Chord Electronics Huei Compact MM/MC Phono Stage

Chord Electronics Huei Compact MM/MC Phono Stage

Newly unveiled by Chord Electronics, Huei is a multi-cartridge compatible phono stage in the compact Qutest chassis. Keeping with Chord Electronic's usual high standards of design and manufacture, Huei offers support for a wide range of cartridges due to its capability of switching between Moving Magnet/Moving Coil cartridges, alongside various gain and impedance options selectable via the easily accessible front controls.

You will be hard pressed to find a phono stage as capable and performance focused as Huei at this price point.

Here is what Chord Electronics say about the Huei

Huei is a compact phono stage that offers both MM and MC compatibility allowing turntables to integrate into amplifiers with ease. Entirely conceived, engineered and manufactured in Great Britain, Huei has been carefully designed to provide turntables with the same high standards of amplification that Chord Electronics has become known for over the past 30 years.

Benefitting from both Moving Magnet and Moving Coil functionality, Huei offers compatibility with a huge range of cartridges thanks to comprehensive gain and impedance-matching options; Huei’s high- and low-gain switching settings are easily accessible via front-panel controls, introducing welcome flexibility.

Huei’s advanced design offers (for the first time in a Chord Electronics phono preamp) ultra-low-noise microprocessor control of its main features, including a convenient memory function. With multiple options for impedance-matching, seven-stage switchable gain and a switchable rumble filter, Huei’s design offers comprehensive compatibility.

Precision-machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminium billet, Huei has a similar form factor to the company’s Qutest DAC and also offers a top-mounted viewing window into the illuminated electronics within. The design also shares the same polychromatic control spheres the company has become known for in its digital products. The illuminated front-panel spheres offer direct access to Huei’s gain and impedance settings, selection for MM/MC cartridges and access to the on-board rumble filter.

Huei is a stylish, practical and high-performance solution for integrating turntables into Chord Electronics’ (and other) systems and features both balanced (RCA) and unbalanced outputs (XLR) with RCA inputs. A high-quality 12V external power supply is also supplied.

Features

• Supports both Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges
• Selectable impedance: 30Ω, 100Ω, 5kΩ, and 4.7pf
• Selectable gain: 60dB, 65dB, and 70dB
• Stereo unbalanced RCA inputs
• Stereo unbalanced RCA outputs and Stereo balanced XLR Outputs
• Country of manufacture: England

Specification

• Input impedance: 30Ω – 47kΩ, 50pF – 150pF
• Input noise: 1.1nV/Hz
• Max output voltage RMS: 10v RMS
• Equalisation gain range: 0dBV – 75dBV
• Equalisation response: RIAA Curve
• Equalisation accuracy: +/- 0.1dB
• Frequency response: RIAA Curve = 12Hz to 25kHz
• Rumble filter: Rausch Slope -24dB per octave below 50Hz
• Output impedance: 520Ω (resistive)
• Input power supply: 12v – 100v to 240v 50/60Hz PSU
• Weight: 770g
• Dimensions: 160mm (W) x 43mm (D) x 72mm (H)
• Boxed Weight: 1500g
• Please Note: We are unable to ship this item for International orders if a local Chord Electronics distributor is available

About Chord Electronics 

Chord Electronics Ltd is a renowned British audio company with a rich history and a distinct design philosophy that sets them apart in the industry. Established in 1989 by John Franks, Chord Electronics has gained a reputation for its innovative audio technology approach and unwavering commitment to sonic excellence.

Chord Electronics began its journey by specialising in designing and manufacturing high-performance amplifiers. Their early success can be attributed to the unique implementation of advanced technologies and meticulous attention to detail in constructing their products. Over the years, the company expanded its product range to include digital-to-analogue converters (DACs), headphone amplifiers, preamps, and other audio components.

One of the key aspects of Chord Electronics' design philosophy is its relentless pursuit of audio quality. The company believes in delivering the most transparent, detailed, and engaging sound reproduction possible. To achieve this, Chord Electronics employs cutting-edge technologies and innovative circuit designs. Their products often feature proprietary technologies such as FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), digital signal processing, advanced filtering algorithms, and ultra-precise clocking systems. This combination of cutting-edge engineering and meticulous design ensures that Chord Electronics products deliver exceptional sonic performance.

Chord Electronics also strongly emphasises the quality of materials and craftsmanship. Each product is meticulously designed and hand-assembled in their UK-based facility, with great attention to detail and rigorous quality control. The company uses high-quality components and materials, including custom-made circuit boards and precision-machined casings, to ensure both durability and optimal performance.

Furthermore, Chord Electronics maintains a strong commitment to continuous research and development. Their team of engineers and designers are constantly exploring new technologies and pushing the boundaries of audio innovation. This dedication to advancement and improvement has led to several industry accolades and a loyal customer base.

In summary, Chord Electronics Ltd has a history rooted in innovative design and engineering excellence. Their products result from a meticulous design philosophy focused on achieving the highest levels of audio quality. With their commitment to advanced technologies, attention to detail, and continuous improvement, Chord Electronics continues to be at the forefront of high-performance audio, offering products that redefine the boundaries of sonic reproduction.