Phono stage for moving-coil cartridges
Chord Symphonic is a phono stage dedicated to moving-coil (MC) cartridges only and belongs to the Choral range, the same as the DAVE DAC and preamplifier. Chord Electronics describes it as its flagship MC phono stage, with more advanced features than the entry-level Dual.
The power supply is a high-frequency switch-mode design, a technology the manufacturer uses to bring performance in line with the rest of the range. The circuitry is fully balanced and the chassis is solid aluminium. The stated aim is the easy integration of a turntable into any system.
Gain, impedance and rumble filter
Gain is selectable from 40 to 80 dB and input impedance between 4.7 Ω, 33 Ω and 100 Ω; the manufacturer speaks of an almost unlimited number of impedance and gain combinations. All settings are made from the outside and the selections are shown by internal LEDs that light up.
The rumble filter removes unwanted very-low-frequency signals present on both channels, with a Rausch slope of 24 dB per octave below 50 Hz. With the filter off the response follows the RIAA curve without the IEC roll-off; switching it on adds the IEC curve. The stated equalisation accuracy is ± 0.1 dB, over a range from 12 Hz to 25 kHz.
Connections
Inputs and outputs are both doubled: a balanced XLR stereo pair and an unbalanced RCA pair for each. Depending on the wiring of the turntable's tone arm, the Symphonic can work in balanced or unbalanced mode towards the cartridge.
The output has an impedance of 520 Ω resistive and a maximum voltage of 10 V RMS; Chord states the ability to drive a 600 Ω load at 50 % output. The power supply adjusts by itself to mains voltages from 50 to 260 V AC, at 50 or 60 Hz, with a consumption of 20 W. The 10 A IEC mains cable is included.
Technical data
- Type: phono stage for MC cartridges only, fully balanced circuitry.
- Inputs: 1 balanced XLR stereo pair, 1 unbalanced RCA stereo pair.
- Outputs: 1 balanced XLR stereo pair, 1 unbalanced RCA stereo pair.
- Selectable impedance: 4.7 Ω, 33 Ω, 100 Ω.
- Selectable gain: 40-80 dB.
- Equalisation: RIAA curve, 12 Hz to 25 kHz, accuracy ± 0.1 dB.
- Frequency response: 5 Hz-40 kHz.
- Rumble filter: Rausch slope, 24 dB per octave below 50 Hz.
- Input noise: 1.5 nV/Hz.
- Maximum output voltage: 10 V RMS.
- Output impedance: 520 Ω (resistive); drives 600 Ω at 50 % output.
- Power supply: 50-260 V AC, 50-60 Hz, auto-adjusting; consumption 20 W.
- Dimensions (including connectors): 333.5 × 142 × 59 mm (W × D × H).
- Weight: 6 kg.
- Finishes: black and silver.
- Included: 10 A IEC mains cable.
