How to UPGRADE a CHORD QUTEST DAC
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 พ.ย. 2024
- #Chord #hifi #DAC
You can't change it's software, you can't switch any parts...but you can feed it tasty power!
I was a sceptic too - but seriously, this works!
Tested using:
Klipsch Cornwall III
B&W 705s2
Triangle Borea Bro2
Schitt Aegir / Schiit Freya Plus
Line Magnetic 508ia Integrated Amp
Allo USB Bridge Signature
Audioquest Niagara 1200 Power Conditioner
Audioquest NRG Z3 and Y3 Power Cables
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For tech specs check out these links:
www.paulhynesd...
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www.amazon.co....
ifi-audio.com/...
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Hello , I put a MCRU Linear power supply unit (built to order ) on my Qutest and it had the same benefits as the Paul Hynes power supply and almost half the price
I upgraded to the PlixiR Elite BDC 5V/2A for my Qutest And the improvement was simply stunning. More liquid, organic, And refined. Zero loss of detail (might be increased). Dynamics were much more forceful And pure. Soundstage grew in all 3 dimensions. Upgraded to the Elite BDC from the Allo shanti, which was itself clearly better than the OEM SMPS.
You mention 2 different power upgrades...what one is best?
@@briancampbell7712 Plixir Elite BDC was obviously better than the Allo Shanti or the SBooster. I bought all 3.
@@DBravo29er
Can I just get a power conditioner to plug all my audio into and get a separate power supply such as SBooster... to use with the Chord Qutest DAC ?
@@briancampbell7712 yeah you can do that 👍
@@DBravo29er no pon intended, but are you seriously comparing a 600-800 euro psu to 190 euro one, that is crazy ofcourse. The allo shanti is a amazing psu for the money, and and I tried very expensive psu’s differences are very small, because the shanti is already that good
An often overlooked benefit of an upgraded power supply is a power button. Small Green Computer sells an LPS for $160. No idea how it compares to other options, but I have no complaints.
A quality LPS is the biggest single upgrade to my sound( having already spent thousands on the rest) but I would recommend against American products for two reasons 1.£50-60 of your money goes on import tax not in the product. 2. We in the UK not to mention Europe have amongst the most respected manufacturers on Earth.
Although I don't have the Chord myself almost all LP come with interchangeable connectors or supply Qutest specific models . PS I chose the Sbooster mk 2 and it is wonderful and runs utterly cold to the touch.
Thanks for the clip and for sharing what you experienced in trying out the Qutest with different power supplies! After watching it, I was so intrigued that I gave it a try as well. And? The Qutest gains in analog reproduction, much more body in the sound with a good LPS like Paul Hynes or even more expensive ones. Just crazy good now. For me the proof that you shouldn't believe too much what is written and rather test it yourself... a lot is simply marketing. I don't think that a well-known manufacturer would admit certain weaknesses in the design of the product they do:)
I wonder if the sonic difference (in particular the SS depth) bet. UltraCap LPS-1.2 and PH SR4T is due to the available power / VA. The amperage of UltraCap is 1.1A versus 2A on SR4T. Both are quality LPS as far as I could tell but the available wattage on SR4T is almost twice as much reserving for headroom even Qutest only needs 1A technically. I had similar experience using LPS of 5V/1A versus 5V/2A (or 5V/3A like Allo Shanti LPS). The higher wattage LPS provide noticeable sparkle on the table...
Yes could definitely be that. The Ferrum Hypsos allows you to play with the power settings, and it’s amazing how that can change things!
Ifi‘ DC purifier *might* be worth a trial (check specs first!): I am using it between a streamer bridge and its SMPU and really like the results (gains in treble smoothness and bass articulation, simply everything better), however, inserted between an sbooster and an Arcam irDAC it is clearly better left out.
BTW: power cable and the fuse inside the LPS again influence SQ and timbre to some extent. So, i‘d imagine the bigger LPS mentioned in the end might be further improved and toned by choice of cable and fuse.
I use Douk Audio linear power supplies. They are between £50 and £100 and they make a notable difference to all my DC components
Ok I'm glad I don't drink alcohol anymore, never had problems with it but for about 9 years now I don't drink alcohol anymore.
Very recommendable and healthy.
Don't underestimate the very large grade of addiction alcohol has. That you use the comparison with alcohol states how far it goes in ones mind.
I have the quetest and yes with an Sbooster good fuse and powercable you'l have a kind of magic yes.
Greetings from the Netherlands. 🙂
I’ll give you a heads up: most things in Hifi can make improvements. The only snake oil is some of the prices.
When changing the power supply, more "detail" means you just intruduced more noisefloor modulation in the analog section of the dac and therefore making it brighter and reducing depth. Warmer sounding is better when talking power and i/o. So there might be a better than the supplied one, but it has to be the darker/warmer sounding to actually improve it.
Take my moneeeyyyzzzz
Actually , very happy running the Qutest off the Allo Shanti LPS . I’d describe it as like adding ‘Braille’ texture , like , you can just sense some 3Dness to the sound. it sounds like that voice came out of someone’s round head rather than a 2 dimensional recording of someone singing . I can’t explain it very well .
Get it together by the beastie boys does it for me , Q-tip just sounds ‘tangible’
‘Tangible’ good word - I’ll steal that one for a future review!! 👍
Do you use 1A or 3A side of shanti for Qutest?
Željko Naumović I use the 3a . The 1a goes into the ‘clean’ side of the digione signature , and the dirty side for the pi is fed with an ifi 5v supply
@@Villaboy78 Thanks, I have Allo usbridge signature, and I'm thinking if I can use shanti for qutest and USbridge sig..
I use the Shanti 3 amp side to my USBridge sig and the 1 amp side to my Chord qutest, the sound is amazing.
Just curious to see whether this will work with Allo Shanti LPS's 5V 1A output? I too have an AlloUSBridge Signature powered by the Shanti's 5 V 3A connected.
Hi Noble Jose - short answer is, I’m not sure. Sorry, I know that isn’t very helpful! I had a quick search online and other people on the internet are using this combo, but I’d be a bit careful as you don’t want to end up with anything burning out! Maybe drop allo a quick email and see what they say?
Yeah I use the shanti psu to power a usb bridge signature and a qutest, works well
According to www.lowbeats.de/test-chord-qutest-mini-high-end-dac/2/ test (consumption is 3.6W when using a 2v output.), 1.2A (I got this information directly from the manufacturer) from 1A side of Shanti would be enough..
"Roast dinner" = subscribed
Haha thank you 🙏 🍽 👍
@@SmallRoomAudio I know this js a slightly older video so you may no longer have this dac, but I would be interested to see how the burson power supply would affect this
Awesome review...however there is an irritating ear fatiguing bass thumping sound in the backround of your video...?
This is a very early one, I was still figuring out how to record sound. I use a Nikon Z6 and the preamp section is rubbish so the solution was to turn the volume down a lot on the camera and then turn the rode lav up to max and boost in Premiere Pro when editing. I used bed music in early videos to hide the noise too. Anyway, thank you for watching and hope to have you along for future videos! 👍
Not sure if it was mentioned in comments,
Using a 3rd party power supply voids warranty and because of BNC inputs needing to be fast (384K sample rate each) there are no isolators and they are as mentioned on some forums by designer to be very sensitive to power supplies that ramp-up to quickly and some have blown IC's to prove it.
It is a little reckless making viewers believe it is a no-risk upgrade.
Additionally battery banks typically use 3.7V 18650 cells and a very noisy DC-DC converter to yield 5V, its output impedance may make it sound different but it can't possibly be less noisy that the stock switch-mode power supply.
Appreciate your point of view, although suggesting I’m reckless is a little harsh! Plenty of other reviewers are recommending power supply alternatives for the Qutest, I’m certainly not on my own here.
@@SmallRoomAudio Acknowledged, if taken harsh it is merely to make a point please do not take it personally considering you are pointing out other reviewers also recommending power supply alternatives.
Third party LPS absolutely do not void the warranty. The Qutest manual clearly states that the power requirements are 5V/1A. I have called Chord AND confirmed that any CE/ETL/UL certified power supply that meets those power requirements literally *cannot* void the warranty.
Further, the AES3 (S/PDIF) interface involves p2p voltages that do not exceed 1.2v. Consumer S/PDIF transmission devices do not exceed .6v p2p. Absent a catastrophic upstream component failure, a full value 1.2v p2p coaxial digital signal will not cause damage. The transmission devices used on the boards themselves aren't capable of generating much more than that, anyway. Maybe 3v p2p, on the verge of short term failure. Maybe.
I agree psu makes big difference. Tried both with hd800s and harbeth compact 7. Your powerbank description is spot on, I agree on all points, and add 1 more, it makes highs sound somewhat grainy, with like smooth big grains. I'm not happy with supplied psu, but it's more balanced overall. Maybe a bit lean, but with better stage then powerbank.
Still this is not all you can improve. Usb cable means a lot, I tried supplied, aq cinnamon, and aq diamond. The cheaper ones are much more noisy at highs.
And moreover, rca cable impacts sound signature somewhat, I have tchernov xs mk ii ic and vdh d102 hybrid 3t.
I really like the name of your channel.
Thanks J E! 👍
@@SmallRoomAudio For those of us who have collected and kept so much hifi stuff in upgrading -- a system in every room. Yes even the Smallest Room
Love your work, boss. I’m smiling all over my face, as I drink a Cabernet S... thank you!
Actually it occurs to me your battery pack option could be improved by giving it more “power” by (crudely) sticking a big fat filter cap in the circuit or just sticking a couple (or more) of them in parallel. That should restore the power and the top end.
Haha awesome, enjoy!!
Small Room Audio please see my edited comment...
Cool - technical knowledge and ideas are always welcome!
Would be great if you include audio files to compare. I realize that adds a ton of work but it would be really interesting.
Hi Igni - I don’t really have the equipment to do it justice at the moment. Maybe if/when we get to 5-10k subs I’ll invest. 👍
@@SmallRoomAudio oh no doubt! Just consider this a wishlist item lol
can you try on ifi power station? it is cheaper than Audioquest NIAGARA .
Would love to in the future - ifi do great products for the money.
@@SmallRoomAudio thank you!!!
The problem with the ifi power supply is it introduces noise back to other devices on the same circuit. I actually heard more noise from my amp when I used it. So you’ll need power conditioning to your preamp/amp.
That’s the biggest problem with ifi that most people don’t realise.
I have people saying “why drop 400 on a lps when the ifi is comparable?”
Yes, that would make sense if said device was the ONLY item in that chain. But it isn’t, and it makes no sense to give clean power to only one device but screw up all the other 5 items on the connected chain.
Man, you must be paid well!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣😎😎
Ha I wish!! TH-cam pays me $40 a month….so not retiring any time soon!
I have been thinking of changing my amp for one with a DAC input. I can see the benefit of an external DAC but this just exemplifies how I will get dragged down the rabbit hole.
A good integrated with dac included is definitely more convenient - however, if your main music source is digital it’s probably worth going for an external dac as digital technology is moving very quickly and the integrated dac will likely be behind the times within a year or two.
Really depends on how dirty your power is.. for me, the ifi Ipower 5v made more than a night and day difference with my soekris dac1321.
For the portable battery, how did you determine if it wouldn't fry your Qutest?
I think the Topping P-90 power supply will work. $150.00 USD.
The Paul Hynes SR4T is rubbish and I think you should sell it to me. Is it for sale?
Great video!
Thanks AMC RO! 👍
What I never understand is why, given the asking price, a better power supply isn't included as standard?
Well Rob Watts tested many different power supplies and found the supplied one to be as good as a battery supply which he regards as 'perfect'. If you hear a difference with other supplies it is distortion or noise being added....
Nice one :)
Thank you! 👍
Not to invalidate your own impressions, but I thought it was worth mentioning that Rob Watts, the DAC's designer, has apparently said the stock power supply wall wart is sufficient-an upgrade will bring no improvement. That said, I do enjoy your videos (and the wine analogies)!
Hi Greg, I read that on a forum Rob had posted on - hence being sceptical, because the guy is a bit of a design genius - but honestly the difference between the standard plug and the more racy options here is fairly dramatic! The Qutest still sounds great with the standard wall wart, but I was surprised that you could tinker with the sound signature so dramatically!
I'm curious to whether you can reliably tell the difference between the standard wall wart and the others if, for example, your wife swaps them randomly and then you listen ? If yes, then I'm surprised Rob Watts says what he does but if not, then I guess if the more racy options still sound better (when you know they are installed) then good for you! Like the viewer above, I also enjoy your videos - thank you!
Hi John, it’s a fair point as i think we naturally assign bias if things are more expensive. No chance I’ll be able to rope my wife into blind testing - I think she wants to blow up my listening room as it is! Which reminds me, I better go load the dishwasher for fear of castration!
John Man
Well, I had a DAC from Rob Watts before he worked for Chord. Was called dpa and in terms of DAC design really new design, with FPG s and a sync clock to synchronize the transport. So great respect to Rob for that .....
but, at this time he clearly stated, that Toslink is the better connection not only for clock sync but as well for signal transfer.
???? what should I say, there is no doubt, that he was wrong....
On all of these dpa DACs the power supply had been a weak part and finally my 8.000€ DAC died on sparks from power supply to ground plane..
Conclusion : do not believe in all what product designers say and trust your own ears.
I like the roast dinner. Alcohol is poison on the body just like poor sound.
I tried one of the iFi plugs things did absolutely nothing SQ wise, luckily it was on a sale or return deal.
I’ve been into audio many years as I’m a music lover. You can’t improve sound like that. Better get the t2 or tt2. That will give you proper improvement. Those things don’t do anything. It’s just in the mind when you spend money on something. Those companies just want more money and they don’t care how they get it. It won’t do anything.
Or you can buy a Hugo2 that runs on its own internal battery pack
PAUL HYNES DESIGN LTD. In Liquidation
I know, it’s so sad - they made amazing power supplies!
MCRU Linear Power Supply for Chord Qutest DAC only £200. Bargain!
I don't understand how a company like Chord could have such an expensive piece of equipment and good quality and yet you have to replace their power supply on it that's ridiculous
It sounds good with the standard wall wart too, it’s just different power supplies can give different flavours of sound. This is more a ‘try it if you fancy’ situation. Some LPS are probably worsening objective performance, which might translate into better subjective enjoyment.
they dont want you to be perfectly happy, if you dont know what you are doing, how else you gonna buy their next product in the first place?
@@coitusinfernalis
Chord Qutest + iFi iPower Elite 5V😁
@@briancampbell7712 you are a happy man!
@@coitusinfernalis
Sorry if you're not🤷🏻♂️🤣
I have chord qutest dac and bought a ifi power supply but it didn't fit could you tell me the size I need please
Put a 6V lead battery on it and be amazed
It’s heartbreaking how many videos there is talking about upgrading a $2k dac. I get the notion of taps and the potential for improvement but I saw a pair of meridian speakers in a TH-cam video for $1k and all they need is a blusound node and you’ve got a hifi setup of legend (even if it’s a little janky) I’m just saying be careful with your money guys and if you haven’t.. go on a holiday to the Phillipines!
I use IFI power adapter into a lithium battery station.
Ifi DC blocker
Good luck getting anything out of Paul Hynes in time, or even at all. Great LPS, not great service and support.
I've been lucky I think. Paul Hynes Designs is the licenced manufacturer for Paul Hynes PSUs. They've responded within a day to my queries. Paul Hynes himself is still making custom builds but I understand that they have a lengthy wait...
Chord wrote to me and say that linear supply are not racomended, I asked to them
You are right, they don’t recommend it - however, it doesn’t mean to say it won’t change the sound signature if you choose to (for better or worse) Even with the stock power plug the Qutest is a great DAC
@@SmallRoomAudio Chord don't recommend other power supplies because they say they don't make any difference.
@@ronlysons6750 I respectfully disagree and can hear a difference with a LPS. It sounds great with stock too though, so go with what you feel most comfortable and happy with 👍 😊
@@SmallRoomAudio I don't doubt you think you can hear a difference.
@@ronlysons6750 It could of course all be mental bias, but if something makes you happy, go with it I say 😃
Ditch the candles and ‘alter’ behind you; looks like a Santeria meeting.
I always have a laugh when new audiophile channel call Snake oil. It’s snake oil until you ear it…point of diminishing return is more adequate…
This guy doesn’t know what he’s talking about. The LPS introduces distortion and the uptone audio is underpowered. Yes, I own them. Stick with the included power supply or iFi. “I almost never admit that I’m wrong”....real trustworthy
Hi Steven, it’s only my opinion - you are most welcome to disagree with it, but it’s no less valid than your own!
@@SmallRoomAudio No, no. Inferior input power is measurable such as Noise introduced by a LPS and insufficient current supply by the Uptone. Robb Watts explains this in detail and landed with the included low noise switch mode power supply as ideal. The Uptone causes detail loss and tricks you into thinking that it’s (warm and smooth) and the LPS’s added noise causes the high frequencies to be distorted, some people interpret this as “punchier”. This all defeats the purpose of paying a premium price for an extremely detailed and tonally precise DAC.
Hi Steven, I have a Chord Qutest and own a LPS. The Qutest sounds much better now, not just nuances. Before I got a LPS I also was really spectical about this topic. On my Equipment I hear a remarkable difference with the LPS. So, I think if you try it out, and don't hear a difference than this might be because of the rest that can't "show" it. In the end it's also about taste as well... so if you like the different sound or not. For my experience I made with this topic the Qutest with LPS gains in analog reproduction of the music. I use a LPS that is more expensive than the Paul Hynes btw. For me it is worth it.
100% agreed. Call me crazy but I tend to believe more to the guy who actually invented the thing than some crazy delulu hifiers, always obsessed with improving things that are already perfect. I won't spend a dime in any wall wart and I'll be using my original power supply until I buy the Anni and connect it to it. That's the only power supply solution I believe, from another Chord products. Enough with the bullshitting!
No point using ifi power supply with the chord qutest, all the filtering is built in. Give chord a ring and they will confirm this. None of the products in the video will make a difference to the chord qutest performance. They have all been measured in audio science review and the conclusion after extensive testing was, pointless and do nothing. Spend the money on music or better speakers.
Hi Dave G, thanks for sharing your point of view, all opinions welcome here. On this one we’ll have to agree to disagree as I heard pretty big differences between the options available. Spending money on music and speakers is always a good option though, absolutely agree with you there!
@@SmallRoomAudioAre you sure you are just not imagine the difference. Chord themselves say there will be no Audible improvements. Even a cheap topping e30 won't be improved by changing the power supply and that costs £109. ASR forum have measured these devices and found no Audible improvements. I have the chord qutest and the mojo and have the ifi x power and the ifi ac purifier plus the expensive power cables and interconnects. If there has been any improvements i couldn't tell. One improvement i did make was rearranging the wiring in my cxc cd transport. I am that mad that I have now bought the Audiolab 6000 cdt to see if there is a difference between CD transports, more wasted money !!! I have also got topping dac and Smsl ones and they all sound no worse than the chord ones.
You’ll have to let me know about the cd transport - I own the CXC and think it’s great for the price, but I’ve not really experimented with it
You have no idea...Measurements are ONE part of the story.
@@zzt231gr 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
bullshit ! lol