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A$1,363 is a strong buy on the current used market for this one. Against 22 recent AUD comparables, it lands below the A$1,430 25th percentile and well under the A$1,527 median, so it’s priced like a bargain rather than a merely fair listing.
That makes sense because the Qutest is widely regarded as a genuinely high-end DAC: compact, very resolving, and especially good at clarity, timing, and letting the rest of the system breathe. It’s a pure DAC, so the real upside is getting top-tier digital conversion without paying for extra features you may not need; if the unit is clean and complete, this is a very attractive entry point for a serious desktop or two-channel setup.
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.
