Sitting next to its big brother DAC/transport combo, Chord Mezzo 75 amplifier (75Wpc into 4 ohms, $4995), and new Spendor A2 loudspeakers ($2395/pair) was the diminutive new Chord Qutest DAC ($1795). A replacement for the 2Qute, this DAC does not contain a headphone amp, uses the same FPGA as in the Hugo 2, has a cleaner power supply than its predecessor, and includes four filters and the ability to output three different voltage levels. Expect it in stores in February.
Although the Qutest was not in operation when I visited, what was active in the system exhibited very clear sound with pleasing midrange warmth. It was quite an inviting, non-fatiguing sound, and spells success for the new Spendors. As for Chord's Blu CD transport ($11,788) and Dave DAC ($12,488), their excellence is a known quantity.
Although the Qutest was not in operation when I visited, what was active in the system exhibited very clear sound with pleasing midrange warmth. It was quite an inviting, non-fatiguing sound, and spells success for the new Spendors. As for Chord's Blu CD transport ($11,788) and Dave DAC ($12,488), their excellence is a known quantity.
