Based in the UK, Chord Electronics has a reputation for making innovative audio components for both the consumer and professional markets. Earlier this year, Chord introduced the Alto headphone/speaker amplifier at NAMM; specifically designed as a desktop audio solution for recording and mastering studio engineers. The product has been so well received that Chord is releasing the product to the general public.
The Chord Alto is a pro audio headphone and nearfield monitor amplifier capable of driving up to four pairs of headphones and a pair of passive or powered speakers. It is a convenient solution for audio engineers that want to easily check mixes on different headphones and speakers from a single device.
The Head-Fi crowd were intrigued by its mix of connectivity options and ability to connect to loudspeakers; the manufacturer has a rather stellar track record with the high-end headphone crowd who have revered its award-winning portable headphone amplifiers and desktop solutions for over a decade.
Chord Electronics Alto Overview
The Chord Electronics Alto is a compact analog headphone and speaker amplifier designed to deliver high transparency and low distortion via Chord’s ULTIMA amplification. With its small size and portability, the Alto is seen as a game-changer for professionals, allowing engineers to easily transport it between studios and production facilities.
The Alto is capable of driving headphones and smaller loudspeakers. It is the first Chord Electronics product to include a 4.4 mm Pentaconn TRRRS output (pseudo-balanced), which is compatible with the balanced transmission option favoured by many who use high-end headphones.
The Alto features four headphone outputs, powered by founder/owner John Franks’ acclaimed ULTIMA technology. It features one 3.5 mm output; two 6.35 mm (1/4-inch); plus a single 4.4 mm Pentaconn. With multiple outputs, not only are A/B comparisons supported, but multiple users can listen as the same time.
For speakers, the Alto delivers 25 watts into 8 ohms (50 watts into 4 ohms). with the transparency, speed, and low distortion of ULTIMA amplifier technology. Stereo banana plug outputs are provided on the rear panel, accommodating all but the largest loudspeaker plugs.
The Alto’s ULTIMA topology supports dual-feed-forward error-correction technology, which monitors and corrects signals before the output stage.
The twin-input design benefits from both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, as well as balanced XLR outputs for bypass/throughput to other devices. The balanced XLR output can also be used in conjunction with headphones or loudspeakers in joint output mode.
The fascia panel includes volume control, power on/off, and input selection controls, with Chord Electronics’ signature color-changing LEDs indicating power status and input/output choice. A remote control is also supplied for added convenience.
As with all of Chord Electronics’ products, the Alto’s casework is precision-machined from aircraft-grade aluminum, with high-quality anodizing undertaken locally.
The Chord Electronics Pro Alto is handmade in the same Kent (England) factory, alongside the rest of the Chord Electronics portfolio, by the same engineers and technicians.
From Chord Electronics’ founder, owner, and chief designer, John Franks: “The new Alto offers levels of performance not yet seen in any headphone/nearfield-monitor amplifier. It features our advanced ULTIMA circuit topology to give this new amplifier the high-energy power levels and fast transient power that Chord Electronics’ products are known for.”
Specifications
| Price | $4,320 USD |
| Product Type | Headphone and Speaker Amplifier |
| Inputs (Analog) | 1 pair XLR 1 pair RCA |
| Speaker Outputs | 1 pair XLR 1 pair 4mm Banana Plug |
| Headphone Outputs | 1 x 3.5 mm 2 x 6.35 mm (1/4-inch) 1 x 4.4 mm Pentaconn |
| Frequency Response | 6 Hz-60 kHz |
| Output power (Speakers) | 2 x 50 W into 4 Ω (2 x 25 W into 8 Ω) |
| Output Power (Headphones) | 2250 mW into 100 Ω |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) | 119.6 dB |
| THD (Speakers) | 0.003 % into 4 Ω |
| THD (Headphones) | 0.001 % into 100 Ω |
| Input Maximum Voltage | 6 V RMS |
| Output Maximum Voltage | 15 V RMS |
| Operation Voltage | 80-250 V AC auto-switching |
| Crosstalk | -95 dB |
| Dimensions (WHD) | 200 x 44.45 x 215 mm 8 x 1.75 x 8.46 inches |
| Weight | Not provided |
The Bottom Line
At $4,320, the Chord Alto hopes to attract audiophiles seeking an all-in-one desktop speaker and headphone solution. We spotted it at CanJam SoCal 2024, where it certainly drew interest from the Head-Fi crowd. At the moment, there aren’t any other compact audio products quite like it — especially when factoring in the amplification expertise Chord Electronics brings to the table.
Price & Availability
The Chord Alto is available from participating Chord Electronics dealers for $4,320 (USD) or £3,000 (GBP) and comes with a three-year warranty.
Pro Tip: Chord Electronics (high-end audio component maker) and Chord Company (cable maker) are separate companies.
Related Reading
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- Chord’s ULTIMA INTEGRATED Amplifier Unveiled
