Chord Electronics' flagship DAC gets an upgrade

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High-definition DSD music files can now be played back from a computer over USB

Chord Electronics has upgraded its flagship DAC (digital-to-analogue converter), the £4995 QBD76 HDSD, by adding DSD-over-USB playback.

This means users can listen to DSD (Direct Stream Digital) high-resolution music files stored on computer via USB, rather than having to own them on a physical disc.

The HD USB input uses a special high-speed data connector and a USB 2.0-certified full data rate cable is supplied for connecting to a computer.

Meanwhile, the existing USB input can be used for CD-quality playback, giving the option for two simultaneous USB connections for both high-definition and standard-definition playback from the DAC at the same time.

In addition, selected other Chord products can now be upgraded to include DSD decoding over USB. Compatible models include the Red Reference (MkIII) and Red Standard CD players and the exisitng QBD67 HD DAC. The dealer-fit upgrade costs £1440.

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Andy Clough
Andy Clough

Andy is Global Brand Director of What Hi-Fi? and has been a technology journalist for 30 years. During that time he has covered everything from VHS and Betamax, MiniDisc and DCC to CDi, Laserdisc and 3D TV, and any number of other formats that have come and gone. He loves nothing better than a good old format war. Andy edited several hi-fi and home cinema magazines before relaunching whathifi.com in 2008 and helping turn it into the global success it is today. When not listening to music or watching TV, he spends far too much of his time reading about cars he can't afford to buy.