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Chord Electronics Symphonic
Nestling in the Choral range, the Symphonic is our flagship MC phono stage, offering a range of advanced features over the entry-level Dual. The high-performance Symphonic uses our latest high-frequency power supply technology to exploit vinyl’s full potential, along with many new key features, to bring the performance levels in line with the Choral range, home of the DAVE DAC/preamp.
The Symphonic offers an almost infinite number of input impedance and gain options as well as balanced and unbalanced input options to the cartridge, making it a highly flexible device for integrating high-quality turntables into Chord systems. The comprehensive settings options are all externally selectable, with selections signified internally with illuminating LEDs.
A rumble filter removes unwanted low-frequency rumble signals appearing on both channels. The Symphonic Phono stage conforms to the RIAA curve without the IEC roll-off when the Rumble filter is set to ‘off’ Preamps: CPA 2500, CPA 3000, CPA 5000, and CPA 8000. Preamps: CPA 2500, CPA 3000, CPA 5000, and CPA 8000.; this is commensurate with the high calibre of Chord amplification. The IEC curve response can be added by setting the Rumble filter to ‘on’. According to the wiring of the tone arm on the turntable used, the Symphonic can be operated in either an unbalanced or balanced mode.
Other accessories & custom options
Precision machined from a solid block of aircraft grade aluminium, a work of art on its own, the Ensemble Stand is irrefutably the most satisfying way to display your Choral system components or stack.
Selectable Impedance:
4.7Ω, 33Ω, 100Ω
Selectable Gain:
40dB – 80dB
Inputs:
1x Stereo Balanced XLR Pair
1x Stereo Unbalanced RCA Pair
Outputs:
1x Stereo Balanced XLR Pair
1x Stereo Unbalanced RCA Pair
Key Features
Moving Coil Cartridge Only
HF Switch Mode Power Supply
Selectable Gain
Selectable Impedance
Rausch Slope Rumble Filter
Balanced XLR Input
Fully Balanced Circuitry
Unbalanced RCA Input
Balanced XLR Output
Unbalanced RCA Output
Solid Aluminium Chassis
Included Accessories
Symphonic Quickstart guide
Safety instructions
10A Mains IEC cable
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Chord Electronics Symphonic — MC Phono Preamplifier
The Symphonic is Chord's flagship MC stage, celebrated for its exceptional transparency and musical neutrality. Reviewers including Tom Lyle and Audiophilepure praise its ability to render instruments with lifelike timbre, wide, layered soundstaging and convincing dynamics. Its fully balanced circuitry, accurate RIAA (±0.1dB) and low input noise (1.5nV/√Hz) enable clean amplification of low-output cartridges—gain is selectable up to 85dB. Practical touches include both balanced and unbalanced I/O, a rumble filter and a compact, well‑finished chassis with visual status windows. Ideal for serious analog listeners using MC cartridges who want a neutral, revealing front end that preserves micro- and macro-dynamics. Given its performance and engineering, reviewers find the Symphonic a compelling value in the high-end phono segment.
Pros
- Outstanding transparency and neutrality that preserves musical detail without adding coloration.
- Wide, layered soundstage and precise imaging that produce convincing instrument placement and depth.
- Strong dynamic range and musical engagement—delivers power and emotional impact across orchestral and rock recordings.
- Excellent MC compatibility and connectivity: very high selectable gain (up to 85dB), fully balanced circuitry, plus balanced and unbalanced I/O and a useful rumble filter.
Transparency
92/100
Reviewers repeatedly praise the Symphonic's transparency and lack of extraneous noises: 'its greatest strength is its level of transparency' and 'no extraneous noises, no hums, buzzes'. Specs support this with a low input noise (1.5 nV/√Hz) and RIAA accuracy of +/-0.1 dB, both consistent with an exceptionally quiet, accurate stage. Given the MC-level gain capability, the combination of reviewer comments and low noise spec justifies a very high Transparency score.
Sound Quality
91/100
Reviewers comment on power and emotional involvement: instruments 'sounded powerful, emotional' and the unit conveyed performance dynamics convincingly. The ability to use high gain settings without reported compression or noise (e.g., 74 dB setting used for 0.25 mV cartridges) shows preserved micro- and macro-dynamics. These consistent dynamic praises justify a top-tier Dynamics score.
Cartridge Compatibility
90/100
The Symphonic supports high MC gain (up to 85 dB selectable) and was used successfully with low-output cartridges (0.25 mV at 74 dB), plus it offers balanced and unbalanced I/O and fully balanced circuitry. Reviews highlight multiple gain settings, though explicit, detailed multi-position loading/resistance values are not cited in the text. Given clear MC capability and adjustable gain but limited explicit loading detail, it rates very highly for compatibility.
Build Quality
92/100
Reviewers note the Symphonic 'looks extremely good' and that it behaved impeccably during audition with 'no extraneous noises'—indicative of solid construction and good shielding. The measured specs (robust output drive, fully balanced design, precise RIAA response) and dependable power handling reinforce a high build-quality assessment. Overall impression is of a well-engineered, well-shielded unit appropriate for high-gain MC use.
Value for Money
91/100
Both reviewers explicitly praise value: 'It is well worth its asking price' and 'I highly recommend this phono preamp' — clear positive value language. Although the unit sits in a premium price bracket (~5590), reviewers felt the musical performance and engineering justify the cost, making this a justified-premium score in its competitive segment.
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