Chord Electronics has officially made its Alto headphone and speaker amplifier available to the public, extending the product beyond its original intended audience of recording and mastering studio engineers. Launched initially at NAMM earlier this year as part of Chord’s Pro range, the Alto is a flexible desktop amplifier that brings the brand’s renowned ULTIMA amplification technology into a compact and portable form factor.

The Alto amplifier provides a unique solution for users seeking both high-quality headphone amplification and nearfield monitor support in one device. It features multiple headphone outputs, with options that include one 3.5 mm jack, two 6.35 mm (1/4-inch) sockets, and a 4.4 mm Pentaconn TRRRS output for high-end headphones that require balanced transmission. This Pentaconn output is a first for Chord, addressing the needs of users favoring balanced connections for enhanced audio performance.

Capable of powering up to four pairs of headphones simultaneously, the Alto is also suitable for small loudspeakers, delivering 25 watts into 8 ohms or 50 watts into 4 ohms through rear-panel stereo banana plug outputs. 

These multiple outputs allow the device to support A/B comparisons, making it valuable for those in audio production environments who need to evaluate audio on various devices seamlessly. Additionally, the Alto offers a bypass function, allowing integration with other devices in the signal chain through balanced XLR outputs.

At the core of the Alto is Chord’s ULTIMA amplification technology, a circuit that features dual feed-forward error correction. This system actively monitors and corrects signal distortions before they reach the output stage, designed to ensure clarity and precision in the audio output. This error-correction technology is one reason for the Alto’s popularity among professionals, as it supports accurate monitoring needed for critical studio work.

The ULTIMA technology was first introduced by Chord in its higher-end amplifiers, such as the mono and preamplifiers, and has since become a staple across their range. With the Alto, Chord brings this advanced amplification system into a more accessible form factor that suits both professional and home audio setups.

In addition to its headphone outputs, the Alto is equipped with a variety of inputs and outputs that contribute to its flexibility. It has both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, catering to different setups. 

The balanced XLR outputs offer a bypass or throughput functionality, which allows the Alto to function as part of a larger audio system or in standalone mode. This output configuration makes it possible to use the device in conjunction with both headphones and speakers, providing a convenient solution for users who need adaptable audio systems.

The Alto’s fascia panel features straightforward controls for volume, power, and input selection, while Chord’s distinctive color-changing LEDs indicate the power status and chosen input or output. This visual feedback, along with a remote control, adds convenience for users in diverse environments, whether in a studio or at home.

Constructed in Chord Electronics’ factory in Kent, UK, the Alto maintains the high build quality typical of the company’s products. The amplifier’s case is made from precision-machined aircraft-grade aluminum, with the anodizing process completed locally to ensure durability and a refined finish. This attention to material quality and craftsmanship is intended to support the amplifier’s longevity, and each Alto is handmade by the same team responsible for Chord’s high-end product line.

The Alto’s compact size, roughly equivalent to an A5 sheet, and its portable design make it easy to integrate into a range of environments, from dedicated studio setups to home audio systems. This adaptability is a key part of its appeal, as it offers users the freedom to move the amplifier between locations without sacrificing performance or functionality.

Chord Electronics’ Founder, Owner and Chief Designer, John Franks, said: “The new Alto offers levels of performance not yet seen in any headphone/nearfield-monitor amplifier. It features our advanced ULTIMA circuit topology to give this new amplifier the high-energy power levels and fast transient power that Chord Electronics’ products are known for.”

Priced at $4,320, the Chord Alto is available through Chord Electronics dealers and comes with a three-year warranty.