DAC CHORD QUTEST

That the British company is characterized by all-around originality is a well-known fact. The reputation that precedes it concerns first of all the sound characteristics, which are always at an absolute level with respect to price and differ strongly in temperament from all direct competition. But also from a technical point of view, as well as from an aesthetic point of view, CHORD is second to none. Equipped with an FPGA DAC that thus takes a completely different path than almost all manufacturers, QUTEST features a truly original look, with a glowing porthole that not only shows the electronics but also lights up in different colors according to the frequency and type of the input file. Only two are the pexiglas light buttons on what can be called an original black “brick,” and they govern inputs and filters: they do not deviate from the original British manufacturer’s setting, taking on different colors according to what is selected. QUTEST is a pure DAC, not conceding any other frills. But its sound characteristics will win over any audiophile without appeal.

Price: 1899 euros