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At £874, this sits a touch above the £821 median and well below the £928 75th percentile, so it reads as fair-to-slightly-strong rather than a bargain. It’s not cheap enough to call a steal, but it is priced in the upper-middle of the recent market rather than at the top end.
That makes sense for a Chord Qutest: it’s a well-regarded DAC with a clean, resolving presentation and strong timing, and it still holds appeal because it’s a genuinely serious standalone converter rather than a stopgap box. If the unit is tidy and includes the original power supply and remote, this looks like a sensible buy for someone wanting a high-performance DAC without stretching into the pricier listings band.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Chord Electronics, a British high-fidelity powerhouse, traces its roots to the aviation industry. Founded in 1989 by John Franks, a former Marconi Avionics engineer, the company emerged from his early 1980s innovations in ultra-reliable, high-frequency switching power supplies for aircraft electronics. Initially too costly for commercial viability, the designs became feasible with advancing components, launching Chord from its Kent headquarters in a renovated pumphouse that remains its manufacturing heart.
The brand excels in premium amplifiers and digital-to-analog converters (DACs), blending Franks' analog prowess with digital expertise from FPGA specialist Rob Watts. Early power amplifiers quickly won acclaim from professional studios like the BBC, Abbey Road, and Skywalker Sound, establishing credibility before shifting focus to consumer hi-fi. Iconic products like the Hugo and Mojo DACs exemplify their boundary-pushing approach, alongside integrated amps and streamers, all handcrafted in the UK without compromise on power, precision, or musicality.
Positioned firmly in the high-end market, Chord commands respect among discerning audiophiles for its uncompromising engineering, aerospace-grade reliability, and bold innovation. Independent and proudly British, it sets benchmarks in transparency and dynamics, attracting buyers who demand reference-level performance over mass-market concessions.
See all Chord Electronics listings on RADAR.
