Chord Electronics Alto Headphone and Speaker Amplifier

The Alto features four front-mounted headphone outputs powered by ULTIMA technology: one 3.5mm, two 6.35mm (1/4-inch), and a single 4.4mm Pentaconn. This diverse range of outputs not only facilitates convenient A/B comparisons but also allows multiple users to listen at once.

For loudspeakers, the Alto delivers 25 watts into 8 ohms (50 watts into 4 ohms), offering the exceptional transparency, speed, and low distortion that ULTIMA’s amplifier design is known for. Stereo banana plug outputs on the rear panel accommodate all but the largest loudspeaker plugs.

At the heart of the Alto is ULTIMA’s dual-feed-forward error-correction technology, which actively monitors and corrects signals before they reach the output stage, ensuring precision and clarity.

Despite its compact size—just slightly larger than the A5—the Alto packs plenty of power, making it ideal for a variety of audio systems, from desktop setups to living rooms and dedicated hi-fi systems.

Headfonia - April 2025

"The Hugo TT2 is still my most cherished audio product after four plus years with it and replacing it is completely out of the question for me. With the Alto Chord created an almost equally impressive amplifier. 

The Alto produces an almost uncoloured signature with key strengths in stereo imaging and sound stage construction. The levels of details and resolution are outstanding. Though some might miss extra flesh on the bones, the Alto provides a sonic performance that’s hard to pass on for me.

The biggest drawback is probably its limited power for loudspeakers. Though most stand-mounts should be fine with the Alto providing the juice it can become a complexity for picky speakers that require a higher Wattage. However, the pairing with the KEF R3 Meta or DALI Rubikore 2 is absolutely fantastic to my ears! 

Together with the Hugo TT2 the Alto builds an exceptional team for both headphone and speaker sessions in my apartment. The power it delivers through its headphone outputs is insane and should be more than plenty for any headphone in today’s market." Felix, Headfonia.com - Read the full review.

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UK Orders

We despatch the bulk of our UK mainland items on a 24 hour service – Free of Charge.  Non Mainland locations - Isle of Man, Isle of Wight, the Scilly Isles, the Scottish highlands and Islands, the Channel Islands and Northern Ireland may take a day or so longer and are not Free of Charge. Smaller items are delivered using Royal Mail 24 or special delivery. Larger items are delivered using a courier service such as DPD or UPS.

International Orders:

Due to the nature of our products and brand restrictions we are only able to send certain items internationally. Smaller items are delivered using Royal Mail Small Packets Airmail with International Tracked and/or Signed depending on value of item and availability of the service. Larger International shipments are sent by insured and tracked services using UPS. If there are any delays due to specific customs regulations, etc, you will be contacted by Hifisound or by the courier with a request for any further information required. Customs duties can apply for shipments to any countries outside of the UK depending on where the product you have bought is made. Customers are responsible for all taxes and duties incurred when the items enter their country.

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