Chord qutest is one of those products without unnecessary fancy accessories, but it performs its primary task very well. You connect it to the system and forget about it and you can enjoy it for several decades because it has practically nothing to break, so it is not such a very expensive product.
Another interesting product, Andrew. This unit is more food for my thoughts on the DAC front. Soon getting ready to leap on the Schiit Urd transport, so a new DAC is certainly also under consideration to replace my really aging high-end player. Hey, I hope that your health issues, whatever they be, get addressed nicely. Best to your health and cheers! 😊👍
@@audioarkitekts First world problems, especially since ABX keeps showing that almost nobody can differentiate between a $2 DAC chip and a $2000 flagship.
@@theonlyegg I see this comment often, but my experience has been different. Some DACs do sound almost identical while others are quite different. We don't listen in the same manner as an A to B fast switch comparison. It would be more interesting if you commented on your own listening experience.
Since you mentioned Dave, I want to point out that it is such a money hole. It is 12k for the Dave, then you get 4.5k for upscaler, then a 3k PSU for the upscaler, 2x500-1k BNC cables, then you pull out that pathetic PSU from the dave, and it is 1.5k for the adapter, plus +15v -15V and 5V psu, 9k total for top of the line PSU, and I heard (I can't confirm), there is 1 PSU made for Dave that needs 3 montsh burn in and it is about 15k. That is a 30k-33.5k fully upgraded, and if you get the Dave you will do it. You will go "hmm dave it is nice but with m-scaler is better... those cables push it even higher,... does that PSU really let the M-scaller clocks do their best?" and in a few years you will burn 1/3 of a house worth of money.
Chord actually don’t think it’s necessary- they reckon you just hook it up to a power bank. If you can’t hear the difference, they think power supplies are a waste of money.
It is sad to some yet honestly 1500 os a relatively low priced dac. Good video. I think my dream dac is expensive yet compared to the market it is lower mid priced. And that is the Mola Mola Tambaqui. It is 13,500.00. A lot tonswallow yet is not the 100,000.00 mark that I will not buy even if money was not an issue. Affordable is very hard to put for everyone as we are all different and in different situations. The biggest thing to remeber about dac's is that most moves are sideways not vast improvements. Your approach is appreciated and good wishes for success in your upcoming medical needs.
Thanks for the review. Would have like to hear a little more about the sound comparison with the Pontus, particularly in terms of soundstage depth, detail etc. All the best!
I can remember when the general doubters would suggest there were no comparable differences between different price points on turntables or CD players. Remember the infamous CD player review by Which magazine that couldn’t tell any sonic differences between various players using A,B tests. It’s depressing that this scepticism as fact still persist, with angry comments that just pour bitter subjectivity without listening to a product. I can’t tell you how often I’ve upgraded my system over the years (when I can afford it) Amplification, front end components etc. Each upgrade has replaced very good products but yielded exceptional changes to my listening experience. DAC’s are no different. I’ve tried Cyrus, Rega, IFI and some well known Chinese DAC’s. All better than the last, all very different in sonic presentation. I currently run a Naim streamer/DAC which is the best of all of what I have heard with my ears. But, I am going to try the Chord to bypass the Naims DAC. Why? To try and make my system sound better. It’s a good product using their own architecture using good old fashioned R&D. It may be excellent, it may not. But I will hear the difference and use my own opinion to make the choice. That’s the point of HIFI. It’s not snake oil if you enjoy your music more.
The difference in sound from a (1)HiFI - mono block amps per speaker, pre amp, fairy cables, block cable raisers, electrical conditioners, Source - unreasonably priced CD player over 2000, and multi thousand dollar dacs like this one which is no different than a JDS labs Element3 but at 3x the price, vs( 2), an integrated solid state a/b toroidal amp + a quality CD player like a Marantz cd60, and a pair of full range speakers, in an untreated room will be a moot point - you wasted all that money on(1). A treated room with (2) system will sound much much better than the Expensive(1) system in an untreated room. A Treated Room, with proper speaker placement will only sound different not better unless you are exponentially spend more for micro improvements. Remember Audio Marketing is what sells snake oil to the Public, Audio engineering - learn some of the basics and your will understand that price does not dictate quality. 2500 dollar speakers can sound as good and even better than speakers costing 10.000 or more. The more expensive the price the higher the Margin. 30.000 speakers selling for 18.000. 7000.00 speakers sell for 3500(open box). 30 - 50% added cost for not being made in China - no advantage to quality just bragging rights that yours were made by a boutique company , hand made with more expensive components that do nothing for sound. No you do not need a Chord Qutest unless you believe the hype in comparison to a modest 500 external Dac. Have a great day.
I've got the qutest on loan right now coz my mojo2 is being repaired (white noise of death on the USB connection). I honestly think my mojo sounds better. I've got to side by side them, but I'm almost not listening to music with it
@@audioarkitekts Yes, early on the balls were glass but got stuck after awhile because of finger prints and debris falling behind the glass . They then went to fixed plastic spheres because of it. 🚥
Michael, Thank you for your work here and your candid discussions. It is most apparent that you are truthful in your experience. It is a journey and thanks for sharing yours. Best of luck with your medical procedure. We wish you a quick recovery and the best of health going forward. Take care and thank you once again for sharing things.
Does this mean I need a DAC (such as this or comparable) in order for my anemic sounding system to come alive? Presently using a Dayton Audio HTA 100 (or a LEAK Stereo 130) with JBL L52 speakers and an old Onkyo C7030 cd player. For an average size living room.
I've been eyeing up the qutest for a couple of years, but feel like it might be better to wait longer and save up for a dave. Good luck with your health!
How many inputs do you need?! Can’t see why anyone would need more than 3. TV, streamer and Digital transport. And balanced? Unless you have a RFI noise issue, you don’t need it. If you think you can hear a difference, I think that’s a bit of smoke and mirrors.
@@martyn_g Agreed. I have a custom made tube pre-amp. The cost of adding balanced XLR drove the price up signigigantly. The creator said it's not worth the money unless you have issues or very long cable runs.
yeah, this is like mean/medium/mode. Qutest might be "reasonable' when you look at the spread, but to me, it's "expensive" when you look at what a bulk of dacs cost. . By your math, a Porsche 911 is 'reasonable'. If you like it, and can afford it, go for it, but the average price of a new car is about $45K.
@@audioarkitekts no. The average price of a new car is about $45k. (More than Camry actually but I digress”). I’d wager the average price of a dac is well below $1K. I can only imagine… not sure this statistic exists. $1500 isn’t exorbitant by any means, but past would i would consider as reasonable. YMMV. What’s expensive or reasonable is pretty darned subjective. Good look with your medical … stuff. And thanks for an excellent review btw lol
I reckon you’re all a little off the mark. @mykandrew is right calling a 911 as expensive. Any car past $300KAUD is expensive and the Chord is attainable for me. It’s more of a WRX STi but more expensive than a Camry. But I can afford both of those.
All things relative. I don't see why people spend 2k on IEMs when just moving your head adds microphonics directly to the sound, ear shapes are all different etc. Why spend 3k on a big TV when the $800 ones do the same thing? All relative.
It’s funny how we hear things differently. Another YT reviewer put it about one DAC away from the Denefrips Ares in terms of warmth. He thought the Bifrost, RME and Topping were all more clinical
Chord qutest is one of those products without unnecessary fancy accessories, but it performs its primary task very well. You connect it to the system and forget about it and you can enjoy it for several decades because it has practically nothing to break, so it is not such a very expensive product.
Another interesting product, Andrew. This unit is more food for my thoughts on the DAC front. Soon getting ready to leap on the Schiit Urd transport, so a new DAC is certainly also under consideration to replace my really aging high-end player. Hey, I hope that your health issues, whatever they be, get addressed nicely. Best to your health and cheers! 😊👍
Thank you my friend. I wish you well!
What? No VU meters? Forget it. LOL I wish you the best of health!
lol we love our VU meters! Thank you for the kind words.
Don't think I could ever drop this much on a DAC but I do wish companies would make more single ended DACs like this
Agreed 👍
Great review
Thank you! 🙏
What a fantastic video have a wonderful day also Saturday is my friends birthday ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
Thank you and Happy Birthday to your friend!
Games? I still laugh just thinking about that scene. You like Baileys ?
Absolutely nobody NEEDS a $1.6k DAC.
I disagree. But hey that’s the beauty of opinions ;)
@@audioarkitekts First world problems, especially since ABX keeps showing that almost nobody can differentiate between a $2 DAC chip and a $2000 flagship.
@@theonlyegg I see this comment often, but my experience has been different. Some DACs do sound almost identical while others are quite different. We don't listen in the same manner as an A to B fast switch comparison. It would be more interesting if you commented on your own listening experience.
@@patbarr1351 I have at least 7 different DACs in this room, some internal, some external. They don't sound much different at all.
Xilinx Artix 7 FPGA boards are starting at $60 on AliExpress. Why does this DAC cost $1600?
Chord is an overrated has been. Get an IFI Go Blu. Versatile and cheap. Buy more music!!
Since you mentioned Dave, I want to point out that it is such a money hole. It is 12k for the Dave, then you get 4.5k for upscaler, then a 3k PSU for the upscaler, 2x500-1k BNC cables, then you pull out that pathetic PSU from the dave, and it is 1.5k for the adapter, plus +15v -15V and 5V psu, 9k total for top of the line PSU, and I heard (I can't confirm), there is 1 PSU made for Dave that needs 3 montsh burn in and it is about 15k. That is a 30k-33.5k fully upgraded, and if you get the Dave you will do it. You will go "hmm dave it is nice but with m-scaler is better... those cables push it even higher,... does that PSU really let the M-scaller clocks do their best?" and in a few years you will burn 1/3 of a house worth of money.
Good luck regarding your medical procedure!😇
Thank you my friend.
I hope all goes well for you with your medical procedures! 🙏
Thank you James, that’s much appreciated.
Its even better with a Sbooster power supply and a Good USB Cable
Chord actually don’t think it’s necessary- they reckon you just hook it up to a power bank. If you can’t hear the difference, they think power supplies are a waste of money.
It is sad to some yet honestly 1500 os a relatively low priced dac. Good video. I think my dream dac is expensive yet compared to the market it is lower mid priced. And that is the Mola Mola Tambaqui. It is 13,500.00. A lot tonswallow yet is not the 100,000.00 mark that I will not buy even if money was not an issue. Affordable is very hard to put for everyone as we are all different and in different situations. The biggest thing to remeber about dac's is that most moves are sideways not vast improvements. Your approach is appreciated and good wishes for success in your upcoming medical needs.
Thank you Patrick and I agree ☝️
It is call value added Sir
Thanks for the review. Would have like to hear a little more about the sound comparison with the Pontus, particularly in terms of soundstage depth, detail etc. All the best!
They both image quite well, fairly comparable. The Pontus is way more warmer. However they’re both fantastic in their own respect.
@@audioarkitekts Thanks mate!
I can remember when the general doubters would suggest there were no comparable differences between different price points on turntables or CD players. Remember the infamous CD player review by Which magazine that couldn’t tell any sonic differences between various players using A,B tests. It’s depressing that this scepticism as fact still persist, with angry comments that just pour bitter subjectivity without listening to a product.
I can’t tell you how often I’ve upgraded my system over the years (when I can afford it) Amplification, front end components etc. Each upgrade has replaced very good products but yielded exceptional changes to my listening experience. DAC’s are no different. I’ve tried Cyrus, Rega, IFI and some well known Chinese DAC’s. All better than the last, all very different in sonic presentation. I currently run a Naim streamer/DAC which is the best of all of what I have heard with my ears. But, I am going to try the Chord to bypass the Naims DAC. Why? To try and make my system sound better. It’s a good product using their own architecture using good old fashioned R&D. It may be excellent, it may not. But I will hear the difference and use my own opinion to make the choice. That’s the point of HIFI. It’s not snake oil if you enjoy your music more.
Another overpriced British product
I don't need one ta. Got k7 and smsl c200 😂
The difference in sound from a (1)HiFI - mono block amps per speaker, pre amp, fairy cables, block cable raisers, electrical conditioners, Source - unreasonably priced CD player over 2000, and multi thousand dollar dacs like this one which is no different than a JDS labs Element3 but at 3x the price, vs( 2), an integrated solid state a/b toroidal amp + a quality CD player like a Marantz cd60, and a pair of full range speakers, in an untreated room will be a moot point - you wasted all that money on(1). A treated room with (2) system will sound much much better than the Expensive(1) system in an untreated room. A Treated Room, with proper speaker placement will only sound different not better unless you are exponentially spend more for micro improvements. Remember Audio Marketing is what sells snake oil to the Public, Audio engineering - learn some of the basics and your will understand that price does not dictate quality. 2500 dollar speakers can sound as good and even better than speakers costing 10.000 or more. The more expensive the price the higher the Margin. 30.000 speakers selling for 18.000. 7000.00 speakers sell for 3500(open box). 30 - 50% added cost for not being made in China - no advantage to quality just bragging rights that yours were made by a boutique company , hand made with more expensive components that do nothing for sound. No you do not need a Chord Qutest unless you believe the hype in comparison to a modest 500 external Dac. Have a great day.
I've got the qutest on loan right now coz my mojo2 is being repaired (white noise of death on the USB connection). I honestly think my mojo sounds better. I've got to side by side them, but I'm almost not listening to music with it
I’ll have to try the Mojo sometime!
The mojo changed my life. And I can’t use anything else now
lovely
See you on the flipside, Mike. Best wishes!
Thank you my friend
When they went from glass to plastic balls they lost me. 🤖. Mojo2 over Quest.
They had glass balls?
@@audioarkitekts Yes, early on the balls were glass but got stuck after awhile because of finger prints and debris falling behind the glass . They then went to fixed plastic spheres because of it. 🚥
Michael,
Thank you for your work here and your candid discussions. It is most apparent that you are truthful in your experience. It is a journey and thanks for sharing yours. Best of luck with your medical procedure. We wish you a quick recovery and the best of health going forward. Take care and thank you once again for sharing things.
Thank you John, your words are sincere and inspiring. Everything went well thank goodness, I’m on the mend and will be back soon!
@@audioarkitekts Michael,
That is good news....take care....hope to see you back soon....
love mine or should it be a holo or laiv
Holo is nice, especially with their new more affordable DAC. I contacted Laiv let’s see if they want to play with me ;)
Does this mean I need a DAC (such as this or comparable) in order for my anemic sounding system to come alive? Presently using a Dayton Audio HTA 100 (or a LEAK Stereo 130) with JBL L52 speakers and an old Onkyo C7030 cd player. For an average size living room.
Best wishes for the future. Take care.
I've been eyeing up the qutest for a couple of years, but feel like it might be better to wait longer and save up for a dave. Good luck with your health!
The Dave looks nice. Thank you for the kind words!
The pretty coloured lights might be nice, but if you are colourblind ,what are you supposed to do.
Get a different DAC I suppose?
Cyan2 better bang for the buck. Sick of the limited inputs output of chord toys.
How many inputs do you need?! Can’t see why anyone would need more than 3. TV, streamer and Digital transport. And balanced? Unless you have a RFI noise issue, you don’t need it. If you think you can hear a difference, I think that’s a bit of smoke and mirrors.
@@martyn_g Agreed. I have a custom made tube pre-amp. The cost of adding balanced XLR drove the price up signigigantly. The creator said it's not worth the money unless you have issues or very long cable runs.
yeah, this is like mean/medium/mode. Qutest might be "reasonable' when you look at the spread, but to me, it's "expensive" when you look at what a bulk of dacs cost. . By your math, a Porsche 911 is 'reasonable'. If you like it, and can afford it, go for it, but the average price of a new car is about $45K.
Porsche 911 is not reasonable being that most go for 100k+ if we are comparing cars the Chord is like a nice Camry.
@@audioarkitekts no. The average price of a new car is about $45k. (More than Camry actually but I digress”). I’d wager the average price of a dac is well below $1K. I can only imagine… not sure this statistic exists. $1500 isn’t exorbitant by any means, but past would i would consider as reasonable. YMMV. What’s expensive or reasonable is pretty darned subjective. Good look with your medical … stuff. And thanks for an excellent review btw lol
I reckon you’re all a little off the mark. @mykandrew is right calling a 911 as expensive. Any car past $300KAUD is expensive and the Chord is attainable for me. It’s more of a WRX STi but more expensive than a Camry. But I can afford both of those.
All things relative. I don't see why people spend 2k on IEMs when just moving your head adds microphonics directly to the sound, ear shapes are all different etc. Why spend 3k on a big TV when the $800 ones do the same thing? All relative.
I enjoyed this review. Chord seems to excel at soundstage depth, a nice dac but a bit too analytical for my taste.
It’s funny how we hear things differently. Another YT reviewer put it about one DAC away from the Denefrips Ares in terms of warmth. He thought the Bifrost, RME and Topping were all more clinical