Chord Electronics Plans Big Showing at Bristol Hi-Fi Show

Posted by The Sound Organisation on Feb 14th 2025

Chord Electronics is set to showcase its latest innovations, the Alto and Suzi amplifiers, at the upcoming Bristol Hi-Fi Show, marking their UK public debut. These products exemplify Chord Electronics commitment to high-fidelity audio and cutting-edge design, offering audiophiles advanced amplification solutions that have already impressed professional sound studios.

The Alto, is a versatile amplifier that combines a four-output headphone amp with speaker-driving capabilities. Originally developed for recording and mastering studios, it incorporates Chord's flagship Ultima amplification technology. This includes a dual feed-forward error correction circuit designed to monitor and correct distortion before it reaches the output stage, ensuring pristine audio reproduction. The front panel offers a variety of outputs, including a 3.5mm jack, two 6.35mm sockets, and, for the first time in a Chord product, a 4.4mm Pentaconn connection for balanced high-end headphones. The rear panel features balanced XLR outputs with bypass functionality for system expansion, alongside RCA inputs and speaker connections capable of delivering 25 watts into 8 ohms, doubling to 50 watts into 4 ohms.

The Suzi amplifier, designed by Chord's founder John Franks, will be on static display ahead of its official spring launch. This modular pre/power amplification system utilizes Ultima-derived technology from Chord's flagship products, including the Ultima Pre 3, Ultima 5 and 6 power amplifiers, and the Ultima Integrated. The power amplifier section delivers 30 watts per channel, and its modular design allows for three primary configurations: as an analogue pre/power combination using the Suzi Pre, as a DAC/amplifier setup incorporating Chord's Hugo 2, or as a complete streaming system when paired with both Hugo 2 and 2go units. This compact solution is specifically designed to match the dimensions of existing Hugo 2 components, offering flexibility and integration for various audio setups.

In addition to the Alto and Suzi, Chord's expanded ground floor Bristol Suite space will showcase several established products. Attendees can experience the Mojo 2 DAC/headphone amp, Hugo TT 2 DAC/preamp, and the Qutest System. Notably, the flagship DAVE DAC/preamp/headphone amp will be paired with a Hugo TT 2 for demonstration purposes. The main demonstration area in the SS Great Britain 1 Suite will feature the Ultima Integrated amplifier with DAVE DAC, presented through Kerr Acoustic speakers, providing visitors with an immersive listening experience.

The Bristol Hi-Fi Show is scheduled from Friday, February 21st to Sunday, February 23rd, at the Delta Hotels Marriott, Bristol City Centre Hotel. Tickets are currently available, with adult day passes priced at £17. This event offers a unique opportunity for audiophiles and industry professionals to explore Chord Electronics' latest offerings and experience firsthand the company's dedication to high-quality audio engineering.

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