Chord Electronics Alto
Chord Electronics Alto Headphone Preamplifier
The Alto headphone preamplifier from Chord Electronics is designed to meet the demands of audiophiles and sound professionals. Capable of powering up to four headphones simultaneously, this compact and versatile device is part of the British brand’s technological tradition, renowned for over 30 years in the high-fidelity audio field. The Alto stands out for its sound performance quality, optimized for both headphone listening and studio monitoring.
Meticulous Design for Superior Sound Quality
The Alto benefits from Chord Electronics’ renowned expertise in audio amplification. Its compact aluminum chassis, machined from solid, provides great rigidity, thus limiting unwanted vibrations. Its reduced dimensions (200 x 44.45 x 215 mm) allow for easy integration on a desk or in a 19-inch rack thanks to its 1U height.
Inside, carefully selected components and an oversized power supply ensure optimal performance. Chord Electronics’ proprietary ULTIMA amplification technology is at the heart of the Alto, offering an extended frequency response from 6 Hz to 60 kHz and an exceptional signal-to-noise ratio of 119.6 dB.
Features Designed for Professionals
The Alto is distinguished by its versatility and extensive connectivity. It features four front headphone outputs: two 6.35 mm jack sockets, one 3.5 mm mini-jack, and a 4.4 mm balanced Pentaconn output. This configuration allows for the simultaneous connection of up to four headphones, ideal for comparative listening sessions or studio work.
On the input side, the Alto offers balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) connections to accommodate all types of sources. A pair of XLR outputs also allows for the connection of active monitoring speakers. The front input selector and volume potentiometer provide precise and intuitive control.
High-Level Sound Performance
The Alto’s impressive output power allows it to effortlessly drive the most demanding headphones. It delivers up to 2250 mW at 100 ohms, ensuring optimal dynamics and control even with difficult-to-drive planar models.
For near-field monitoring, the Alto provides 50 W per channel at 4 ohms, sufficient to effectively drive most studio speakers. The extremely low harmonic distortion rate (0.001% for headphones, 0.003% for speakers) ensures highly pure sound reproduction.
An Ideal Companion for Audio Work
The Alto naturally finds its place in a professional environment such as a recording or mastering studio. Its precision and neutrality make it a tool of choice for critical listening and fine analysis of mixes. The ability to connect multiple headphones is particularly appreciated during recording sessions or for comparing different models.
In a domestic context, the Alto will appeal to audiophiles seeking a complete and high-performance solution for their personal listening system. Its versatility allows for easy integration into an existing hi-fi chain or use as the central hub of a high-quality compact system.
Innovative Technology Serving Music
The Alto benefits from several innovations developed by Chord Electronics. The ULTIMA amplification technology, derived from the brand’s high-end amplifiers, ensures highly precise sound reproduction. The digital signal processing is handled by a custom-programmed FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), offering superior performance to conventional DACs.
The high-frequency switching power supply and oversized capacitors allow for the instant delivery of strong currents, essential for faithfully reproducing fast transients and significant dynamics. These technical choices contribute to the musicality and sound transparency that Chord Electronics is known for.
Documentation
Technical Specifications
Audio Performance
- Output Power
- Speakers: 50 W at 4 Ω
- Headphones: 2,250 mW at 100 Ω
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
- Speakers: 0.003% at 4 Ω
- Headphones: 0.001% at 100 Ω
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 120 dB
- Frequency Response: 6 Hz - 60 kHz
- Maximum Input Voltage: 6 V RMS
- Crosstalk: -95 dB
- Maximum Output Voltage: 15 V RMS at 8 Ω
Input Connectivity
- 1 pair of XLR inputs
- 1 pair of RCA inputs
Output Connectivity
- Headphone outputs: 1 mini-jack 3.5 mm, 1 balanced jack 4.4 mm, 2 jacks 6.35 mm
- 1 pair of speaker terminals
- 1 pair of XLR for volume control / signal pass-through
- 1 12 V DC jack output for use with other devices
Physical Characteristics
- Power Supply: Automatic switching 80-250 V AC
- Dimensions
- Length: 215 mm
- Width: 200 mm
- Height: 57 mm
- Net Weight: 1.95 kg
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Alto compatible with all types of headphones?
The Alto is designed to work with a wide range of headphones, from low-impedance models to the most demanding high-impedance headphones. Its high output power and low output impedance ensure excellent compatibility and optimal performance with most audiophile headphones on the market.
Can the Alto be used as a preamplifier in a hi-fi system?
Absolutely, its XLR outputs allow it to be connected to an external power amplifier. It can thus serve as a high-quality preamplifier with volume control.
What is the difference between the 6.35 mm and 4.4 mm Pentaconn headphone outputs?
The 4.4 mm Pentaconn output offers a pseudo-balanced connection, potentially beneficial with some high-end headphones. The 6.35 mm outputs are unbalanced but compatible with more models.
Does the Alto require a warm-up time to reach its optimal performance?
Like most high-end audio devices, the Alto benefits from a slight warm-up time (about 30 minutes) to reach its full thermal stability and best performance.
Is it possible to use the headphone and speaker outputs simultaneously?
Yes, the Alto allows for simultaneous use of the headphone and speaker outputs, which is convenient for quickly comparing the two types of listening.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
