{"product_id":"chord-electronics-etude","title":"Chord Electronics Etude","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Chord Electronics Etude is an 80-watt stereo power amplifier built on Chord's ULTIMA dual feed-forward error correction technology, the same amplifier architecture found in their reference mono blocks. Designed as the natural partner for the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chord-electronics-dave\"\u003eDAVE\u003c\/a\u003e DAC and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chord-electronics-prima\"\u003ePrima\u003c\/a\u003e preamplifier, the Etude brings serious amplification to the Choral range's compact form factor.\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 derived from Reference ULTIMA amplification\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e80W per channel into 8 ohms\u003c\/strong\u003e in stereo mode\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBridgeable\u003c\/strong\u003e for mono operation (pair two Etudes for increased power and control)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFully balanced XLR and single-ended RCA inputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProprietary MOSFET output transistors\u003c\/strong\u003e with close channel matching\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-frequency switch-mode power supply\u003c\/strong\u003e charging capacitors up to 20,000 times per second\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChoral form factor\u003c\/strong\u003e for stacking with DAVE, Prima, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chord-electronics-symphonic\"\u003eSymphonic\u003c\/a\u003e, and Ensemble Stand\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 DAVE, every product runs code that Chord wrote themselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eULTIMA Technology in the Choral Range\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Etude borrows its amplifier topology directly from Chord's ULTIMA reference power amplifiers. Dual feed-forward error correction monitors and corrects the output signal at two points in the circuit, catching distortion that single-loop feedback designs miss. This is not a marketing label applied to a standard Class AB circuit. The error correction amplifier runs alongside the main signal amplifier, comparing the output against the input in real time and correcting deviations before they reach your speakers. At 80 watts per channel, the Etude has enough power for most bookshelf and floorstanding speakers in typical listening rooms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eChord Electronics Etude Power Supply\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere most amplifiers use toroidal transformers operating at 50-60 Hz, the Etude's switch-mode power supply runs at frequencies above the audio band entirely. Chord's custom SMPS design charges its capacitors up to 20,000 times per second, delivering current on demand faster than a conventional transformer can respond. The result is tighter bass control and better dynamic response, particularly on transient-heavy material where the amplifier needs to deliver sudden bursts of current to the loudspeakers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/etude-top-inline.jpg?v=1773253932\" alt=\"Chord Electronics Etude top view showing ventilation and internal blue LED glow\" style=\"max-width: 100%; height: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eMOSFET Output Stage\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Etude uses Chord's proprietary MOSFET output transistors, custom-designed and closely matched between left and right channels. Off-the-shelf MOSFETs vary in characteristics from unit to unit. Chord specifies and matches their own devices to ensure both channels behave identically under load, maintaining stereo imaging accuracy even at high output levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eBridgeable for Mono Operation\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo Etudes can be bridged into mono operation, one amplifier per channel, for systems that need more power or more demanding speaker loads. This pairing works particularly well with the Prima preamplifier and DAVE as a source, creating a full Choral-range system with no compromises in amplification. Balanced XLR connections between components allow long cable runs without signal degradation, so the Etude can sit close to the speakers while the source components remain across the room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/etude_lifestyle_inline.jpg?v=1773678249\" alt=\"Chord Electronics Etude power amplifier in a listening room system\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; max-width: 938px; border-radius: 4px;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Choral Range\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Etude is part of Chord's Choral range, sharing its form factor with the DAVE, Prima, Symphonic, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chord-electronics-choral-ensemble-stand\"\u003eChoral Ensemble Stand\u003c\/a\u003e. All Choral components stack neatly on the Ensemble Stand for a unified system aesthetic. Available in black or silver finish.\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 Etude 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\u003eProduct Type\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eStereo Power 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\u003ePower Output\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e80W per channel into 8 ohms (stereo)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutput Devices\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eProprietary MOSFET transistors (matched pairs)\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 single-ended\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);\"\u003eBinding 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\u003eBridgeable\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eYes (mono operation with two units)\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);\"\u003eHigh-frequency switch-mode (20,000 cycles\/sec)\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 or Silver\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRange\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eChoral\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":"Black","offer_id":42641549066336,"sku":"CHORDETUDEBL","price":7165.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Silver","offer_id":42641566597216,"sku":"CHORDETUDESIL","price":7165.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/etude_pos1_square.jpg?v=1773675188","url":"https:\/\/listenroom.com\/products\/chord-electronics-etude","provider":"The Listening Room","version":"1.0","type":"link"}