Chord Electronics Suzi

The Chord Electronics Suzi is a 30-watt stereo power amplifier built around the same ULTIMA topology found in Chord's flagship mono blocks, shrunk down to a chassis that fits in your hand. It docks directly with the Suzi Pre, the Hugo 2, or the Hugo 2 with 2go streamer, turning two separate boxes into one locked-together system with no interconnects between them. Thirty watts does not sound like much on paper, but ULTIMA-derived amplification with a 116dB signal-to-noise ratio and 0.01% THD drives bookshelf speakers and efficient floorstanders with authority that belies the spec sheet.

Key Features of the Chord Electronics Suzi

• 30W per channel into 8 ohms with ULTIMA-derived amplifier topology
• Direct-dock integration with Suzi Pre, Hugo 2, or Hugo 2/2go (no cable connections between units)
• Removable aluminum cover block exposes docking connectors for modular system building
• ULF enhancement mode with 2.5dB lift at 30Hz for bookshelf speakers that need low-frequency support
• 2x RCA stereo inputs for standalone use with any preamplifier
• 4mm banana speaker outputs for direct connection to loudspeakers
• Two headphone outputs (active when Suzi Pre or Hugo 2 is docked)
• 80-250V AC auto-switching power supply with 12V DC output to power docked components
• IR remote control included
• Available in Black and Silver at 215mm x 100mm x 69mm

ULTIMA Technology in the Suzi

The Suzi borrows its amplification circuit from Chord's ULTIMA range, the same dual feed-forward error correction architecture used in the Etude, Ultima 5, and the flagship Ultima 2 mono blocks. In larger Chord amplifiers, ULTIMA topology monitors every MOSFET output device in real time, correcting nonlinearities before they reach the speaker terminals. The Suzi scales this approach to a 30-watt output stage, maintaining the same low-distortion character at a fraction of the power and price.

Signal-to-noise ratio measures 116dB (referenced to full output), which is quieter than many amplifiers costing several times more. THD sits at 0.01%, and output impedance is 5 ohms. The result is clean, controlled amplification that lets your source do the talking.

Modular Docking System

The Suzi's defining feature is its removable aluminum cover block. Unscrew it, and you expose the docking connectors that accept the Suzi Pre preamplifier, the Hugo 2 DAC, or the Hugo 2 paired with the 2go wireless streamer. Each combination creates a different system:

Suzi + Suzi Pre: A complete analog pre/power amplifier with MM/MC phono stage and headphone output. The Suzi supplies power to the Suzi Pre, so one mains cable runs the whole system. Source selection, volume, and phono all handled by the Suzi Pre; the Suzi handles speaker drive.

Suzi + Hugo 2: A DAC/amplifier system where the Hugo 2 handles digital-to-analog conversion and preamplification, and the Suzi drives speakers. Digital sources connect to the Hugo 2's USB, coaxial, or optical inputs.

Suzi + Hugo 2 + 2go: A streaming DAC/amplifier. The 2go adds Wi-Fi and Ethernet streaming with Roon Endpoint and DLNA/UPnP support, plus up to 2TB of microSD storage. The complete stack streams, decodes, and amplifies without a single external cable between components.

Suzi as a Standalone Power Amplifier

The Suzi works independently with any preamplifier via its rear RCA inputs. Press the AV/BP button on the front panel to select the rear inputs, connect your preamp, and the Suzi functions as a straightforward 30-watt stereo power amplifier. It also connects to the Qutest DAC or Mojo 2 via standard cables (not docked), expanding its compatibility beyond the direct-dock components.

ULF Enhancement for Bookshelf Speakers

A dedicated ULF (Ultra Low Frequency) mode adds a 2.5dB lift at 30Hz, designed for smaller bookshelf speakers that roll off in the bass. This is not a blunt bass boost. It targets the specific frequency range where compact enclosures lose output, adding weight without bloat. Disable it for speakers with full bass extension. The ULF button is on the front panel.

Where the Suzi Fits in the Chord Amplifier Lineup

The Suzi is the most compact amplifier in the Hugo range and the entry point to ULTIMA-derived amplification. For more power, the BerTTi delivers 75 watts per channel in the Table Top form factor with full Ultima dual feed-forward error correction. Above that, the Etude provides 150W in the Choral range, and the lineup scales through the Ultima 6, Ultima 5, and the flagship Ultima 2 mono blocks. The Suzi trades power for modularity: no other Chord amplifier docks directly with the Hugo 2 or Suzi Pre.

The Listening Room Difference

We're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on exceptional service and relentless passion for hifi. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.

Chord Electronics Suzi Specifications