Been listening to a Qutest compared to my other generic entry DACs for a week now. In very focused listening for a difference, yes, there is a tiny bit of detail in the Chord. Detail over maybe not quite as smooth vocal sibilance or trumpet glare? $1600 worth? There by remains the questions.
Real test on how significant: If I walked out of the room and a DAC was swapped, or not, when I came back in could I tell which was which? No. Even when I am just sitting my chair listening for the sake of enjoying music and not digging for differences, I don't hear a difference. Those differences are ONLY on a very few of my CD's and only in fairly quick repeating of a short segment of music. Older DTD, some newer ones. That extra information is flat not there on say, Rubber Soul. Probably 90% of my music was recorded pre 1980. Quite a bit earlier. If you were streaming DSD or some newly high end mastered high bitrate, there may be more of a difference. Some folks seem to like very bright speakers, not me, so maybe there lies more differences. So it depends.
Funny some recordings. I have a Stern/Ma recording and the cello moves around with the note. But if you just sit back to enjoy the music, it sounds fine. Message is, after I pick the end game, I am not going listening for flaws or differences, just listen to the music.