Chord Qutest + JCat Linear Power Supply = WOW Best sound yet by a long way
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- Опубліковано 6 бер 2018
- Welcome to Pursuit Perfect System in this video we are looking at the Brand New Dac from Chord Electronics the Qutest and this an update video where have improved the sound quality yet again by powering the Qutest from a Linear Power Supply from JCat
We also have the Brand new Integrated Amplifier from Luxman the L509X and you will get a taste of what is like as well
Please consider becoming a Patron to the channel to help us grow and bring you more and better content for you to enjoy. We really appreciate it
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jcat.eu/product/200w-linear-p...
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UGreen USB Cable mentioned in video
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Anker USB Type C to Type A Adaptor mentioned in the video
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The song used in this video is by Chris Jones from the album Roadhouses and Automobiles
Please support the Artist by buying this album and here is a link to it on Amazon
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The isolators we use are called Cera-Disc made by company Plinth-Design
www.plinth-design.com
The battery pack we are using to power the Qutest is an Anker bought from Amazon - link here
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Dirac Live is being used within the Dedicated Audio PC - its an essential part of the reference system I wouldnt listen without it
For more detail on Dirac Live and to buy the software please use this link - please use this link it helps support the channel
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If you are interested in buying this Dac, the Amplifier, Speakers or any other HiFi or AV Products please speak to or visit Nintronics - who kindly loaned us this sample for review
www.nintronics.co.uk/ 01707 320788
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You did a great job! Thanks for the Bristol show reporting.
Yippie thanks very much I am not finished I have got about another 20 videos to make for the show :)
that test sound was epic sounded so dam good, clean as.
Interesting video. I’m keeping an open mind on this topic as I’ve heard many people talk about the benefits of LPS, especially in relation to source where small currents are susceptible to even small levels of interference.
When I get the time I’ll experiment myself to see what I find
Love that tune thanks for turning me onto Chris Jones and revisions Jen Chapin.
wow great sound
Nice sound
Keep the videos coming. I completely enjoy them! Always look forward to new videos from PPS! Did you send the 705's back?
Ty Ger yes mate the 705 went back thanks for the kind words and support
Good video, keep keeping us updated with your improvements! You should also borrow a Hugo 2 and compare.
Thanks, in an ideal world I would have them all here to test but we dont live in that sadly :) Doing the best I can to report on all this and demonstrate it as well
Pursuit Perfect System much appreciated, keep up the great work buddy!
I recommend that you contact Nuprime and ask them to send you a MCH-K38 multichannel amplifier for review. I believe that it is literally a giant killer and I really think you would enjoy reviewing it. I think the company is doing an incredible job in the class D amplification world.
Sounds fantastic.
It would be interesting to approach this a different way as built a system which DOES make the Qutest sound a little too sharp and brittle. Then see if the filters can help resolve the issue.
Good videos, and nice system you have. I wonder if you could do s sound demo vid with and without the Jcad USB isolator??
qutest is much better than adi 2, it is a pure dac and it makes a real and natural sound, isolated from pre-amp and other EMI，optional on power resource to pursuit better sound quality👍🏻good choice，man！
Thanks!
Cheers Robert
I see behind you the new Luxman amp, is there any chance that you will review the class A L590ax II intergrated amp from Luxman?
Nice channel you have put together. Ohh, would you think that this Chord Dac would beat my Primare Dac 30 ? I am using Graham Audio LS 5/9 speakers.
gryphongryph I can put a request in for it yes, not sure when I will get to do it though. I have the worst memory so please remind me down the line if I havent done it yet. Thanks for the kind words and support
nice amp!
I'm confused after watching a few of your vids - are you building the 'perfect' 2-channel system or is this intended primarily for movies with music as a secondary consideration ? If its the former, why have a center channel ?
Arthur Watts the name is just the goal the pursuit of a perfect system. I have reviewed av products as well as hifi its just lately I have had a lot more hifi.
I started out with one system to rule them all go back and see my earlier videos and thats why the room is pitch black for home cinema.
I am reviewing all kit I love all good things for home audio and video reproduction
OK - so your channel might be better titled 'Reviews of Near-Perfect Audio and Video Components' ? ;)
Got mine running off an Allo Shanti LPS - its lush
Would placing your Qutest on top of your centre chanel expose it to excessive electromagnetic energy?
Someone else has mentioned that actually and its a very interesting point - one I do need to test.
I cant say it sounds bad where it is far from it which actually makes me not want to touch it right now.
You have raised a good point though
Yes!
8:45 "Cowboy body" lol
The JCat is not for sale in the USA right now. Would the Sbooster MKII be sufficient enough as a replacement for the JCAT?
Am using the sboosters on my dac and streamer bridge very nice improvements over stock smps (reducing if not eliminating digititis). Note the sboosters here (both Mk1) respond very nicely to power cord and fuse upgrades. Plus, they seem to be appreciated also on used markets.
Fall in Love
Thanks for the excellent video, how would you compare the Chord Qutest vs Mojo? I use the Mojo in my current livingroom system with KEF LS50's
the mojo is the only recent Chord dac I haven't played with. I know it had less Taps than the Qutest so won't be as good
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Thanks for the reply, looking forward to more of your great content, and reviews. I'll have to give the Qutest a listen, see how it compares. Liked and subscribed to the channel, thanks again Mark
I've got both and mojo's sound is warmer yet also more muddled than the quest. In terms of separation and 3d imaging there is no comparison the qutest is far superior.
Hi
USB-C to Micro-B Cables are readily available Startech & Lindy are just a few.
I ask why use adaptors.
Thanks good reviews.
Nathan Oliver its not a type c to b cable thats needed.
For the linear its a type c to a micro type a usb cable thats needed I did search on Lindy I am pretty sure?
Pursuit Perfect System
Thanks so just to confirm the Qutest power input is type micro-a usb
the linear power is type c usb?
Nathan Oliver thats the one or you can come off one of the balanced connections from the linear supply
Hi Terry. Great channel. I wish you well with it. Could you please give more details on your, often mentioned, audio pc? Please include your pitfall findings. I am gonna take the plunge soon but been hard to drag myself away from my Cyrus cdt se2 and psx-r. The convebience is really starting to appeal to me. Cheers. Alex
Thanks Alex - its a long winded and complex stressful process building an audio pc - but its interesting and rewarding - best to see it as a long term project I think .
In order to make a very comprehensive video series I would need to start again with a fresh build and I just dont have the time and resource to do that right now. I would advise going to dedicated forums JPlay forum, computeraudiophile forum as these are great hubs of advice where people have all done the same thing and experienced all same highs, lows troubles and you get great advice there.
Thanks Terry. By the way, you seem to be a solid state man. I was for many years. I have now gone over to the dark side with tubes. Never looked back. Please review for your own musical enjoyment's good. Hybrid at least.
Alex Tomlins I have been dying to spend some time with tube based gear. literally desperate to and I am sure I will get to eventually and cant wait for the day
The other question is why don't they make one with a linear power supply? I heard they don't think it makes a difference over a switched mode. Maybe main conditioners could include one as well. What happens if you try to power the Qutest from a USB output that you get on some modern mains sockets?
I suppose behind such sockets is an el cheapo 5v switch mode power supply that does 1 amp or so. I would not even think of it. Mind the qutest’s own SMPS is probably selected and/or optimized for good sound with the dac (and at cost that does justice to the 1500$ dac, not a 1.5$ phone charger).
An intriguing video, I was thinking of adding the Qutest as a 2nd DAC. Unfortunately the Jcat LPS is no longer available. I wonder how much of a difference a less expensive LPS would make.
I would say get the Qutest and start off with the included power supply - and see if you feel the need to change the power supply.
@Pursuit Perfect System Thanks for your reply. I think I’ll try to borrow an iFi iPower from a friend. Relative to the Jcat LPS it’s a lot less money so it won’t be a major expense if I buy one.
@@TorToroPorco honestly just start woth the included power supply because chord dacs are designed extremely well with everything taken into account. Then see if you feel the need to experiment
do the weddings eggs do any thing to the system, or just 4 looks, just kidding lol. good video I have the Qute HD chord dac its old but ok.
Should I still buy a Qutest with Jcat in 2021, targeting pinpoint imaging and a good sound stage?
This jcat is not available anymore they make a better LPSU now but its more expensive. Start with the Qutest and see how you get on and maybe add the LPSU after
Absolutely buy a Qutest, it does give pinpoint imaging and a good soundstage.
That power supple looks just like a “Schitt Vidar amp”
Pursuit Perfect System: Great video, thanks !
I can hear the clear sound improvement comparing the song in this and previous videos.
Mind you, I 'm wondering how the sound is affected when using a less expensive power cord in to the Jcat power supply and not plugging this less expensive power cord in to the (Audioquest ?) conditioner.
As it stands it sounds like to get the best sound from the Qutest you need (at least) the following:
1. A good power supply like the Jcat
2. A good (expensive) power cord into the Jcat power supply
3. A good (expensive) power condiontioner for the power cord into the Jcat power supply
4. Good isolation under the Qutest Dac.
Which of the 1-4 would you (Pursuit Perfect System) recommend?
jaspal kallar Hi Jaspal they are all factors in play here but they are pretty much all in play for the whole system not just the qutest.
I think power conditioning and cables are very important full stop. The Audioquest NRG4 was doing a good enough job I just happen to have a better cable spare to try so it makes sense to use it.
hard one to say whats the most important as its little bit like chicken and egg and depends on budget. Mains conditioner first as will improve the whole system if can afford it linear psu next isolation then power cable I think.
Your link to Jcat doesn’t work. And I’m not finding it anywhere in the Internet. Is it gone? Is it no longer in production? Can you suggest an alternative if it is? Great video by the way.
Sorry when I updated my website to a whole new platform I didn’t carry that page across as computer tech moves so fast there will be a better way to build an audio pc these days. Best to check the JPlay forum and see what the enthusiasts are suggesting as the best right now
@@PursuitPerfectSystem thank you
@@PursuitPerfectSystem do you know with a video that basically tells you the layer the land more of us.
@@robcaputo9708 I have made two before yes if you search for audio pc build
@@PursuitPerfectSystem is it all PC not Mac?
Ps good luck with the Chord Tel.
Full of superlatives. The only tangible thing mentioned was how the expensive components “definitely” improve the sound dramatically. Very helpful indeed. Very helpful
this is a few videos into a series. If you watch from the beginning it will make more sense. I made this video a long time ago I have got a lot better at it since I made this one
Hello. Please name an inexpensive linear power supply for Chord Qutest ? Many thanks.
Dont use one, linears need to be good otherwise stick with the included psu, cheap linears are unlikely to be good
@@PursuitPerfectSystem I can get a link to this device (where the product would be visible from all sides). It is not on the official website. Thank you very much for answering everyone.
Perhaps a suggestion you could make to Nintronics (great retailer) would be to compile a power supply/cable solution for those wanting to hook the Qutest up as you have.....
Marcus Latuske-Hearl I metioned in the video there are lots of good linear power supplies manufacturers out there. I approached JCAT because I knew it would be a top tier one and they agreed to send me one for review shows the confidence they have.
The cabling is trickier trying to solder to a tiny connection like a micro usb must be an awful job and it puts me off making my own cable which I am more than capable of.
Up until yesterday I was looking to make changes but after listening to 2 songs yesterday I dont feel the desire to thats why I made this video because I was so impressed with the next level of sound quality I am getting.
www.euronetwork.co.uk/usb-2-a-micro-b
Nathan Oliver thanks for that but it's not the right cable. Needs to b USB C to Micro A thanks :)
Hi,
Yes but all you need to buy is this adapter to connect to the mico b on cable to give it micro c for LPS Connection.
www.amazon.co.uk/LINDY-41896-Micro-B-Female-Adapter/dp/B01D5P2NCE
Thanks
Nathan Oliver that is what I have done use an adaptor which is not how I would ideally want to use it
Anyone tried the mcru linear power supply. Apparently made for the chord qutest.
I think by that they will mean a 5v output and the correct cable.
@@PursuitPerfectSystem yes unfortunately I'm having to resort to different power supply 's coz the jcat is never in stock.
@@oohtob6685 that's because there is a new model out thats 10x lower ripple on the 2 independent output rails. Email jcat and ask about it :) I have my eye on one as well
@@PursuitPerfectSystem cool I'll get on the case. Any idea of cost?
@@oohtob6685 I think 450 euros but could be wrong
Literally
'Obviously'
you know that you put your dac on an unshielded center speaker right? there is big ass magnets in there...
Maybe that's why it sounds so good.
Agent Orange thats what I was thinking and said before. if it sounded bad I would move it but I dont dare touch it now because it sounds epic :)
Pursuit Perfect System haha i understand if it sound so good.. tho it could sound good until it stop sounding at all :p that costly amp is also near the magnet
i agree that you have good content
lex Tr3 what can I do about it there is no where else to put it :)
Pursuit Perfect System Don’t be ridiculous. Move it quick!
Don't forget the purpose of those company is selling you stuff don't believe everything salesman say.
Sænya if your inferring to me being a salesman its funny because I am the one doing all the buying no company is paying me a penny hence the request for my subscribers to join my patreon to help support the channel. Maybe you missed that bit?
Sænya also you don't have to believe me I have recorded the system so you can listen for yourself and make your own mind up. I have suggested people do this several times in this video but maybe you missed that bit as well
Is this a commercial?
no I bought all this kit and dont sell any of it ?
I've blind tested DACs from onboard to £2000 DACs and I've NEVER been able to discern a difference between them.
Have you blind tested Chord dacs?
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Yeah... The Qutest, Schiit DACs, Dragonfly and Mytec DAC+. I also thought I heard differences between them but when blind testing it was obvious it was completely in my head. Have you done any blind testing? What was your experience?
Obviously
'Literally'
Absolute nonsense.
Chord Electronics make some very high end gear. You could easily spend £50,000 on their website. The world of audiophile hifi is extremely competitive and any edge or advantage a high end manufacturer can gain by improving their products they will be all over it. You could buy a DAC, phone stage, CD player, upscaler and an amp from Chord and it would show up with nothing but bog standard power cables.
Chord Electronics, much like all high end audio manufactures have a team of designers and engineers who are experts in electronics, audio engineering, mathematics, design and physics. Do you really think they are going to design and build a DAC that sells for £8,000 thats sound could be improved by using a different power cable? As far as I am aware the Qutest is made in the UK, like all Chord products, but the power cable/supply is made in China. They factor in a good clean power supply into the products circuitry. If there was an audible difference to their products with a couple of hundred quids worth of cables and power supplies they would be back at the drawing board the same day.
This isn't a troll. I like some of the reviews you put up so keep up the good work. But power cables, conditioners and supplies are absolute bullshit unless you have a very poorly designed piece of kit in the first place.
Thats fine I have discussed this with Rob Watts who designed the Qutest DAC - I made this video about 2 years ago and now you will find a lot of Qutest owners using Linear Power Supplies to power them. Rob Watts says they can only make the dac sound worse which is possible but a lot of people seem to prefer the sound of the Qutest being powered from a Linear - so I may have been the first but not the last.
I personally feel very strongly towards power products in general and have done so for many years before I started PPS, that is my stance on it and I haven't experienced anything yet to sway me away from that, only really to strengthen my feelings towards it - but each to their own man
@@PursuitPerfectSystem This is the thing about hifi my friend. It's a subjective experience motivated by a love for music. What is objective though is the lack of science and data to support most claims in the audiophile world. What physics is making your speaker drivers move differently by changing the power supply on a DAC? I have put forward the argument for a while that even the most subtle difference in sound produced by a speaker driver can be measured very accurately. So comparing A and B in hifi should be black and white and never open for interpretation by the listener.
@@Lexington365 in some regards I agree but somethings are very difficult to quantify as well so it has to be live and let live and never write anything off always give it a try just in case
Pursuit Perfect System thanks for replying :-) really enjoy your reviews and it’s one hell of a system you are putting together. Subscription incoming 👍
iFi vs JCat Linear Power Supply
Believe me I tried. iFi is shit , lean and dry sound.
@@weichengzhu6605 … which explains John Darko’s verdict on the Qutest (he is polite but goes in the direction you describe). Thanks for sharing this info.
Mind, there is now a 300 GBP version PSU by ifi, that might be really good.
"have a listen and see what you think." wut? Well it sounds a bit thin and one-dimensional here from my Macbook. Not a lot of headroom in the power department either. I don't understand what I am supposed to listen for. Your stereo is not in my living room.
Try some good headphones maybe
ha....so this guy wants UA-camrs to fund his hobby of traveling around the continents to hobnob at audio shows??
Jym Caputo I want people to help fund me yes because it costs a lot of money to create 300+ videos a year, visit shows all the country, and run a pc 24 hours a day rendering videos. With funding I can make the videos better for all the people watching and go and see more companies and shows making the videos more interesting. I was suggesting £1 a month so it's not a significant amount to anyone who watches my videos.
If I wanted to hobnob at hifi shows I can afford to do that myself - however as an example I recently spent about £600 to go to Munich for the weekend - then worked 6 hours a day filming the rooms, then will work about 4-10 hours per video inc rendering time to create about 50 high quality videos in 4K on equipment I bought personally to make the videos and a computer bought powerful enough to render them at such high quality. So that you can watch them for free as many times as you want.
And you are complaining about me asking people to join a system that has been setup to help support people like me who make these types of videos in a chosen subject do better at it. Come off it.
I am quite put out by your comment, I work seriously hard on this channel, with serious personal investment put into it to make it better, your comment is just rude and worse, there was no need for it.
you make a lot of mistakes . Also the Speakers why the brass color. Do thay sell more that way . spray them black . so their not
annoying
They are KEF Reference in the premium finish Kent and Foundry Copper and Black edition. It's the same finish as one of the best selling speakers in the last decade the KEF LS50. It's a lovely finish for a speaker and is a great speaker
What a strange comment .
So annoying.