Chord Alto Headphone Amplifier

Chord Alto Headphone Amplifier

The Chord Alto Headphone Amplifier is available in our Hull store by request.

Read the comprehensive Chord Alto review by Sound on Sound

Overview

The Alto is a technology-rich pro audio headphone and nearfield monitor amplifier capable of driving up to four pairs of headphones. The Alto is the perfect tool for monitoring in today’s high-resolution environment. It offers 50 watts per channel for nearfield monitoring, plus enough drive for its four headphone outputs simultaneously, via one front-panel 3.5 mm, one 4.4mm balanced jack, and two 6.35mm outputs.

Chord Electronics, renowned for its high-fidelity audio equipment, has introduced the Alto, a professional-grade headphone and nearfield monitor amplifier. Initially unveiled at the NAMM Show in January 2024 as part of Chord's Pro range, the Alto was designed to meet the exacting standards of recording and mastering studio engineers. Due to significant demand from audiophiles and dealers, Chord has now made the Alto available to the general public.

Key Features of the Chord Alto

Versatile Connectivity

The Alto is equipped with four front-panel headphone outputs: one 3.5mm jack, two 6.35mm (1/4-inch) sockets, and, for the first time in a Chord product, a 4.4mm Pentaconn TRRRS output. This array accommodates various headphone types and supports balanced transmission for high-end models.

Powerful Amplification

Utilizing Chord's proprietary ULTIMA technology, the Alto delivers 25 watts per channel into 8 ohms (50 watts into 4 ohms) for loudspeakers. This ensures transparency, speed, and low distortion, making it suitable for both headphones and smaller loudspeakers.

Professional-Grade Design

Originally intended for studio use, the Alto's compact dimensions—slightly larger than an A5 sheet—make it adaptable for desktop setups, living spaces, and dedicated hi-fi systems. Its robust construction and high-quality anodized finish reflect Chord's commitment to precision engineering.

Comprehensive Input and Output Options

The amplifier features both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, as well as balanced XLR outputs for bypass or throughput to other devices. This flexibility allows integration into various audio systems and configurations.

Speaker Outputs and Capabilities

The Chord Alto Headphone Amplifier features high-quality speaker outputs designed for nearfield monitoring and compact loudspeaker setups. With 50 watts of power per channel into 4 ohms, the Alto delivers precise, high-energy performance, ideal for professional studios and home audio systems. The robust banana socket outputs ensure secure connections and seamless integration with various speaker models, providing clear, distortion-free audio even at high volumes. This makes the Alto a versatile choice for those seeking a compact yet powerful amplifier capable of driving both headphones and speakers with equal finesse.

Detailed Specifications

John Franks, Chord Electronics' founder and chief designer, stated, "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."

Part Exchange Available

As you would expect from Fanthorpes hifi, we offer a generous part exchange against the Chord Alto Headphone Amplifier. If you have any hifi that you wish to use as part payment, either call us on 01482 223096 or email us at shop@fanthorpes.co.uk, and we will give you a price to change. This is a fantastic and hassle-free way of making the Chord Alto Headphone Amplifier more affordable.

Finance Available

Fanthorpes hifi can also offer buy now, pay later on the Chord Alto Headphone Amplifier, allowing you to spread or defer your payments over a year. If you are interested in taking advantage of our payment terms, email shop@fanthorpes.co.uk or call us on 01482 223096, and we will email an application form to you.

Chord Alto Headphone Amplifier Specification

• Frequency Response: 6 Hz to 60 kHz
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): 119.6 dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD):
  • Speakers: 0.003% into 4 Ω
  • Headphones: 0.001% into 100 Ω
• Output Power:
  • Speakers: 50 W into 4 Ω
  • Headphones: 2250 mW into 100 Ω
• Crosstalk: -95 dB
• Maximum Input Voltage: 6 V RMS
• Maximum Output Voltage: 15 V RMS
• Operation Voltage: 80-250 V AC auto-switching
• Inputs:
  • 1 x Stereo XLR
  • 1 x Stereo RCA
• Outputs:
  • Headphones:
    • 1 x 3.5 mm
    • 1 x 4.4 mm Pentaconn (pseudo-balanced)
    • 2 x 6.35 mm (1/4 inch)
  • Speakers:
    • 1 x pair of banana sockets
  • Line Level Bypass:
    • 1 x pair of XLR for additional volume control or signal passthrough
• Dimensions: 200 mm (W) x 44.45 mm (H) x 215 mm (D)