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This virtually new, (purchased 3 weeks ago) unblemished Chord QEX DAC is an upgraded version of the multi-award-winning QuteHD DAC, so much has been written about this unique dac that I shall refrain from waxing poetic, needless to say it is astoundingly good compared to any Dac, AT ANY PRICE¡¦
The recent hardware (EX) & firmware update to fully support Integer & Direct Modes when used with Mavericks & Audirvana on an Apple computer have significantly elevated the performance of this diminutive powerhouse even further above the lofty heights of the multi-award winning HD version ! (Of course it also remains 100% compatible with Windows OS)
However, a tightly regulated Linear power supply again brings distinct improvements to its performance, compared to the factory supplied switch mode power supply. I am including a superb fully discrete and exceptionally low noise Linear Regulated power supply, which has 100% current delivery headroom above the nominal requirements of the QEX. Originally designed for broadcast video camera applications, the professionally customed power supply is compact, rugged and supports world-wide a.c voltages via an external selector switch.
The QEX builds on the strengths of original QuteHD, a compact high-performance D/A convertor that eschews off-the-shelf DAC chipsets in favour of a bespoke FPGA (programmable) circuit. Its EX stable mate, with the ¡®EX¡¯ suffix denoting its DXD (Digital eXtreme Definition) intentions, takes the Qute¡¯s high-resolution file playback capability to a whole new level.
The QEX offers a range of bespoke DAC technologies taken from the flagship QBD76 HDSD, which forms part of the stylish Choral range, and is the latest edition to the beautiful high-performance boutique line, Chordette; a comprehensive range that brings the brand¡¯s exemplary audio engineering and legendary build quality to a far more affordable price point. The QEX brings exceptional detail-retrieval, insight and transparency to digital music files, thanks to its bespoke circuit design created by DAC technology guru Rob Watts and implemented by our internationally renowned engineering team.
Ready to take advantage of today¡¯s advanced studio-master-quality (DXD) music files, the QEX can handle sample rates from 44.1kHz to 384kHz (PCM), allowing users to experience music in true high definition, along with the best possible reproduction of CD-quality music. The QEX benefits from an advanced asynchronous USB input (up to 384kHz) and can also bring sparkling clarity to any connected component with a digital output, thanks to two additional digital inputs: coaxial and optical.
In addition to 384kHz PCM files, the QEX can also process DSD 128 data using the latest DSD-over-PCM standard (DoP), making it the world¡¯s most affordable high-quality DSD 128- and 384kHz-compatible USB DAC. Whether using Mac OS or Windows OS, Chord Electronics¡¯ own proprietary driver software is provided, removing the restrictions of current operating system audio playback.
Harmonic distortion: 103 dBV Signal-to-noise ratio: 115dBV Dynamic range: 118dBV Digital inputs: 1 x USB HD with DSD 128 decoding, 44.1 kHz to 384kHz PCM, 16-32-bit 1x Optical 1x Coaxial 44.1 kHz/384kHz-ready, 16-32-bit Power supply: 12v 1A 2.1mm connector. Centre point positive 100V- 240V – 50/60Hz, 1A wall adapter supplied Weight: 0.4kg Dimensions: 160x70x40mm (WxHxD) |