I shouldn't be saying anything about this but I have owned a Qutest and I liked this model better. Don't know why but found another gent that feels the same way I do after trying the 2Qute preferred the Qute EX. This was using the optical and digital inputs of the Qute EX not the USB input. Maybe the circuit is more simplified. Less components, less processing, not sure but my ears prefer the EX. Anyways, the price is firm because they are getting harder to find and I don't want another Qutest or 2Qute. I'd rather keep it then sell it for less than what's its worth.