Comparisons
I cannot say much about other DACs in that price range, because every other DAC so far in that segment has not been staying in my home for that long. Most other compareable converters I have only listened to on short occassions, at trade shows or other venues, but I never had the pleasure to get to know a DAC as well as I did with the Qutest. Two others I can however use as reference to the Qutest, one of course is the Hugo2. The other is my primary converter of the pre-Qutest times – the iDAC6 by Cayin.
Chord Electronics – Hugo2 (2695$)
Though not exactly in the same part of the audio world, the Qutest still is based on the Hugo2 technology, thus it comes as no surprise that these two sound almost identical to me. Both have impressive detailing and resolution and throw out one of the mightiest sound stages I have experienced. The Hugo2 has the advantage of two additional outputs, namely a 6.3 mm and a 3.5 mm headphone output. It also sports the Chord Electronics cross-feed settings, with which you can fine-tune the sound of Hugo2 even more. For the purpose of comparison I have set both units to the white filter, and Hugo2’s crossfeed turned off.
Chord Electronics Qutest
The final sound of Qutest of course can be adjusted by the amplifier, and while both Hugo2 and Qutest have line level output settings, the Hugo2 can only be set at 3 Volts, which is too much for some amps.
To me the Hugo2 and Qutest only differ in subtle regions. The battery powered Hugo2 to me has a silkier top end, whereas the Qutest is crisper and sparklier. Hugo2 also seems slightly warmer in the lower mid regions. Qutest seems to be the more even of the two. Both stretch in identical dimensions when it comes to sound stage width, depth and height. The Hugo2 as well as the Qutest have the ability to bring you right into the recording, and that is a mighty impressive skill in my opinion. Not many products can do that. I love both for what they do, and having the Qutest at home while Hugo2 accommodates me at work, is a true audio blessing.
Cayin – iDAC6 (999$)
The iDAC6 is of very different trade. The Cayin uses a dual mono setup of the AKM AK4490 chips. It has both solid state and tube output setting, so you can already add warmth to the sound before it leaves the iDAC6. I however have always used it in transistor mode, because as said, I like to add warmth at the amplifier stage. Both have the same amount of digital inputs, though the iDAC only has one coaxial input, but an additional AES/EBU. The iDAC can be used with two analogue outputs simultaneously, because it also brings a balanced XLR output to the table. Sample rate wise the Qutest is on top with its future proof DSD512 and 32/768 support.
The Cayin has a lot less resolution compared to the Chord. Its sound stage is also more compressed. Both though to me appear to me as linear sounding, while of course both can be shaped to your liking with filters and tubes (iDAC6 only).
The Qutest has a good bit more air in its signature, resulting in better instrumental separation and layering with more realistic imaging. It is remarkable actually what a difference there is compared to the Chinese DAC. Both units seem to be reaching fairly low, but the Chord does it with higher resolution. Midrange is more transparent and open compared to the Cayin. Treble is crisper, brighter and richer on the Qutest as well. The Cayin however offers a great price to performance ratio for what it costs, as it also is a great sounding unit with high flexibility.
Chord Electronics Qutest
Conclusion
Tiny in size the Qutest sports a very big sound with incredible resolution, sound stage and neutrality. I am going to repeat myself, but like the Hugo2, the Qutest’s sound is perfect. It is impossible for me to find a flaw in it. To me it is a perfect solution to a miniature problem – taking the Hugo2 to work and back home each day made it impossible to go into desktop mode for me. That meant stressing the battery each day with cycles. Qutest offers the same wonderful sound as Hugo2, but in a desktop package.
The missing power button on Qutest is surprising, but I am sure Rob Watts knew what he did. For ease of use I would have wished for one thing actually: a secondary RCA output so I can have my integrated amplifier and my headphone amplifier connected at the same time, and not having to switch cables each time. I suppose the size of Qutest didn’t allow for that, but in my opinion it would be a great to have a parallel output to use.
The Qutest is highly recommended to everyone who wants the Hugo2‘s performance, but doesn’t need it in a transportable package. For everyone who wants to enjoy a highly addictive and impressive sound at home, who wants to play around with external amplifiers and who wants class leading design and wants to save space. One day I would love to experience the Qutest in a real high end two-channel system. Something with big floor standing speakers with the likes of Triangle or Tannoy, just to hear what it can achieve with other top notch components of the HiFi world. The Qutest will be heavily missed, that’s for sure.
Chris K
Chord products are insanely overpriced and overhyped. Build quality has always been sub-par too.
Linus
Hi Chris,
thanks for your comment.
While I don’t agree with you, everyone’s entitled to his/her opinion and I completely respect yours.
As you can read in the review, I feel different than you on this. I have seen a few high-priced electronics and must say, the Qutest (to me) is of great build quality, can’t say that about others I have encountered in my non-Headfonia-life. Also I liked the sound of it, a lot.
Anyways, enjoy your weekend.
Milvin T Torrevillas
A good complete review of this product, although I must agree to it being overpriced. But, through this linus review of the Qutest, I am somewhat intrigued and excited to see what this DAC can really bring to the table, for recording and audiophile purposes left open for this sole purpose. Excellent review linus and Chord Electronic bravo! For continuing to push the technological and artistic envelope for random glimpses of what’s to come.
Charley C
Hi Linus. GREAT review! The Qutest is on my short-list to upgrade my Oppo Sonica DAC in my home office. My only concern is, I go straight from my Oppo DAC (has volume control) to my amplifier, so I would need some preamp/volume control in-between the Qutest and my amp. I’m not too excited about having to introduce a pre-amp into the audio chain (adding noise). My setup is an iMac OS X running Roon, to my Oppo DAC to my amp (Crown XLS1502) to SVS Ultra Bookshelves. Also, going from Oppo DAC to an SVS SB-2000 subwoofer. Any thoughts/suggestions on the best way to replace my Oppo DAC with the Qutest? Thanks !!
Linus
Hi Charley,
thank you so much for your comment.
I assume you have a power amplifier, right?
If that’s the case you will need an additional pre-amplifier to use volume control with Qutest, as it is a standalone DAC. I think there are many good choices out there for each budget. If you have a decent HiFi dealer near you it might be best to drop by and see what they can recommend.
Of course you can also just jump to the Hugo2 and put it in desktop mode (needs to be connected to the power outlet for 24hrs). You gain a few additional features with it too.
Charley C
Thanks, Linus. The Hugo 2 is the conclusion I came to, also. Don’t really “need” a portable DAC, but it’s probably the best solution for my needs. The Hugo 2 TT is also about to be released. However, I think the price tag is a little more than I want to invest. Thanks for the reply!
Linus
No problem Charley, happy to help.
The Hugo2 is one of the best products I own, hands down. I also think it would be the logical solution for your situation. The Hugo2 TT certainly is also very interesting, but I can’t comment on it. All I know is that it will be available this Autumn/Fall.
If you can, give Hugo2 a try.
Jin
Hi Linus,
I totally agree with you for the review. I have both H2 and Qutest, the Qutest just arrived a week ago because I just quit the headphone world and go into hifi 2CH. The H2 sound more natural to me, more organic while the Qutest sounds bright. I also prepared an AQ diamond USB cable for the Qutest. When pairing I found the qutest is just too bright, really bright, thought it would sound the same as H2.
Sooo, what’s your opinion about H2 and Dave. I prefer neutral sound, not the bright sound, if I say the Qutest is bright, what you would say about the Dave.
Thanks!
Linus
Hi Jin,
thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
How I wish I could chime in on the Dave. Haven’t had many chances to listen to it yet, and I am strongly against listening impressions from shows with gear I am not familiar with… Hope you’ll understand.
Cheers,
L
Shahriman
Better than my Chord MOJO and iFi NANO iDSD. But not better than many good desktop R2R DACs.
Linus
Hi Shahriman,
thanks for your comment.
R2R DACs are indeed very nice, I’m glad you have your personal favourite. I wish more manufacturers wouldn’t go the “lazy” way and do some special designs, just like Chord with their unique FPGA coded DACs. R2R, discreet and non oversampling DACs should be more highlighted in this industry in my opinion. I guess they faded away when people started craving numbers instead of sound…
Lindsay
Thought I’d drop a note here…. after several years of searching for a DAC to mate to my Pioneer Elite PD-75 CD player followed by Sugden AU41 pre-amp & AU41 Amp hooked up to Paradigm Studio Monitor speakers. I settled for the Chord Qutest as I was very impressed with its build and sound. I purchased it as an early Christmas present for myself and have had it setup for 10 days burning in. At first I noticed the detail and enhanced the soundstage and warmth. In the last couple days I’ve notice fuller bass Exhibiting benefits of ongoing burn-in time. This was a huge upgrade coming from a 1 bit DAC built into the PD-75. I am sincerely enjoying the digital side of my equipment now.
gareth
I’m currently enjoying mine after reading your review and a few others. But I have to say the Hugo 2 has a great sound but as others have said the build quality really wasn’t where it should of been for the price, at least the demo unit that borrowed wasn’t. Split line didn’t meet up ( could see the lights through the seam line) buttons rattled about, and the roller volume felt like a messy roller mouse from the 90/00 ( could actually see this posing a real problem in few years for a lot people). Certainly not what I would expect for the price. As I say though sounded great.
However the Qutest has none of these problems and sounds great through a class A Sugden with Klipsch Heritage Heresy 3.
Harry
Not so many listeners can’t or won’t pay that much for a DAC. If every DAC would play even near like that, the music would be different. I have the Qutest together with the much more expensive M-Scaler, and the play great together. I tested some ohters lower price solution, but none of them was satisfying. Now I hope both tools will play the next 20 years.
Brian
Thank you Linus for comprehensive review of Chord Qutest.
On my wish list for desktop solution component.
Read elsewhere on internet that Qutest is available in silver finish as well as black.
Think person who said it’s available in sliver finish is misinformed.