Chord Chordette Qute EX review

Best DAC £700-£1500, Awards 2014. Chord has achieved some rave reviews for its latest DACs, and the QuteEX is another to add to the list Tested at £990

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Best DAC £700-£1500, Awards 2014. Chord has achieved some rave reviews for its latest DACs, and the QuteEX is another to add the list

Pros

  • +

    Solid build

  • +

    Extensive sample rate support

  • +

    Wonderfully clear, detailed and dynamic sound

Cons

  • -

    Lacks any wireless support

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

If you are thinking Chord’s Chordette QuteEX might look different to its predecessor, the QuteHD, then think again. In fact, the QuteEX looks pretty much identical.

Rest assured though, this is a different machine. Not only have there been tweaks under the bonnet and improvements in specification, but sound quality has gone up a notch too.

MORE: Awards 2014 - Best DACs

Build and design

Both the Chord’s chipset and motherboard have been upgraded for the new model. This means the QuteEX can handle files with sampling rates up to 384kHz and DSD 128 over its asynchronous USB socket, as well as more standard resolution files.

In keeping with the rest of Chord’s DAC range, the QuteEX doesn’t use an off-the-shelf DAC chip - instead, the clever guys at Chord use a bespoke, programmable circuit, which they customise to provide the best digital-to-analogue conversion possible.

You get digital coaxial, optical, USB and analogue RCA connections

You get digital coaxial, optical, USB and analogue RCA connections

Like the majority of Chord DACs, the QuteEX also puts on something of a light show for its owner - peer through the circular window on top of the device and you’ll see the inside change colour depending on the sample rate being played through either the coaxial, optical or USB inputs.

There’s no front panel button or display - inputs are auto-sensed and the DAC switches accordingly. CD standard 44.1kHz is represented by red; 96kHz is represented by green and so on.

Build quality is up to the brand’s usual high standards, and the solid aluminium case makes a stark contrast to the usual bent metal casework we normally see at this level.

Performance

Most importantly though, the QuteEX sounds more organised more detailed than its now defunct sibling. The DAC displays great confidence and composure with simple and complex arrangements.

There’s a great deal of resolution and texture to Bruce Springsteen’s Heaven’s Wall, especially in 24-bit/88kHz-file format. Instruments sound natural, as does Bruce’s slightly-rough-around-the-edges vocal.

The sense of scale and openness is striking, and the DAC gives plenty of breathing space to all the various components, from the background singers to Bruce’s guitar.

Time, from the Inception soundtrack is a more of test of the Chord’s ability to handle complex bass arrangements and it passes with flying colours.

The DAC gives plenty of weight, digs deep, defines edges with skill and manages to give every last ounce of information. And, the Chord still shows enough delicacy to handle the solemn piano notes at the end of the track.

Verdict

You’ll need to spend half as much again on Chord’s own Hugo DAC to better it – and this is what makes the QuteEX such a brilliant buy at the money.

MORE: What is a DAC and why do you need one? Everything you need to know

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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