Chord 2Qute

[Richard Dale]

9 hours ago, jvs said:

I know they are not efficient speakers but do you think the 2Qute would drive LS3/5a's to low volume levels without amplfication? Would I risk damaging anything if I tried?

You might be able to drive efficient speakers from the output of a Chord DAC that has a headphone amp like the Hugo, but you certainly won't be able to drive any speakers from the 2Qute as it only has RCA line outputs.

[ElviaCaprice]

To try out your 2Qute with an interconnect cable and not have to spend time or money on a interconnect/speaker special cable, you can use one of these adapters off Ebay.  Although I built my cables for about this price of the adapter cable.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Premium-Banana-Plug-To-RCA-Phono-Speaker-Wire-Adapter-Cables-/311059749111?hash=item486c9b18f7:g:T3sAAOSwRLZUCNAx

 

Without highly efficient speakers say 8 ohms 94dB or more, your probably not going to get sufficient enough volume with just the 2Qute amp.  But it never hurts to try.

 

These Omegas are a perfect example, highly recommended.

https://omegaloudspeakers.com/collections/tower-speakers/products/junior-8xrs?variant=38555244684

 

or the big brother (I use these, with the ISO Regen/2Qute, more than enough volume for a mid size room),

https://omegaloudspeakers.com/collections/tower-speakers/products/super-8xrs?variant=38555364748

 

 

 

 

[jvs]

I actually spend some time today to make two RCA to banana cables. I am at my normal listening level with the Rogers LS3/5a's directly connected to the 2Qute at 30% attenuation (70% volume level) and the sound is very, very open. Don't notice any lack of weight either.

[WXY]

On 6/28/2017 at 1:54 AM, ttimon said:

So, have you had a chance to compare Hugo2 with 2Qute ?

 

I'm wander what's difference as I'm thinking to buy 2Qute.

 

On 6/28/2017 at 6:04 AM, skatbelt said:

 

Buying a new 2Qute (or TT) seems like a bad idea to me now that Hugo 2 is available. Better wait for the updated models because both are based on the original Hugo. On the other hand, buying them second hand may be a good option because prices will drop when there successors will be announced! Performance wise I expect (and a lot of first impressions I read point that way) Hugo 2 will crush 2Qute on all aspects despite it's lack of galvanic isolation.

 

I am also interested to learn more about the difference with the new Hugo 2. What's new and improved in the Hugo 2 other than PCM768 and DSD512? Is there better improved FPGA coding in addition to higher rates? Is the 'crushing' done on regular PCM and DSD64?

 

I do own the 2Qute (2 actually) and enjoy it immensely for what this little thing is. I have bought and sold quite a few DACs in the past year and still kept this little guy around. I have just returned a Sonica despite all that it can do. So I think buying a 2nd hand 2Qute is a right move indeed.

 

PS. No, I am not interested in spending hundreds and definitely not thousands to mod a Sonica.

[ecwl]

I haven't had a chance to listen to Hugo 2. But Hugo 2 has 49152 as opposed to 2Qute's 26000 taps. Hugo 2 upsamples to 256fs with WTA filter first whereas 2Qute upsamples to 16fs with the WTA filter. These specifications should in theory give an even more realistic representation of timbre of the instruments and provide more accurate transient timing (as in a snap of the fingers, a pluck of a string or the sound of drums would sound more realistic because the dynamics of that strike would sound more accurate). Hugo 2 also has 10 elements instead of 2Qute's 4 elements so you should get a lower noise floor and maybe more details. Hugo 2 also implements its DC servo by feeding it back into the FPGA (I don't fully understand this) so there is more transparency as there is no additional component for the DC servo. And I believe Hugo 2 uses a higher order noise shaper than 2Qute (can't remember what order). This should give a smoother sound. The main downside to Hugo 2 is that 2Qute's USB is galvanically isolated although Hugo 2 USB has significantly more RF filtering than Hugo so it's not clear if Hugo 2's USB would be worse than 2Qute in terms of RF noise. Moreover, people are also saying that Hugo 2's RCA outputs are a bit crammed so some audiophile RCA cables simply won't fit. It's been 3 years since Hugo first came out. Hugo 2 incorporated a lot of design knowledge from Chord DAVE (and possibly Chord Blu Mk 2 CD transport/upsampler). Also, Hugo 2 uses Artix 7 and 2Qute uses Spartan 6 which is an older less powerful FPGA. Sadly technology marches on. But I still listen to my Chord Mojo frequently because it sounds so great to my ears.

[WXY]

Thanks for the explanation! So have you heard the Hugo 2? I would definitely be in the market for the next Qute!

 

 

 

[jaspal kallar]

+1, for the explanation, I will try to listen to the Hugo 2 at some point 

[jvs]

Update on the test with the 2Qute directly driving the speakers. I first tested it with female vocals which sound good and very open but with more complex music the 2Qute on its own simply lacks control over the speakers. Went back to 2Qute > Cyrus2+PSX > LS3/5A

[JoeDoe]

Hey there fellas! I'm in a long time head-fier, but relatively new to the CA forum. Currently I'm split between two DAC's for my endgame purchase. You can assume since I'm posting in this thread that one is the 2qute. the other is the Auralic Vega. 

 

 I listen exclusively from my computer, and 95% of my library is Redbook CD-quality. I also listen to headphones predominately, but maybe down the road will be able to invest in a two channel system. Any of you guys have experience with both units? If not feel free to weigh in anyway!

 

thanks,

joe

[ecwl]

I think this is a pretty simple no brainer. Save up and get Chord Hugo 2. And then you can sell your headphone amp if you want to. 

[JoeDoe]

Sorry, I should've specified, but budget is definitely a factor. Don't have the fundage to drop $$$ on a Hugo2. Either unit, the 2qute or Vega will be coming to me via the used market. 

[kennyb123]

5 hours ago, JoeDoe said:

Sorry, I should've specified, but budget is definitely a factor. Don't have the fundage to drop $$$ on a Hugo2. Either unit, the 2qute or Vega will be coming to me via the used market. 

 

If this is an "endgame" purchase then I'd have to agree wholeheartedly with ecwl: save up for the Hugo 2.

 

But if it has to come down to chosing between the 2Qute and the Vega - I think that will likely come down more to your listening preferences.  Any chance it might be possible to buy both used and then keep the one you prefer?  Or maybe just go with the cheaper one keep saving for the Hugo 2.

 

I'll have to admit that I'm quite smitten with the Chord sound, so I'd personally be more inclined to go with the 2Qute.  But on the other hand, the Vega was priced higher and there were many positive reviews so it could be the "better" DAC.  Only you can determine if it's better for you.

[FIndingit]

The 2qute is known to be incredibly good with redbook. When I had it, I remember thinking all the time that there's no need for hires at all. 

[johndoe21ro]

2Qute if your music library is CD quality! Incredible sound for the money paid! 

[guerph]

I have both the 2Qute and Hugo2. They each have their own flavor, but I can't for the life of me decide which I prefer. 

[jvs]

Could you try and describe the difference?

[jaspal kallar]

14 hours ago, guerph said:

I have both the 2Qute and Hugo2. They each have their own flavor, but I can't for the life of me decide which I prefer. 

 

Do you have a better external power supply for your 2Qute? 

[johndoe21ro]

Besides ElviaCaprice is there anyone else using an ISORegen with the 2Qute? If so what's it like?

[ElviaCaprice]

3 hours ago, johndoe21ro said:

Besides ElviaCaprice is there anyone else using an ISORegen with the 2Qute? If so what's it like?

I don't use the ISO Regen anymore.  After modifying to a sCLK-EX server, I find it a detriment to SQ, but I do find the USPCB a fantastic USB adapter direct from my server USB PCIE card to the 2Qute.  It is as neutral as you will find.

Announcement coming Tuesday, Jan. 9th.  I suspect a new TT or/and 2Qute with the Hugo 2 update.

[pl_svn]

22 hours ago, johndoe21ro said:

Besides ElviaCaprice is there anyone else using an ISORegen with the 2Qute? If so what's it like?

 

I'm still using an ISO Regen (but my chain is ISO Regen -> Audiophilleo 1 SE -> Chord 2Qute) and find it makes a difference

had to disable Regen's galvanic isolation, though, as it was causing 2Qute's "status light" to never turn off after a while it is idle

[jvs]

Chord Qutest

[rickca]

35 minutes ago, jvs said:

Chord Qutest

Malwarebytes blocks that website with an SSL protocol error.

[jvs]

11 minutes ago, rickca said:

Malwarebytes blocks that website with an SSL protocol error.

 

 

9th January 2018, CES, Las Vegas: Chord Electronics has launched the most advanced compact DAC on the planet: Qutest. A highly accomplished standalone device, the new Qutest is based on the latest proprietary Rob Watts’ FPGA technology developed for the class-leading Hugo 2 DAC/headphone amp. Qutest uses an all-new precision-machined aluminium chassis and includes several new features, including fascia controls.
Qutest uses the same award-winning internal DAC architecture and proprietary software coding as the Hugo 2, giving it proven class-leading technical and sonic performance. Qutest also offers Hugo 2’s unique user-selectable frequency-shaping filters and input selection controls, available via two fascia-mounted spheres, introducing useful flexibility. Qutest offers a significant cost saving over Hugo 2 (H2 £1,800), as it eschews the headphone amplifier, rechargeable Li-ion batteries and crossfeed functionality integral to the transportable device.

Qutest is the latest evolution of Chord Electronics’ most affordable standalone DAC, the multi-award-winning 2Qute, which it directly replaces. Qutest is uniquely equipped to bring the benefits of Chord Electronics’ acclaimed proprietary hardware and software technology to a wide range of connected devices. It features a galvanically isolated USB-B, optical and dual coaxial digital inputs, giving an instant upgrade to everyday audio devices plus the ability to modernise ageing digital source components. It also features RCA analogue outputs for connection to integrated amplifiers, preamps and headphone amps, plus high-resolution 768kHz-capable dual-data digital inputs for connection to Chord Electronics’ devices including the 705/768kHz-ready M-Scaler-technology BLU MKII digital/CD transport.

Future-proof: High-Res Audio to 768kHz PCM/DSD 512.

Qutest has been designed for static use within home audio and desktop hi-fi systems. The new design benefits from 5V Micro USB powering which offers improved flexibility over its predecessor. Qutest offers support for up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512 via its galvanically isolated USB-B input, 24-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD128 via coaxial (BNC) and 24-bit/192kHz data on Optical TOSLink. DSD 64 to DSD 256 is supported via DoP and ASIO native DSD format is also supported up to 512.

The device features a Class 2 USB input which, because of the Qutest’s home-system orientation compared to Hugo 2’s more mobile aspirations, has been galvanically isolated. This has been achieved using a novel technique which allows for very high data rates of up to 768kHz; the input is driverless on Apple and Android devices, with (ASIO included) drivers for Windows devices.

All-new aluminium casework

The Qutest chassis is all-new. It has significantly greater mass than its predecessor and has been precision-machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminium billet. The Qutest PCB nestles within a shallow cavity in the solid aluminium chassis, giving the circuit board greater protection within the casework and additional isolation from external vibration compared to previous designs.

Qutest’s new square-edge chassis design created by owner and Chief Designer John Franks retains the popular circular magnifying porthole window, which reveals the custom Chord Electronics’ circuit board within. Qutest’s control spheres (for user-selectable frequency-shaping and input selection) illuminate with useful colour-coding information denoting sample frequency and filter used; brightness settings are user-adjustable. A further new feature is a user-selectable output voltage available in 1, 2 and 3V RMS outputs for flexible connectivity with partnering devices.

New levels of technical performance for a compact DAC

The latest FPGA and advanced WTA (Watts Transient Aligned) filters have been implemented in the Qutest, bringing a wide variety of performance improvements over the 2Qute in a number of areas. Performance gains have been made in timing accuracy, noise reduction and dynamic range and tap length, the technical indicator of how complex the interpolation filter is, has more than doubled compared to its predecessor, to 49,152.

User-selectable filtering option

A four-function switch filter, operated by its own control sphere, offers a useful degree of user-selectable frequency-shaping, bringing warm and soft or transparent and incisive presentations, giving additional flexibility and user control.

Technical specifications
Frequency response: 20-20 kHz +/- 0.2dB
Tap-length: 49,152
Dynamic range 124 dB AWt
THD: 0.0001% 1 kHz 2.5V RMS 300 ohms
THD and noise at 2.5v RMS ref 3V: -117dB 300 ohms AWt
Channel sep 138 dB at 1kHz 300 ohms
Galvanically isolated USB
No measurable noise floor modulation

Inputs:
1x Optical TOSLink 24-bit/192kHz-capable
2x BNC coaxial input 24-bit/384kHz-capable (dual data mode up to 768kHz for M-Scaler operation)
1x HD galvanically isolated USB-B input 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512-capable

Outputs:
1x (pair) stereo RCA phono outputs: 1, 2 and 3V RMS

Price and availability

Qutest is available to order now (black only) from Chord Electronics dealers priced at £1,195

[soares]

I guess I am going to sell my 2qute + Sbooster & Ultra :-)

[jcn3]

15 hours ago, soares said:

I guess I am going to sell my 2qute + Sbooster & Ultra :-)

why get rid of the sbooster and ultra?  the qutest is just a dac . . .