Chord Electronics has introduced its Alto nearfield headphone/monitor amplifier, which was previously available only to professional audio retailers and studios. Initially unveiled at the NAMM Show in California in January of this year as part of the Chord Electronics Pro line, the Alto was specifically engineered for recording and mastering studio engineers to fulfill the stringent requirements of critical monitoring.
The Chord Alto analogue amplifier is a compact device that showcases Chord’s renowned ULTIMA amplification technology, providing exceptional transparency and minimal distortion for both nearfield studio monitors and headphones. Its small footprint has made it a revolutionary tool for professionals, enabling engineers to transport it effortlessly between studios and production environments. Since its introduction, the demand for a consumer version from clients, retailers, and the audiophile community has been substantial, prompting Chord Electronics to respond.
The Chord Alto amplifier is capable of connecting up to four pairs of headphones and speakers. Significantly, it is the first product from Chord Electronics to incorporate a 4.4mm Pentaconn TRRRS output, catering to the increasing preference for balanced connections in high-end headphones. The amplifier is equipped with four headphone outputs on the front panel: one 3.5mm mini-jack, two 6.35mm (1/4″) jacks, and one balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn connector. This extensive range of connectivity options allows multiple users to enjoy the audio being played at the same time.
The Chord Alto speaker provides 25W at 8 ohms (50W at 4 ohms), showcasing the clarity, rapid response, and minimal distortion characteristic of the ULTIMA amplifier design. The rear panel of the unit features banana-type speaker terminals for connecting passive near-field monitors.
The ULTIMA amplifier design incorporated in the Chord Alto utilizes Chord Electronics’ exclusive dual feedforward error correction technology, which continuously monitors and promptly adjusts signals prior to reaching the output stage.
The Chord Alto amplifier is slightly larger than a standard A5 sheet of paper. This new model features a versatile switching system that includes both balanced XLR inputs and unbalanced RCA inputs, along with balanced XLR outputs for connecting additional devices in a chain. These outputs can also be utilized in conjunction with headphones or monitors in a shared output mode.
On the front panel of the Chord Alto amplifier, users will find controls for volume, power on/off, and input selection, complemented by signature colour-changing LEDs that indicate power status and input/output selection. A remote control is also provided for enhanced convenience.
As with all Chord Electronics products, the chassis of the Alto amplifier is precision machined from aircraft-grade aluminium and finished with high-quality anodising. The Chord Alto is meticulously handcrafted in the same Kent, England factory as the rest of the Chord Electronics range, by the same skilled engineers and technicians.
The Chord Alto nearfield monitor and headphone amplifier is now available in the UK, with a recommended retail price of $3,000, and it includes a three-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Chord Alto specs:
- Output power: 2 x 50 W (4 Ohm)
- Frequency response: 6 Hz – 60 kHz
- Signal to noise ratio: 119.6 dB
- Inputs: 1 x XLR (stereo pair); 1 x RCA (stereo pair)
- Outputs: 4 headphone jacks (1 x 3.5 mm; 2 x 6.35 mm, 1 x Pentaconn 4.4 mm TRRRS); two pairs of speaker terminals (bananas); 1 x XLR (bypass/external)
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 200 x 44.45 x 215 mm
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