Selling an absolutely like new Chord 2Qute DAC in black with all original packaging. Included is everything that came with it when new - manual, USB Cable (unused), USB Stick (unused) and USA and EU AC Adapters.
The 2Qute is a truly amazing DAC. It's basically a Hugo with an improved USB input, more connection space, and no headphone amp. According to Rob Watts, the designer, when using the USB input the 2Qute is better than the Hugo due to its use of galvanic isolation. He also says that via USB the 2Qute approaches the performance of the Hugo TT (at 1/3rd the price.) The Hugo TT is a $5K Stereophile "A" recommended component.
The 2Qute supports all common digital inputs. Via coax and USB it supports resolution up to 24/384 and supports DSD.
The sound is neutral, very analog-like, and easy to set up and use. It also doesn't require an upgraded PSU. According to Watts, the unit was designed and tested to act as if it is running on battery power. This is a stunning piece - it bested a $5k DAC in my system.
Asking $1275 delivered.
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From Chord -
The new 2Qute is a compact, affordable standalone DAC which combines two award-winning products in one: the revolutionary Hugo DAC/headphone amp and the class-leading Qute EX standalone DAC.
2Qute advances the award-winning Qute EX DAC into 2015 with the latest Hugo specification. Essentially a Hugo in a Chordette chassis, it brings the latest FPGA DAC technology into an affordable home-system-orientated unit. 2Qute contains the same high-performance Spartan 6 FPGA that has enabled Hugo to redefine the DAC genre in 2014. The 2Qute also boasts astonishingly low distortion levels of 0.0003%.
The 2Qute offers support for up to 32-bit/384kHz audio via coax and USB, and 24-bit/192kHz over optical. DSD64 is supported on all inputs and DSD128 is supported via coax or USB (all via DoP). The new DAC also gains a handy switch to easily move between coax, optical and USB digital inputs.
The device features a Class 2 USB input which, because of the 2Qute's home-system orientation compared to Hugo's more mobile aspirations, has been galvanically isolated for greater sonic performance. This has been achieved using a novel technique which allows for very high data rates of up to 384kHz; the input is driverless on Apple and Android devices, with (ASIO included) drivers for Windows devices.
2Qute key features
- Coax, optical and USB digital inputs with input switch
- Galvanically isolated Class 2 USB input up to 384kHz
- Driverless operation on Apple and Android devices; drivers supplied for Windows
- Support for up to 32-bit/384kHz audio via coax and USB, and 24-bit/192kHz via optical
- DSD64 supported on all inputs, DSD128 supported via coax or USB input (all via DoP)
- Source and sample rate indication/illumination
- 12V 0.5A power supply provided
Measured performance
Output: 3v RMS 1kHz
Dynamic range: -119dB A Wt
THD: 0.0003% at 3v RMS 1kHz
Crosstalk: 126dB 1kHz
Frequency Response: +/- 0.1dB 20-20kHz
