Chord Electronics Alto – ULTIMA-Powered Headphone & Nearfield Monitor Amplifier

The Chord Electronics Alto is a meticulously crafted headphone and nearfield monitor amplifier designed for both personal and shared high-fidelity listening experiences. Capable of driving up to four pairs of headphones and compact loudspeakers, it integrates Chord’s renowned ULTIMA technology for exceptional transparency, speed, and ultra-low distortion. Compact yet powerful, the Alto delivers impressive performance in a form factor slightly larger than an A5 sheet—making it perfect for desktops, living spaces, and dedicated hi-fi systems.

Key Features

• ULTIMA topology: Dual-feed-forward error correction ensures clean, accurate amplification
• Four headphone outputs: 3.5 mm, two 6.35 mm, and a 4.4 mm Pentaconn (pseudo balanced)
• Speaker amplification: 25 W into 8 Ω (50 W into 4 Ω) for nearfield monitors or small speakers
• Precision connectivity: RCA and XLR inputs, banana plug speaker outputs, XLR passthrough, and 12 V DC output
• Compact footprint: Easy integration into desktop and full hi‑fi setups

Customer Benefits

With its ability to drive multiple headphones and nearfield speakers simultaneously, the Alto is an ideal solution for audiophiles, studios, and shared listening spaces. Its compact design and premium ULTIMA amplification make it a versatile and powerful centerpiece for any high-end system.

Quick Specs

• Headphone outputs: 1×3.5 mm, 2×6.35 mm, 1×4.4 mm Pentaconn (pseudo balanced)
• Speaker outputs: Banana plug sockets (25 W @ 8 Ω, 50 W @ 4 Ω)
• Inputs: 1×XLR, 1×RCA
• Passthrough: 1×XLR pair
• Output (headphones): 2250 mW @ 100 Ω
• THD: 0.003 % (speakers), 0.001 % (headphones)
• Signal-to-noise: 120 dB
• Frequency response: 6 Hz – 60 kHz
• Input max voltage: 6 V RMS
• Output max voltage: 15 V RMS @ 8 Ω
• Crosstalk: -95 dB
• Power supply: 80–250 V AC auto-switching
• Dimensions: 21.5 × 20 × 5.7 cm
• Weight: 1.95 kg

What’s in the Box

• Chord Electronics Alto amplifier
• Remote control
• User manual

Use Cases / Ideal For

Perfect for audiophiles, small studios, and anyone needing a high‑end amplifier for multiple headphones and nearfield monitors in compact setups.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

• Drives up to four headphones simultaneously
• ULTIMA topology for exceptional clarity and low distortion
• Compact form factor with versatile connectivity

⚠️ Cons:

• Pseudo balanced 4.4 mm output (amplifier is single‑ended)
• Not designed for large speakers

The Chord Electronics Alto combines powerful ULTIMA amplification, versatile connectivity, and a compact design—making it an ideal headphone and nearfield amplifier for modern audiophiles.