 15 year old laptop's built in tin can speakers lol

[@earlyNova]

Thank you GoldenSound for this quality++ video, as indeed all those on your channel. The comments that followed allowed me to fix a saturation/clipping problem (not sure of the terms?) on some very dynamic passages (rock music) rendered by my Qutest. When I read the comments yesterday, the output level of my Qutest was at its highest (3V.), and I lowered it to 2V. without any noticeable improvement. Today, the output level is at minimum (1V.), and everything is fixed. What a relief! I couldn't see myself buying a new DAC. Thank you all for your constructive comments and long live GoldenSound.

[@niozikpro5812]

One question, is the sound of the songs that we are hearing coming directly from the DAC!?

[@Ceko]

What output voltage did you use by the way? I had the impression with my Qutest that the 1V output was tamer than the other two, maybe as you described as being too refined.

[@nate_8403]

I had the same experience at first, then I upgraded my source and am now running 3v and it sounds incredible

[@gtk_NO]

Mirrors exactly my own experience with Qutest vs RME Adi-2. I love them both. Qutest gives that separation and a sort of excitement which works wonders on my more mojo, less neutral speakers bringing out more detail without making it over-etched. Whereas on already very analytical and detailed speakers Qutest can sound a bit forced and over-etched, and there the RME Adi-2 tames that a bit and brings a lovely slam instead. But it does cause some confusion for me as I end up with one more romanic sounding setup for prog, jazz, rock etc with Qutest and another one with more analytical speakers for electronic music with slam with the RME Adi-2. Its really two different flavours and I think it would cause me even more headscratching if I tried to unite these flavours into one system so ive given up that fight and I switch between the flavours romantic vs analytical when I grow tired of one or the other. I should mention that I do like electronic music on my romantic setup as well with the qutest, but I dont go there when I want it to be really analytical.

[@borisbobowski628]

The solution is a powersuppy and the Qutest performs better than a stock Dave...i tried it

[@Nephilim-81]

Proud owner of the Qutest and although the M Scaler is tempting, I do agree with your price point not being worth it to pair the two. Anyhow, very much appreciate your review and analysis. Terrific channel and thank you again for reviewing some privileged audio equipment.

[@j.-charleskaestli1121]

Great Video - which ist the mentioned video about how DAC s work (R2R, delta sigma etc.)?

[@jonasschimrigk8333]

If I want a DAC that can make me jump when the drumps hit but I only have 2000€ and not 13000 .. what do I get? Also I realy dont want to sacrifice tonality. Was thinking something like the Shiit Gungnir. But hard to find reviews of reviewers whos understanding of sound I have figured out.

[@RokkitAudioKit]

That description about the tweed tea sipping guy was spot on..thanks!

[@janulik9535]

Cant you go from single ended to xlr with just a cable?, I know from xlr to rca no, but it shuld be ok from rca to xlr, and qutest does have variable output voltage

[@djradman6794]

Hi curious what’s your take between the qutest and the denafrips R2R dacs? Have you tested the Pontus II dac?

[@EricRhodeslives]

So if we can now get a Qutest on the used market for a grand with an outboard power supply for 1,000 to 1,100, would that then be worthwhile?

[@gordonfreeman4491]

What about the M-scaler and the Hugo TT2? It has to be a better combo, but is it worth the money in your opinion?

[@kurt120032002]

Back 1 year later, and this is less about the Qtest and more about the importance of PSU. Qtest not only it failed to impress me but sucked the enjoyment out of music, I was ready to give up, but in last attempt I invested in a Jcat PSU. For the record I pay for the PSU more then I pay for the Qtest (got it at a discount), but the difference is huge. Everything is more defined in it's space, more texture, more air in between note, and for the first time sound travel, I know it sounds like BS, but you can hear sound travel in space. Now the question is, does the new dac+psu worth double the price? I would say Yes. Even more, to make you understand the importance of good PSU, I use the same PSU with a NEO iDSD, and NEO+Jcat Initio 3 is exactly as much as a stock Qtest, and sounds better then a Qtest (obviously withg the same amp, tracks.. etc.). Just "a little bit better" is not nearly good enough, and I may say it is actually worse in this case. Before any Qtest owner give up their DAC, or spend money on 1000-2000 Euro PSU, there is a little test you can do and it may actually be free to try. Power the Qtest on your 10A power bank that we all have for our phone. That alone is an upgrade over iFI 50$ PSU, and it is an instant improvement. That test instantly convinced me to spend another 1k on PSU and was not disappointed. It is like using filters to keep impurities out oif your engine, but it will always work far better with a good gas then filters. Spend less on DACs and more on quality PSU.

[@lukaszx5271]

This is one of the best , if not the best review of the qutest I ever have seen so far. Thank You for great video , being so informative. I have onwed the qutest myself and consider this to be great little piece of electronic. I share your opinion about the specific genres : like acoustic music , classical ones where the qutest is shining but also sounds sometimes polite. Good luck with next reviews.

[@cryharderlilbro]

do you know how well it performs on electronic musics?

[@jacquesrwhite]

Great review. Some comments on power supplies with the Qutest. Not saying that this will “fix” the issues with slam, but I found the stock switching supply that comes from Chord works as well or better than either the ifi iPower (used in this review) or the iPowerX. And a Teddy Pardo power supply costs about $400 USD and provides a quieter background and greater dynamics and even more detailed soundstage without sacrificing timbre. A reasonable upgrade path when compared to adding an M-Scaler. I am also using a Chord Company Signature Super ARAY coax cable from my source that I picked up used and it brings another level of performance to the Qutest. Not sure whether that gets a Qutest in the ball park of a Holo Spring 2, but it really shines with many genres of music and makes redbook recordings sound better than I could have expected.

[@kaunas888]

Your reviews really help us to fully understand precisely how something actually sounds by avoiding generalities like "It sounds good.".

[@nespressoman]

Goldensound, you are brilliant. Thank you.

[@andreasd.barkas4845]

i have t the qutest with a smarphone power supply , i don't think i can get a proper sound, . which power supply you use with the qutest ?

[@greghandy4746]

Here you mention how different DACs are suited for different types of genres and how it was recorded. Is there a DAC that is good for all types of music and recordings?

[@DBravo29er]

I keep hearing from others that certain linear power supplies really enhance the staging, refinement, and resolution of the Qutest. I just received my Qutest today and my LPS in two weeks....

[@zeke937]

Have you noticed any difference?

[@DBravo29er]

@@zeke937 I have. Blacker background, the width and depth of the sound stage are slightly bigger (like my little room physically got bigger), and the outline of sound sources in the image got slightly clearer and more lifelike. Subtle, but pleasing and notable.

[@phonghong1]

I watched your review many times and decided to purchase a QuTest DAC and it is amazing as you mentioned however to found a weird issue if anybody experienced. I hooked QuTest DAC to Marantz 40n and Marantz SR6010 and it worked great. But when I hooked QuTest DAC to Musical Fidelity integrated amplifier A3.2, it only produced mono sound, not stereo. It doesn’t matter what I tried, tested all inputs from usb, optical, and BNC from different sources streaming, it still produces mono sound with Musical Fidelity integrated amplifier A3.2. Musical Fidelity integrated amplifier A3.2 is working great with other DAC and devices without the issue above except QuTest. I wonder what causes the issue

[@omenworks]

Hey there! Thanks a bunch for all the amazing videos you've put out! I recently got my hands on the Chord Qutest and I'm trying to figure out which amp would be a good match for it. I'm hoping to find an amp that won't break the bank but will still allow me to get the most out of the Qutest. Do you have any recommendations for me? Thanks so much!

[@AntPDC]

Just goes to show that high-end audio is a combination of art and science. Once that's out of the way, all that remains is enjoyment - or not, according to gear choices beyond a certain price-point. The Chord Mojo 2, for example, now retailing at £395, breaks that price rule very obviously IMHO.

[@andyleiva8638]

Excellent review. I'll like to see your opinion of the Burson Composer 3X

[@GoldenSound]

The burson products are definitely ones i'd love to try. Will have to see if I can get a demo unit from a dealer or friend.

[@young_padawan]

Looking forward to your AHB2 review mate!

[@tpmbe]

very interesting review , important aspects that you have highlighted here Many Thanks

[@stevehamilton3181]

Late to the game here. Great review. I have been thinking about getting this dac. But I am hesitant. Yours is the second vid that indicated that this dac and the Ares 2 would be somewhat comparable. I had the Ares and it made absolutely no changes or improvements in my system. I got rid of it. Don’t want to make that mistake again. Maybe a Holo Spring 3 Lv 2. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

[@kristoffer8740]

Micro USB on any DAC is a big turn off.

[@Clickarn93]

I bought a Mojo2 for gaming. Would a qutest be an upgrade for imaging and depth?

[@Snook_]

Have you direct compared this with say schiit biifrost r2r style? Would love some feedback!

[@emeerhakeem532]

Yup, i find my new favorite audio reviewer

[@christopherhermawan9627]

Hi love your review, subscribed and notified! I got grado sr80e and a dragonfly black back then in my college years, now im working and could afford some toys, I recently got a Grado GH4(used like new in a very good price). I lurked around forums and found that warmer coloured dac and amps(chord and bifrost) works really well with grado sound signature. Is it a good jump to buy a chord qutest and a decent budget amp(grado doesn't need much power)? Or any other suggestions?

[@DBravo29er]

Plixir Elite BDC 5v 2a power supply, with Statement DC cable, arrives in four days. I have been using the Allo Shanti for nearly a year now with the Qutest. I will update this comment with my impressions of the Plixir Elite BDC; including all possible outcomes, which include: it's better, it's worse, it's a tradeoff, and no difference (null).

[@gioponti6359]

pls keep us posted

[@DBravo29er]

@@gioponti6359 I totally forgot! It's incredible the improvement. I did a week long in-home demo of the Hugo TT2 and Qutest + Plixir were better in every way. And not by a small margin in some areas like soundstage. I'm just shocked at how good it is!

[@gioponti6359]

@@DBravo29er thanks alot for sharing, that sounds really impressive!! just got my Qutest yesterday with an Sbooster Mk2 (very nice indeed!! but, let it bed in first ..) - will put the Plixir as potential upgrade on the list..

[@shivanksarin6199]

I've currently hooked my Marantz 6015 AVR to a power amp with B&W 704s2 speakers. Would this be a worthwhile upgrade sonically speaking? And does it have the provision to bypass my AVR DAC (my AVR hence acts only as an AVR and streamer)

[@ezra8s]

Not much at 1500? You have the RME ADI-2 DAC, what else could you possibly need? :P Nice explanation on how the chord works.

[@borisbobowski628]

Yeah, maybe a mit digital sounding dac

[@IHearEverythingDude]

One small note here: galvanic isolation as much as it helps it's not perfect. Still noise can go through.

[@20puskinas1992]

It is useless. If this crap work then everyone would use it.

[@ChrisStoneinator]

@@20puskinas1992 It's literally measurable mate. It's just costly, and people in the know will use separate galvanic isolators, so often it's foregone to keep the asking price down.

[@andrewfurst5711]

Great review, thanks for posting this. I haven't heard this DAC but I really feel it hits the high points and the lesser points (mainly that it may be "too refined"). I feel that other reviews might have been so "wowed" by the sound that they missed that the DAC might be "prettying up" things a bit too much. It does seem that this is very much worth hearing, but the caveats you mentioned should be kept in mind.

[@almartiyt]

There are bad and good DACs, and in the good ones segment ones more suitable for a music genre and others for other music genres. Which ones do you recommend for classic rock, progressive rock, and jazz guitar? Price tag between $300 to $1500 - it will be connected to a Rega Brio stereo integrated amplifier. Thanks in advance

[@philippelabrecque6658]

If you want more slam and speed plug an ifi ipower elite in it, you'll change your mind without braking the bank... it needs a good switching mode power supply in it which the ordinary ipower isn't...

[@laiguilleetlefeu3240]

The qutest, with a good power supply, is way greater. Another reviewer said it compares with the Dave. I suspect Chord to mostly upgrade the power supply on other units. I tried a small teradak power supply and my actual one with different results. The Teradak is leaner in the midrange enought to make the sound more upper midrange compliant. The new power supply give a fuller sound, more fast and meatier. I think Farad power supply has been tested to be the best (but too expensive for me...)

[@DBravo29er]

Using the Allo Shanti with my Qutest along with shielded IEC cord and upgraded fuse. Simply huge increase in SQ across the board. Indistinguishable from a Hugo TT2. Maybe even better.

[@laiguilleetlefeu3240]

@@DBravo29er i recently changed my Qutest / mscaler combo for à Denafrips Pontus / Isis combo. Way more natural R2R techno, more open and deeper Sound stage. Quite impress...

[@DBravo29er]

@@laiguilleetlefeu3240 good to know. 👍

[@Aurla-R2-D2]

Wonderful review! Extremely helpful and enjoyable :) Thanks so much for all of the info! Do you reckon the Qutest would combine well (sound-wise) with the Graham Slee Solo Ultra-Linear DE Head Amp? Best wishes from Brighton ^_^

[@quattr03]

Thank you for this detail review. I've noticed you did mention the RME ADI-2 PRO does separation not as good but when listening to Puma clip you mentioned, i could clearly hear everything like you experience. Perhaps speakers differences?

[@behemothinferno]

Would the Qutest benefit from using a DDC? If so, what input would be best to use in your opinion?

[@MikeDawson1]

what Visual EQ are you running on your right monitor?

[@GoldenSound]

It's a customised 'wallpaper engine' preset. Quite a fantastic piece of software. I have roon set to output to both the dac(s) I'm using, and a virtual audio cable, which wallpaper engine then uses.

[@TheMatsushitaMan]

@@GoldenSound Mind linking to the one you used? I couldn't find any with lots of frequency bands like yours.

[@banginghats2]

For the first few seconds the hand gestures and headcam made me think you were just a Z Reviews clone, but your vocal style and technical insight is completely different and a valid alternative, so I've subscribed.

[@BigMacEnjoyer3000]

Will this fit with a warm sounding amp, like a Sugden?

[@DBravo29er]

Have had my Qutest for about 3mos now. I got the Allo Shanti LPS (R-core xformer with supercaps) shortly after. Upgraded the Shanti fuse to Hifi Tuning Supreme, and an upgraded (shielded) power cord. I've since alternated with the oem smps and the Shanti LPS. Obvious uplift with the Shanti. However, I've found that the Qutest even with smps has stunning spatial depth and separation, but it suffered in sound stage width and height. The Shanti really helped the last two aspects. The fuse didn't have much difference here, subtle increase in blackness and overall scale. Using it with speakers.

[@ignicioperez4647]

Hello, many thanks for a very good video, both informative and objective. I’ve had the Qutest for a couple of years now associated to a Bluesound Node 2i (the first one that came out) and I can confirm it’s an amazing product. It really brings added value to a streamer, certainly the Node. However, I’m thinking of replacing the Node/Qutest set up for a Naim Uniti Atom headphone edition, a component which combines a great headphone amp, an excellent streamer and DAC and preamp. The Naim has received excellent reviews. I just wonder how the streamer part will measure up to the Node/Qutest combo I have. Thanks a lot and regards from Brussels. Ignacio

[@valentin9650]

Can it be used for multi media and gaming unlike Ares ii?

[@runthepeaks]

A truly helpful review - I was just about to buy one of these and you successfully introduced some worthy questions for me to ask - e.g., I listen to a lot of EDM and hard rock / metal, I listen to far less classical, acoustic etc. I have been looking at the Holo Spring and also the Denafrips Ares II but your recommendation of a D90 is interesting, something I hadn't really considered!

[@youtubiers]

Check out the new Gustard X26 Pro. From the reviews I've read it would suit your music and it's the same price as the qutest. It's an ESS chip but they've implemented their own filter, it does not have the typical sabre signature Sound

[@nespodzany]

I would agree with you that its sound is a little to academic or grimey or dirty sounding electronica however I wouldn't completely discount the Qutests ability to match well with all electronic music all together. For example early Plastikman sounds amazing on it. Richie Hawtin's pristine approach to his instrumentation and song structure are complemented by the Qutest. Also Aril Brikha's Departure in Time, while very rich and warm sounding, is somehow up-leveled to a, stop what you're doing and take notice, maturity level. That said I have yet to find any drum and bass that the Qutest does anything to that really makes me stop and take notice of. Great review ^_^

[@jas5815]

Thank you. My first time ever seeing you. I have been an audio enthusiast for going on 40 years now. I'm quite sure I am "smarter" now, having seen your show. I will be back.

[@clabbem74]

how far is the mojo in quality sound and qutest?

[@Godbluffer]

When I hear this review it’s like he’s describing the Chord Mojo 2, which I own and know by heart, so - without having heard the Qutest, admittedly - my guess is they could be quite similar.

[@unstable-8169]

the dave looks like a submarine window thingy

[@ccadayon]

Awesome stuff! Question: do all high-end DACs have galvanic isolation on the USB port? I have a Matrix Audio Element X, and I'm curious if you recommend something like iFi Nano iGalvanic3.0 - USB Galvanic Isolation unit. I connect the DAC to my gaming PC. Subbed

[@dialecticalmonist3405]

I have the iFi iGalvanic and it adds clarity punch to a slight degree, but don't expect night and day.

[@18yearsoldnot]

Can someone tell me why one can’t just use oversampling via software instead of a £3750 m scaler? I know there’s a chord signature sound but what if the the qutest is at the end of the chain from Audirvana via usb?

[@GoldenSound]

Simple answer: You can, and in most cases probably should. Longer answer: There are quite a few oversampling software options available. MOST of these like Roon, Audirvana etc will use something called 'SoX' to do it (though audirvana also has r8brain). And this is better than most DACs but not the same level of quality as the MScaler. BUT, there is a software called HQPlayer which is about $250, but offers oversampling quality that exceeds the MScaler. The main reason you'd buy an mscaler instead of this is simply convenience. If someone is happy to pay a couple grand to make things more 'plug and play' that's fine but otherwise software like HQP is a much more affordable and higher quality option

[@18yearsoldnot]

@@GoldenSound many thanks! Really appreciate that answer! I will absolutely! I thought maybe it’s something to do with that chord double Bnc connection and I’ve been researching about I2S vs asynchronous vs pcm and that’s why I thought the m scaler was proprietary but then I saw reviewers testing it on non chord dacs and suddenly got suspicious… Many thanks again for the software info.

[@topkho]

How do you record both your voice and the sound of the DAC? Is it coming from the RCA out?

[@ResilientME]

I think he's just overlaying the music track directly in editing, as in its not a sound demo of the equipment but a reference of what he's listening with

[@xyanide1986]

Great review, gives me some more insight on what this thing is like. I'm currently on a TEAC UD-H01, nice toroidal power supply, dual mono burrbrown DACs inside, no meaningful headamp, and I'm looking for a bit more detail and a step up in quality. I also own a Questyle CMA400i (AKM AK4490) which I find a bit too sharp sounding, while the resolution, separation and staging is great. Would this suit my needs? I do listen to just about everything from rock to orchestral/neo-classical.

[@behemothinferno]

I also own a CMA400i and compared to the Qutest it definitely sound a bit harsher. The Qutest sound more natural in that regard with a more analogue sound. You will lose a bit of bass quantity though so keep that in mind. Otherwise they are almost the same in terms of performance. The Qutest does have a slightly large soundstage but that's about it.

[@jungec]

Nice Job Golden keep em coming.

[@cool28990]

Do you know any headphone dacs with bnc connector?

[@gaza4543]

I think that extra "politeness" is quite handy if you're speakers are already pretty forward, like my Klipsch heresy 3's. Its the Jing to there Jang. Its more than enough for me for many years to come. Very simple noting too much to go wrong and very future proof. I wish they bring out a streamer in its form factor and a mini M scaler would be good too.

[@TheMrgonzalo05]

What are your honest thoughts on the Benchmark amp on your desk?

[@jimtoomey9522]

Hello, Please show how you have your chord DAVE and Chord M-Scaler connected to your source(s).

[@GoldenSound]

The USB source was an sotm sms200 ultra

[@TheRaywell]

Nice review! Thank you very much.