Phono stage for MM and MC cartridges
Chord Huei is a compact phono stage for turntables, compatible with moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges. It has one stereo RCA input and two outputs, one unbalanced RCA and one balanced XLR; it measures 160 × 88 × 45 mm and weighs 657 g.
Conceived, engineered and manufactured entirely in Great Britain, the Huei is meant to bring turntables the standard of amplification for which Chord Electronics says it has become known over 30 years. The manufacturer presents it as the way to integrate a turntable into Chord systems, and into those of other brands.
Gain, impedance and rumble filter
The gain and impedance settings allow the Huei to be matched to a very wide range of cartridges. Gain is switchable over eight stages: with MM it runs from 21 to 42 dB on the RCA output and from 27 to 48 dB on XLR, with MC from 49 to 70 dB on RCA and from 55 to 76 dB on XLR. Input impedance is 47,000 Ω for MM and is selected in 12 steps between 100 and 3,700 Ω for MC.
For the first time in a Chord phono stage, the main features are managed by a very low-noise microprocessor, with a memory function. There is a switchable rumble filter, with a slope of 24 dB per octave below 50 Hz. Equalisation follows the RIAA curve, with a stated deviation of ± 0.1 dB.
Controls, construction and connections
The illuminated polychromatic spheres on the front panel, the same as on Chord's digital products, give direct access to gain and impedance, to the choice between MM and MC cartridges and to the rumble filter. The chassis is machined from a solid billet of aircraft-grade aluminium and has a form factor similar to that of the Qutest DAC, with a top window showing the illuminated electronics.
At the rear the input is RCA, while on the output side there is a choice between the unbalanced RCA connection and the balanced XLR one, with a maximum voltage of 20 V RMS. Power comes from an external 12 V supply, included in the box together with a grounding plate and a gain and impedance reference card.
Technical data
- Supported cartridges: moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC).
- Inputs: 1 stereo unbalanced RCA.
- Outputs: 1 stereo unbalanced RCA; 1 stereo balanced XLR.
- Input impedance: MM 47,000 Ω; MC from 100 to 3,700 Ω, in 12 steps.
- MM gain: 21 to 42 dB (RCA); 27 to 48 dB (XLR).
- MC gain: 49 to 70 dB (RCA); 55 to 76 dB (XLR).
- Equalisation: RIAA curve, ± 0.1 dB.
- Frequency response: 12 Hz to 25 kHz (RIAA curve).
- Rumble filter: 24 dB per octave below 50 Hz.
- Maximum output voltage: 20 V RMS.
- Output impedance: 520 Ω (resistive).
- Power: external 12 V supply, mains from 100 to 240 V, 50/60 Hz.
- Dimensions: 160 × 88 × 45 mm.
- Weight: 657 g.
- Finish: black.
- Included: drawstring bag, 12 V 2 A power supply, grounding plate, gain and impedance reference card.
