Chord Electronics' heavy metal amplifiers sound as good as they look

(Credit: Chord Electronics)

Chord Electronics aren't exactly a household brand name, but the company has a strong presence in the pro sound field. The British company's electronics have been used at George Lucas' Skywalker Sound, BBC, Abbey Road, Sony NY, Decca, Quad, Dolby Labs, Toshiba-EMI Japan, MCA Studios, CBC, and The Royal Opera House London.

But that's not to say Chord doesn't also cater to the consumer high-end market. The CPA 3000 preamplifier and SPM 1050 power amplifier are the latest designs. When I was an audio salesman I sold Chord and I can tell you that even before I played the components a lot of customers were drawn to the products for their looks. Each chassis is machined from solid aluminum to provide rigid foundation for the circuitry and besides, I just wish more high-end products looked this good.

The CPA 3000 is the newest of Chord's new generation preamplifiers. Utilizing innovative techniques and technology from the highly successful CPA 5000 reference preamplifier, the CPA 3000 features Chord's Ultra High Frequency power supplies and an ultra low noise circuit to give the very best noise floor performance.

The SPM 1050 stereo power amplifier Chord's latest low distortion amplifier circuitry and proprietary power MOSFETs, so the SPM 1050 can drive difficult loudspeaker loads with clarity and precision. The amplifier delivers 200 watts per channel into 8 ohm speakers.

The CPA 3000 retails for $12,300 and the SPM 1050, $9300; check with Chord's US importer, Bluebird Music Limited to learn more.

The Blu/DAC 64 CD player.

(Credit: Chord Electronics)