{"product_id":"chord-electronics-alto","title":"Chord Electronics Alto","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Chord Electronics Alto is a professional-grade headphone and speaker amplifier built on the same ULTIMA dual feed-forward topology found in Chord's reference power amplifiers. It delivers 50 watts per channel into speakers and over 2 watts into headphones from a chassis small enough to rack-mount, bridging the gap between studio monitoring and critical home listening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eULTIMA dual feed-forward error correction\u003c\/strong\u003e for vanishingly low distortion across the full output range\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFour headphone outputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3.5mm, 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced, and two 6.35mm jacks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpeaker outputs\u003c\/strong\u003e via 4mm banana terminals, 50W into 4 ohms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eXLR and RCA inputs\u003c\/strong\u003e with balanced XLR preamp outputs for daisy-chaining or active monitors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProprietary high-frequency switch-mode power supply\u003c\/strong\u003e (external 12V DC, 4-pin locking connector)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAuto-switching 80-250V operation\u003c\/strong\u003e for worldwide use without modification\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e1U rack height\u003c\/strong\u003e (215 x 200 x 57mm), under 2kg, designed for studio and desktop use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eWhy We Carry Chord Electronics\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChord Electronics has been doing digital conversion differently since 1989. While every other manufacturer buys off-the-shelf DAC chips, Rob Watts designs custom FPGA algorithms with tap lengths that dwarf anything from ESS or AKM. Their proprietary Pulse Array technology, MOSFET amplification stages, and high-frequency switch-mode power supplies are all designed and built in Kent, England. From the portable \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chord-electronics-mojo-2\"\u003eMojo 2\u003c\/a\u003e to the flagship \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chord-electronics-dave\"\u003eDAVE\u003c\/a\u003e, every product runs code that Chord wrote themselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eULTIMA Topology in a Compact Package\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Alto borrows directly from Chord's ULTIMA power amplifier architecture, specifically the dual feed-forward error correction circuit that defines their flagship mono blocks. Where the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chord-electronics-anni\"\u003eAnni\u003c\/a\u003e uses a similar topology at lower power for the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chord-electronics-qutest\"\u003eQutest\u003c\/a\u003e range, the Alto scales that circuit to professional output levels. In most amplifier designs, feedback is applied after the output stage to reduce distortion. Chord's approach applies correction at two separate points in the signal path, catching errors that traditional single-loop designs miss. The result is measurably lower distortion at real-world power levels, not just on a test bench at 1 watt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/alto_angle_inline.jpg?v=1773417140?v=1773252047\" alt=\"Chord Electronics Alto showing volume control and illuminated status orbs\" style=\"max-width: 100%; height: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eHeadphone Outputs for Every Connector\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFour headphone jacks cover every standard in professional and consumer use. The 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced output handles high-end planar magnetic headphones that benefit from balanced drive. The two 6.35mm outputs serve studio cans and most high-impedance dynamic headphones. The 3.5mm jack works with IEMs and portable headphones without an adapter. At 2,250mW into 100 ohms from the balanced output, the Alto has enough current to drive demanding loads that choke lesser desktop amps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eAlto as a Speaker Amplifier\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not a headphone amp with speaker taps bolted on as an afterthought. The Alto delivers a genuine 50 watts per channel into 4 ohms through 4mm banana binding posts, enough to drive efficient bookshelf speakers or nearfield studio monitors to serious levels in a desktop or small room setup. The ULTIMA topology maintains its grip and control at speaker-level power, making this a legitimate integrated solution for anyone running both headphones and speakers from the same source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003ePreamp and System Integration\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBalanced XLR inputs accept signal from any professional DAC or source component, including the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chord-electronics-hugo-tt2\"\u003eHugo TT2\u003c\/a\u003e or Qutest. RCA inputs accommodate consumer-level gear. The XLR preamp outputs let you feed active studio monitors or a separate power amplifier, turning the Alto into a preamp\/headphone amp in a larger system. Volume control is handled by a front-panel rotary with illuminated input and output status orbs, following Chord's signature design language.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/alto_back_inline.jpg?v=1773417141?v=1773252048\" alt=\"Chord Electronics Alto rear panel connections including XLR, RCA, speaker terminals, and preamp outputs\" style=\"max-width: 100%; height: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003ePower Supply Design\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Alto uses an external 12V DC power supply with a locking 4-pin connector, keeping electrical noise out of the audio chassis entirely. The PSU auto-switches between 80V and 250V AC input, so the unit works anywhere in the world without a transformer or voltage adapter. At under 2kg for the amplifier and a small footprint (215 x 200 x 57mm), the Alto is designed to travel between studios or sit permanently on a desktop without dominating the workspace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Listening Room Difference\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe'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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eChord Electronics Alto Specifications\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse;\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f3f3f3;\"\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221); width: 34%;\"\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221); width: 66%;\"\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmplifier Type\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eProfessional Headphone \u0026amp; Speaker Amplifier\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmplifier Topology\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eULTIMA dual feed-forward error correction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpeaker Power\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e50W per channel into 4 ohms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeadphone Power (Balanced)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e2,250mW into 100 ohms (4.4mm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeadphone Outputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e3.5mm, 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced, 2x 6.35mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpeaker Outputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e4mm banana binding posts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e1x XLR balanced, 1x RCA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreamp Outputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e1x XLR balanced\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eExternal 12V DC, 4-pin locking connector\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMains Voltage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e80-250V AC auto-switching\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e215 x 200 x 57mm (W x D x H)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e~2kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eBlack\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDesigned \u0026amp; Built\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eKent, England\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n","brand":"Chord Electronics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42642441535584,"sku":"CHORDEALTO","price":4320.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/alto-front.png?v=1773251886","url":"https:\/\/listenroom.com\/products\/chord-electronics-alto","provider":"The Listening Room","version":"1.0","type":"link"}