Chord Electronics have been in business for over 30 years. they took flight in 1989 from an idea their Founder, Chief Engineer and Owner John Franks had in the early 1980s whilst working as an electronics engineer for Marconi Avionics. His idea was to apply the strict disciplines inherent in electronics for aircraft, where perfection must be achieved to guarantee safety, and pair them with his proprietary dynamically coupled ultra-high-frequency switch-mode power supply designs and custom MOSFETs, to produce highly accurate, transparent and reliable, high-end audio amplifier designs. John never wanted to produce his technology to a price, but to manufacture it to a performance level in Great Britain. By 1989, John succeeded in his aims, producing the SPM 900.

Just a year later, in 1990, they were discovered by the BBC and began co-developing their first broadcast-quality amplifier, the AM820. This became the standard for BBC Studios for many years and its implementation was just the beginning in establishing their professional credentials. they soon experienced demand from small, medium and large studios including the world-famous Abbey Road Studios, Sony (New York), Toshiba (Japan) and Skywalker Sound (LA). Proudly, these installation products are amplifiers that they still service and maintain for the studios today.

Although in the early days the company was focused on its analogue technologies, it was in 1994 that their Founder John Franks met Rob Watts, a talented digital designer working for massive clients, at CES in Las Vegas. Just like John, Rob had his own approach to digital: he had his own technologies to reach precision and truth in audio playback, at a time when digital was in its infancy. Rob’s stance was important because John knew that this was the future: that digital would become the number one format and that digital-to-analog converter chips, used by most manufacturers, were never going to be good enough for high-fidelity playback. In 1997, Chord Electronics introduced its first digital product, the DSC 1500 and later in 2002, a (now legendary) product named the DAC 64.

From Chord Electronics’ inception in 1989 until 2014, their presence rapidly expanded internationally as a result of the quality and unique craftmanship of their high-end audio products, but it was the introduction of Hugo, a transportable DAC, in 2014 that drove their popularity amongst a much younger demographic, quadrupling turnover; Hugo 2 became a landmark product with legendary status. The business again tripled in turnover when Mojo, an affordable, portable DAC, was launched in 2015, allowing consumers, regardless of budget, entry into Chord Electronics ownership. Now in 2019, with the introduction of their dual-feed forward error-correction topology into their amplification range, they are, yet again, excited about the future.

To this day, Chord Electronics is wholly owned by the original founder.

Mojo – $695.00

Welcome Mojo, the world’s most advanced portable digital to analogue converter DAC/Headphone amplifier. This little powerhouse, will not only make your music sound better, but will effortlessly drive any pair of headphones.

Inputs:

1x Micro USB 768kHz/32-bit Capable Input
1x 3.5mm Jack Coaxial 768kHz/32-bit Capable Input
1x Optical TOSLINK 96kHz/24-bit Capable Input
1x 1amp Micro USB Charging Port Input

Output:

2x 3.5mm Headphone Jacks

Technical Specifications:

Output Power @ 1kHz 600? 35mW
Output Power @ 1kHz 8? 720mW
Output Impedance: 75mOhms
Dynamic Range: 125dB
THD @ 3v: 0.00017%
Weight: 180g (0.4lbs)
Dimensions: 82mm (l) x 60mm (w) x 22mm (h)

Poly – $795.00

Poly is a portable music streamer/player that combines with Mojo to wirelessly stream from connected devices and playback from its Micro SD, all with smartphone control. It enables hi-fi sound quality at home or on-the-go.

Features:

Setup and Configuration via Gofigure iOS/Android App
9 Hour playback via internal battery
Long Range WiFi (2.4 GHz) streaming
Bluetooth A2DP Playback
Airplay Playback
microSD storage
Solid CNC machined aluminum chassis

Technical Specifications:

Portable streamer/player that combines with Mojo
Wireless streaming from connected devices at home or on-the-go
Built-in unlimited-capacity Micro SD card slot for music library storage/playback
Control via familiar smartphone apps
Upgrades sound quality from headphones, in-car systems, home audio and more
Empowers smartphones as ‘hi-fi quality’ portable digital audio players
Chord Electronics’ award-winning sound quality for streamed and Micro SD music
Connects via Wi-Fi 2.4GHz (for optimum stability)
Rechargeable LiPo 2200mAh battery: 9-hour + playtime and fast-charging via USB
Playback support: Roon, DNLA, AirPlay and Bluetooth 4.1
Precision-machined aluminium casing with black anodisation, opaque black wireless signal window and silicone feet
Support for all major file types including: ACC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, OGG VORBIS, ALAC, WMA and MP3
High-resolution audio-compatible: PCM sample rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 358.8kHz, 384kHz,717.6kHz and 768kHz; DSD via DoP sample rates: DSD64 – DSD256 (Quad-DSD); DSD from SD card
Devices supported: iPhone, iPad, Android phones/tablets, Windows and Mac OS X computers and DAPs
Dimensions: 50mm (L) x 62mm (W) x 22mm (H)
Over-the-air software updates
Hotspot mode: Poly can create its own hotspot where networks/devices/countries don’t support tethering
Integrated Access Point: allows configuration of connected networks (up to 32)
DLNA server and renderer (SD card); SMB Server (SD card); MPD player (SD Card)

Qutest – $1,945.00

Qutest is a standalone DAC whose performance belies its compact dimensions. With DAC architecture based on the award-winning Hugo 2, Qutest offers class-leading digital conversion.

Features:

Materials: Precision machined aluminium casing with polycarbonate buttons and glass viewing portal.
Device power supply: 5v 2amp Micro USB
Tap length filter: 49,152 10 element Pulse Array design
Connectivity (input):
- USB Type B (White): 44.1kHz to 768kHz 16bit to 32bit
- 2x BNC Coax (Red): 44.1kHz 384kHz 16bit to 32bit
- 1x Dual data mode input (using both BNC coax inputs together): 44.1kHz to 768kHz 16bit to 32bit
- Optical (Green): 44.1kHz to 96kHz 16bit to 24bit
Connectivity (output): 1x stereo pair of RCA (Left and Right)
PCM support: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 358.8kHz, 384kHz, 717.6kHz, and 768kHz.
DSD support: Native playback supported. DSD64 (Single) to DSD512 (Octa-DSD)
Variable output: Fixed, but selectable between 3v (blue), 2v (green), and 1v (red) via dual press of ‘Filter’ + ‘Input’ upon startup
Driver support: Driverless with Mac OS X and Linux, driver required for Windows OS
Digital designer: Rob Watts
Mechanical designer: John Franks
Country of manufacture: England

Technical Specifications:

Chipset: Chord Electronics custom coded Xilinx Artix 7 (XC7A15T) FPGA
Tap-length: 49,152
Pulse array: 10 element pulse array design
Frequency response: 20Hz 20kHz +/- 0.2dB
Output stage: Class A
THD: <0.0001% 1kHz 3v RMS 300?
THD and noise at 3v RMS: 117dB at 1kHz 300ohms ‘A’ weighted (reference 2.5v)
Noise 2.6 uV ‘A’ weighted: No measurable noise floor modulation
Channel separation: 138dB at 1kHz 300?
Weight: 770g
Dimensions: 4.5cm (H) x 16cm (W) x 8.8cm (D)
Boxed Weight: 1500g

Hugo 2 – $2,795.00

Hugo 2 is a powerful DAC and headphone amp that builds on the ground-breaking original. Designed for both home and mobile use, Hugo 2 transforms headphones and audio systems’ sound quality with its cutting-edge proprietary DAC technology.

Features:

Materials: Clamshell precision machined aluminium casing with polycarbonate buttons, acrylic signal window, and glass viewing portal. Available in a choice of two colours – natural silver, and satin black
Battery: 2x Rechargeable custom Enix Energies 3.7v 9.6Wh Li-ion (lithium-ion (2600mAh) batteries
Tap length filter: 49,152 – 10 element Pulse Array design
Play time: over seven (7) hours
Charging: Nominal six (6) hours via Micro USB at 1.8amps (fast charge) – Nominal eight (8) hours at 1amp (slow charge)
Connectivity (input): Micro USB (White): 44.1kHz to 768kHz – 16bit to 32bit
- Coax via 3.5mm Jack (Red): 44.1kHz to 384kHz – 16bit to 32bit
- Dual data mode input (using both BNC coax inputs together): 44.1kHz to 768kHz – 16bit to 32bit
- Optical (Green): 44.1kHz to 96kHz – 16bit to 24bit
Connectivity (input wireless): Bluetooth (Apt X) (Blue): 44.1kHz to 48kHz – 16bit
Connectivity (output): 1x ¼” jack headphone output
- 1x 3.5mm jack headphone output
- 1x stereo (L & R) RCA output
PCM support: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 358.8kHz, 384kHz, 717.6kHz, and 768kHz. 16 – 32bit
DSD support: Native playback supported. DSD64 (Single) to DSD512 (Octa-DSD
Volume control: Digital, activated in 1dB increments. Last known state saved upon shutdown, with exception of line-level mode
Line-level mode: Activated via dual press of middle ‘Source’ and ‘Crossfeed’ buttons. Line level = 3v via all outputs. Reset by power cycle
Power saving mode: Auto-shutdown after ten minutes of input inactivity
Driver support: Driverless with Mac OS X and Linux, driver required for Windows OS

User Configurable Options:

Filters (Digital):Incisive neutral (Ultimate reference) (White)Incisive neutral HF roll-off (High Frequency roll off) (Green)Warm (‘Smooth’) (Orange)Warmer HF roll-off (High Frequency roll off) (Red)
Crossfeed (Digital IIR):Off – No CrossfeedLevel 1 – LightLevel 2 – MediumLevel 3 – Heavy
Control options:ManualRemote control (included)

Technical Specifications:

Chipset: Chord Electronics custom coded Xilinx Artix 7 (XC7A15T) FPGA
Tap-length: 49,152Pulse array: 10 element pulse array design
Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz +/- 0.2dB
Output stage: Class A
Output impedance: 0.025Ω
THD: <0.0001% 1kHz 3v RMS 300Ω
THD and noise at 3v RMS: 120dB at 1kHz 300ohms ‘A’ wighted (reference 5.3v)
Noise 2.6 uV ‘A’ weighted: No measurable noise floor modulation
Signal to noise ratio: 126dB ‘A’ Weighted
Channel separation: 135dB at 1kHz 300Ω
Power output @ 1kHz 1% THD: 94mW 300Ω
740mW 32Ω
1050mW 8Ω
Weight: 450g
Dimensions: 2.3cm (H) 10cm (W) 13.1cm (D)
Boxed Dimensions: 8.5cm (H) 12.2cm (W) 22cm (D)

Hugo TT 2 – $5,995.00

Developed from the multi-award-winning transportable Hugo 2, the Hugo TT 2 is bigger, better and more advanced in every way. TT 2 sets a new benchmark for table top DACs, eclipsed only by our flagship DAVE.

Features:

Materials: Precision machined aluminium casing with steel ball bearing buttons, gloss black acrylic signal window, glass viewing portal, and dot matrix display. Available in a choice of two colors – silver, and satin black
Tap length filter: 98,304-tap 16FS WTA 1 – 10 element design
Connectivity (input): 1x USB Type-B, 2x Coax BNC, 2x Optical & Bluetooth
Connectivity (output): Stereo XLR, Stereo RCA, 2x 6.5mm Headphone jack & 1x 3.5mm Headphone jack
Connectivity (digital output): 2x DX BNC (expansion outputs)
PCM support: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 358.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6 and 768kHz – 16 to 32bit
DSD support: DoP DSD 64 to DSD 512 – native via Windows
Volume control: Digital
Line-level mode: Activated within the menu
Driver support: Driverless with Mac OS X and Linux, driver required for Windows OS
IR Remote Control Included

Technical Specifications:

Dynamic range: 127dB ‘A’ weighted
Noise: 4 uV ‘A’ weighted (high gain), 1.7 uV ‘A’ weighted (low gain) with no measurable noise floor modulation
Distortion: 0.00008% @ 2.5 V 300Ω; 0.00016% @ 6 W 8Ω
Output power (unbalanced): (@1% THD) 288 mW RMS 300Ω; 7.3 W RMS 8Ω
Output power (balanced): (@1% THD) 1.15 W RMS 300Ω; 18W RMS 8Ω
Output impedance: 0.042Ω
Stereo separation: 9 V RMS 300Ω -138dB
Dimensions: 5.2cm (H) 23.5cm (W) 23.8cm (D)
Weight: 2.53kg

Dave – $12,595.00

DAVE is our flagship DAC, a true reference-level product, loaded with our latest-generation FPGA technology. Put simply, it is the most advanced DAC in the world.

Features:

Tap length filter: 164,000
Sample frequencies: 44.1Khz – 768Khz (16 – 32bit) and DSD64 to DSD512 native DSD + DoP (input dependent)
Digital Inputs:
- 4x 75Ω S/PDIF BNC Coax – 44.1kHz to 384kHz
- 1x AES XLR – 44.1kHz to 96kHz
- 2x Fiber Optic TOSLINK – 44.1kHz to 96kHz
- 1x USB Type B – 44.1kHz to 768kHz (16 – 32bit) – PCM and DSD
Analog Outputs:
- 1x Stereo Pair of Unbalanced RCA
- 1x Stereo Pair of Balanced XLR
- 1x 1/4″ TRS Jack Headphone Output
Supports 800Ω Headphones
Configurable Crossfeed
Standalone Pre-amp Function
Galvanically Isolated USB
Supports up to 768kHz
Native DSD (Direct Stream Digital) Supported
DSD 512 (8x) Capable
Solid Aluminum Chassis
IR Remote Control (Included)

Technical Specifications:

Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz flat within +/-0.1dB (HF filter off)
THD + N: 127.5dB (AWT)
Channel separation: >125dB @ 1KHz
Dynamic range: 127.5dB (AWT)
Headphone Output:
- 1% THD 6.8v RMS with 300Ω (154mW)
- 1% THD 6.8v RMS with 33Ω (1.4w)
Output Impedance: 0.055Ω (short circuit protected
Operating voltage: 90v AC – 250v AV auto switching 50Hz – 60Hz
Dimensions (including connectors): 7.8cm (H) 33.5cm (W) 15.2cm (D)
Weight: 5kg

Hugo M Scaler – $5,295.00

Using technology first seen in the flagship BLU MKII, the Hugo M Scaler is a standalone upscaling device containing the world’s most advanced digital filter. When used with a dual-BNC-input Chord Electronics DAC, it redefines digital audio quality.

Features:

Chord Custom Coded FPGA
Over 1 million Taps
Upsampling to 768kHz
USB Input
IR Remote Control Included
Convection Cooled
Solid Aluminun chassis
Optical input and output
2x BNC S/PDIF Input
Dual DAta Mode BNC O/P
BNC S/PDIF Output

Technical Specifications:

FPGA: Xilinx XC7A200T
Filter tap length: 1,015,808 WTA taps (16FS filter)
Dimensions: 4cm (H) 23.5cm (W) 23.8cm (D)
Weight: 2.55kg
Connectivity (input): 1x Galvanically isolated Type-B USB, 2x Coax BNC and 2x Optical
Connectivity (output): 1x Galvanically isolated dual BNC (enables upscaling to the maximum 768kHz), 1x BNC S/PDIF and 1x Optical
PCM support: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 358.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6 and 768kHz – 16 to 32bit
Driver support: Driverless with Mac OS X and Linux, driver required for Windows OS

Anni Integrated Amplifier – $1,795.00

The new Anni desktop integrated amplifier brings ULTIMA technology to a desktop format for the first time and is capable of powering both high-performance headphones and desktop loudspeakers.

The compact amplifier forms part of the Qutest range and seamlessly complements the resolving abilities of the multi-award-winning Qutest standalone DAC and Huei phono stage. As a system, the Qutest components provide an unrivalled desktop audio solution that is perfectly supported by the compact QSS (Qutest Stand System). In consistency with the rest of the Qutest range, Anni will only be available in black. For your reference, the selling price of Anni in the UK including VAT is competitive at £1,195 (SRP).

The key features of Anni include:

Compact CNC-milled chassis
(Robust high-grade aluminium)
Dual-feed-forward error-correction topology
(Correcting any distortion in the signal by the amplifier)
10 W of ULTIMA amplification
(Capable of driving any headphones as well as powering compact loudspeakers with error-monitoring)
Two-stage gain control
(Provides extra flexibility with a wide range of desktop monitors)
Qutest range power adaptor
(Used to power Qutest and Huei from a single power source when used as a full system)

2Yu – $745.00

The 2yu digital interface turns the 2go streamer/server into a multi-output standalone streamer capable of working with the Hugo M Scaler and a range of DACs

Features:

Connects to your choice of DAC
(Pairs best with Hugo and 2go)
Integrated sample rate converter
Ultra-low jitter design
Compact size ideal for multi-room home installations
Micro USB powered

Technical Specifications:

Compatibility: In order for 2yu to inherit streaming/music transport capabilities or function as an audio interface, a connection with 2go is required.
Power supply: Micro USB (5v 1amp minimum required)
PCM and DSD support: 44.1kHz – 768kHZ (16bit – 32bit) | DSD 64 to DSD 256 (via DoP)
Sample rate converter: Integrated, automatic downsampling is provided if a higher sample rate is being played than the output can support.
Digital audio outputs: USB Type-A (up-to 768kHz or DSD 256), BNC or RCA coax (up-to 384kHz or DSD 128) and Optical (up-to 96kHz or DSD 64)
Processing power: 2000MIPS

2go – $1,495.00

The 2go streamer/server transforms the abilities of the Hugo 2, adding both Ethernet and wireless streaming, plus 4 TB of microSD card storage to the award-winning DAC/pre/headphone amp.

Features:

Setup and Configuration via Gofigure iOS/Android App
Batter or Desktop mode operation
12 Hour playback via internal battery
Super fast triple-core audio processor
Long Range WiFi (2.4 GHz) streaming
Gigabit ethernet connectivity
Bluetooth A2DP Playback
Airplay Playback
2X microSD storage (Up to 4 TB)
Secure Docking and Locking mechanism
Solid CNC machined aluminum chassis

Technical Specifications:

Compatibility: In order for 2go to perform as a fully functional streamer, a connection with Hugo 2 (DAC/Preamp/Headphone amp) or 2yu is required.
Power supply: Internal battery with up-to 8hr playback. Desktop mode activated upon insertion of Micro USB charging cable).
Wireless connectivity:
- Long-range 2.4GHz WiFi
- Bluetooth 4.1 A2Dp
WiFi modes: Connect to (allows 2go to connect to an existing 2.4GHz WiFi network) or Hotspot mode (activated within the Gofigure app, which allows 2go to broadcast its own WiFi network with SSID and password in the eventuality that the device cannot connect to a static network).
Wired connectivity: Gigabit (GbE) ethernet
PCM and DSD Support: 44.1kHz – 768kHZ (16bit – 32bit) | DSD 64 to DSD 256 (via DoP)
File format support:ACC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, OGG VORBIS, ALAC, WMA, MP3 and more…
Initial setup, configuration, and updates: Via free Gofigure app available on iOS and Google Play store
Music storage:2x Onboard Micro SD card slots (up-to 4TB of total storage)
Playback:Roon (Endpoint), DLNA (server and render), AirPlay, Bluetooth audio (A2DP), Tidal, Qobuz, Internet radio and more coming…
Gapless playback:Supported

Prima – $5,995.00

Our Prima preamp forms part of the stylish and compact Choral range and has been designed to complement our Mezzo power amps. Despite its compact dimensions and space-saving footprint, the Prima is every bit a pedigree Chord amplifier.

Features:

HF Switch Mode Power Supply
Blue Velvet ALPS Potentiometer
-93dB Signal to Noise Ratio
Fully Balanced Circuitry
Analog Signal Path
Input/Output Buffering
Convection Cooled
Solid Aluminum Chassis
IR Remote Control (included)
Inputs:
- 1x Stereo Balanced XLR Input – Main Line 1
- 4x Stereo Unbalanced RCA Inputs – Line In 2, Line In 3, Line In 4, Line In
Outputs:
- 1x Stereo Balanced XLR Output – Output 1
- 1x Stereo Unbalanced RCA Tape Output – Tape Output

Technical Specifications:

Frequency Range: 2.5Hz – 200kHz +/- 3dB
Output Impedance: 100Ω (Short Circuit Protected)
Operating Voltage: 50v – 260v AC (50Hz – 60Hz) Auto Switching
Dimensions: 335mm (w) x 170mm (d) x 65mm (h)
Weight: 8kG

Huei – $1,595.00

Based on 30 years of amplifier-building expertise, Huei offers MM/MC compatibility and integrates turntables to our amplifiers.

Features:

Supports both Moving Magnet and Moving Coil Cartidges
1x Stereo Unbalanced RCA Input
Outputs:
- 1x Stereo Unbalanced RCA
- 1x Stereo Balanced XLR

Technical Specifications:

Input Impedance:
- Moving Magnet: 47,000Ω
- Moving coil: 100Ω – 3,700Ω, 12-step user selectable
Gain Range:
- Moving Magnet: 21dB-42dB, 8-step user selectable
- Moving coil: 49dB-70dB, 8-step user selectable
Input Noise: 1.1nV/Hz
Max Output Voltage RMS: 20v RMS
Equalization Response: RIAA Curve
Equalization Accuracy: +/- 0.1dB
Frequency Response: RIAA Curve = 12Hz to 25kHz
Rumble Filter: Rausch Slope -24dB per octave below 50Hz
Output Impedance: 520Ω (resistive)
Input Power Supply: 12v – 100v to 240v 50/60Hz PSU
Dimensions: 41mm (H) x 160mm (W), 72mm (D)
Weight: 657g