Short answer: the Topping D900. It ranks #2 of 30 DACs by measured performance, rated 4.9/5, at $1,799; the Chord Qutest ranks #26, rated 4.4/5, at $1,795. The price gap is small enough that the sound-quality ranking should decide it.
The Topping D900 is the better-sounding option. Audio Science Review measured 122 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. Watch for: The Topping D50 III matches its rating with slightly higher measured SINAD for a small fraction of the price.
Why pick the Chord Qutest: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 114 dB, clean for nearly all listening. The catch: It has no balanced outputs and no volume control.
Buy the Topping D900. It is rated higher, and the $4 saving on the Chord Qutest is not enough to make up the difference.
Still deciding? The full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Topping D900 | Chord Qutest | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,799.00 | $1,795.00 |
| Ranked | #2 of 30 in DACs | #26 of 30 in DACs |
| Device Type | DAC | DAC |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) | No |
| Inputs | USB-B, USB-C, optical x2, coaxial x2, AES, I2S, Bluetooth | USB-B, optical, 2 x coaxial (BNC) |
| Outputs | XLR (line out), XLR (preamp out) | RCA |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC | - |
| DAC Chip | Discrete PSRM 1-bit module | Chord custom FPGA (Xilinx Artix 7) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | None (fixed 1, 2 or 3 V output) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) | - |
| Dimensions | 13” x 2.2” x 8.3” (330 x 57 x 210 mm) | 6.3” x 1.8” x 3.5” (160 x 45 x 88 mm) |
| Weight | 5.6 lbs (2,520 g) | 1.7 lbs (770 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
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- Topping D900 vs Topping Centaurus
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Amps and DACs In Full
Topping D900: $1,799.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 122 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. It has a huge input set, including USB, two optical, two coaxial, AES, I2S and Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX Adaptive, plus a volume knob, 10 band parametric EQ and an XLR preamp output for powered speakers.
Cons: The Topping D50 III matches its rating with slightly higher measured SINAD for a small fraction of the price. Outputs are XLR only with no RCA, and at 2,520 g it is a large unit.
Full Topping D900 review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (XLR line out) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LDAC |
| DAC Chip | Discrete PSRM 1-bit module |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 13” x 2.2” x 8.3” (330 x 57 x 210 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (10-band parametric) |
| Inputs | USB-B, USB-C, optical x2, coaxial x2, AES, I2S, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | XLR (line out), XLR (preamp out) |
| SINAD | 122 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 5.6 lbs (2,520 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Chord Qutest: $1,795.00 Audio46 eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 114 dB, clean for nearly all listening. It takes USB, optical and two coaxial inputs and feeds an amplifier over RCA, with a selectable 1, 2 or 3 V output to match your amp’s input level.
Cons: It has no balanced outputs and no volume control. The SMSL PS200 PRO rates higher and measured cleaner for a small fraction of the price.
Full Chord Qutest review and specifications →
| Released | 2018 (8 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| DAC Chip | Chord custom FPGA (Xilinx Artix 7) |
| Device Type | DAC |
| Dimensions | 6.3” x 1.8” x 3.5” (160 x 45 x 88 mm) |
| Inputs | USB-B, optical, 2 x coaxial (BNC) |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 114 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | None (fixed 1, 2 or 3 V output) |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (770 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons