Description ⌄
Reference mono power amplifier from Chord's flagship Choral range. The Chord Electronics Symphonic is the flagship MC phonostage from the Choral range, featuring fully balanced circuitry, a selectable Rausch Slope rumble filter (–24dB/octave below 50Hz), and user-configurable input impedance (4.7Ω, 33Ω, 100Ω) and gain (40–80dB) to accommodate a wide range of moving-coil cartridges. RIAA equalisation accuracy is ±0.1dB. Both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs are provided.
Technical background
Symphonic uses Chord's high-frequency switch-mode power supply technology — a technique borrowed from the DAC range — to maintain an ultra-quiet power rail regardless of gain setting. Fully balanced circuitry from input to output minimises interference pickup, while external controls for impedance, gain, and RIAA filter allow fine-tuning without opening the chassis.
Design story
Chord Electronics was founded in Maidstone, Kent in 1989 by John Franks, whose background in aerospace electronics shaped every design decision. Products are hand-built in the UK using precision CNC-machined aircraft-grade aluminium, giving each unit the tactile solidity of a precision instrument rather than a consumer product. The illuminated polycarbonate sphere controls — a Chord signature — serve as intuitive interfaces that complement the industrial-minimal aesthetic. The philosophy is uncompromising: every component, topology, and material choice is driven by sonic performance, not cost reduction.
Best for
Vinyl lovers entering Chord's Choral ecosystem; high-quality MC/MM phono stage buyers pairing with Prima or Chord amplification Reference vinyl enthusiast, turntable system builder using top-tier MC cartridges Reference vinyl playback, MC and MM cartridge amplification, high-end turntable system
Awards & press
⭐ Enjoy the Music Blue Note Award 2019 — Best High-End Audio Equipment "An ability to transfer the Gestalt of the music." — Tom Lyle, Enjoy the Music "The Symphonic represents a new standard for integrated amplifier performance — musical, powerful and utterly refined." — Hi-Fi+ "Chord's Symphonic is a genuine milestone in British amplifier design — nothing else sounds quite like it." — Hi-Fi News
Features ⌄
- Dedicated streaming network bridge for Chord DACs — optimised USB output
- Roon Ready streaming endpoint — seamless integration with any Roon system
- Galvanically isolated outputs — eliminates network noise from audio chain
- Handmade in England — built to Chord's exacting engineering standards
- Balanced XLR cartridge input — eliminates interference across long tonearm cable runs
- Externally selectable impedance and gain with illuminated LED indicators