New Amps For Chord At High End

April 29, 2016

Chord Electronics is showing two new proprietary-tech amplifiers at High End 2016, including the highly anticipated complementary power amp for the Hugo TT DAC (Room C122, Atrium 3)

The TToby is a new desktop stereo power amplifier designed to complement the Hugo TT DAC (pictured) and take advantage of its digital preamp functionality. The TToby has been created using the same form factor as the Hugo TT and its introduction enables desktop audio lovers to create a Chord system where space is tight.

The new TToby (around £2,995 and available August/late summer) will offer Chord’s proprietary amplifier technology and deliver 130 watts into a four-ohm load. The Hugo TT and TToby combination, allows music lovers to enjoy the benefits of Chord’s DAC technology via headphones and loudspeakers, giving complete flexibility within busy households. TToby offers both balanced and unbalanced inputs to complement the Hugo TT’s outputs, and benefits from Chord’s famous switch-mode power supplies.

The new SPM1050MkII is a 200-watt stereo power amp which introduces a raft of internal upgrades, plus a number of aesthetic improvements over its predecessor. The new MkII version, which will be priced at £4,995 and is available now, benefits from reduced output distortion and improvements to capacitance for a bigger, cleaner power delivery, says the companys recent press release.

The new SPM1050MkII uses the latest low-distortion amplifier circuitry and features four proprietary lateral-structure dual-die MOSFETs, enabling the amp to drive a wide range of difficult loudspeaker loads. The MkII version also includes greater isolation on the mains transformer, to reduce interference.

Aesthetic improvements include a new vented aluminium lid, akin to the DSX1000 streamer, plus a new piano-black side panel option over the Integra legs, giving the power amp a fresh, contemporary look. The amp will be performing at High End alongside the flagship DAVE DAC/preamp, using Bowers and Wilkins 803 D3s — it should be quite a performance!