Audio T Verdict
Symphonic is Chord Electronics' flagship dedicated moving-coil phono stage and is aimed at turntables and cartridges where getting the loading and gain right really matters.
It provides selectable gain and cartridge impedance, balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs, fully balanced internal circuitry and a switchable low-frequency rumble filter. Everything is wrapped in the substantial aluminium casework of the Choral range.
If you're using a serious MC cartridge, Symphonic gives you considerably more scope for system matching than a fixed-gain phono stage and is one we'd strongly suggest hearing with your own turntable where possible.
Chord Electronics Symphonic
Symphonic is a dedicated Moving Coil phono stage from Chord Electronics' Choral range.
Its core features include:
- Moving Coil cartridge compatibility
- Selectable gain from 40dB to 80dB
- Selectable cartridge impedance
- Balanced XLR cartridge input
- Unbalanced RCA cartridge input
- Balanced XLR analogue output
- Unbalanced RCA analogue output
- Fully balanced circuitry
- Switchable rumble filter
- High-frequency switch-mode power supply
Moving Coil Cartridge Matching
Moving-coil cartridges vary considerably in output level and recommended loading, so Symphonic allows both gain and input impedance to be adjusted.
Selectable Gain
Chord Electronics specifies an adjustable Moving Coil gain range from 40dB to 80dB.
Selectable Impedance
Current manufacturer specifications list selectable settings including 4.7 ohms, 33 ohms and 100 ohms.
Getting the Setup Right
Cartridge output voltage and the manufacturer's recommended load should be used as the starting point when configuring Symphonic.
If you're unsure which settings are appropriate, Audio T can help match the phono stage to your cartridge rather than relying on trial and error.
Balanced and Unbalanced Operation
Symphonic is unusual in providing both RCA and XLR connections on the cartridge side as well as the output side.
- Inputs: Stereo balanced XLR pair and stereo unbalanced RCA pair
- Outputs: Stereo balanced XLR pair and stereo unbalanced RCA pair
Whether balanced cartridge connection can be used depends on the wiring of the turntable and tonearm. A rear-panel selector determines whether Symphonic operates from the XLR or RCA input.
A dedicated grounding terminal is also provided for the turntable earth connection.
RIAA Equalisation and Rumble Filter
Symphonic follows the standard RIAA equalisation curve with published accuracy of +/-0.1dB.
A switchable Rausch-slope rumble filter rolls off unwanted low-frequency turntable noise at:
-24dB per octave below 50Hz.
With the filter disengaged, Symphonic follows conventional RIAA equalisation. Switching the filter on adds the low-frequency roll-off.
Choral-Series Construction
Symphonic uses a solid aluminium chassis and Chord Electronics' high-frequency switch-mode power-supply technology.
Current dimensions, including connectors, are:
- Width: 333.5mm
- Height: 59mm
- Depth: 142mm
- Weight: 6kg
The two viewing portals in the top panel illuminate to indicate selected gain, impedance, input and rumble-filter settings.
Key Features
- Flagship Chord Electronics MC phono stage
- Choral range
- Moving Coil cartridges only
- 40dB to 80dB selectable gain
- Selectable cartridge impedance
- Balanced XLR cartridge input
- Unbalanced RCA cartridge input
- Balanced XLR analogue output
- Unbalanced RCA analogue output
- Fully balanced circuitry
- Switchable rumble filter
- -24dB/octave roll-off below 50Hz
- RIAA equalisation
- +/-0.1dB equalisation accuracy
- 1.5nV/Hz input noise
- 10V RMS maximum output
- High-frequency switch-mode power supply
- Solid aluminium chassis
- Made in the United Kingdom
- Five-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Symphonic suitable for Moving Magnet cartridges?
No. Symphonic is specifically designed for Moving Coil cartridges. For MM and MC compatibility, consider Chord Electronics Huei or Suzi Pre.
Can the gain be adjusted?
Yes. Chord Electronics specifies selectable gain across a 40dB to 80dB range.
Can the cartridge loading be adjusted?
Yes. Symphonic provides selectable input impedance so it can be matched more closely to different moving-coil cartridges.
Does Symphonic accept balanced input from a turntable?
Yes, where the turntable and tonearm wiring supports balanced operation. Stereo XLR and RCA cartridge inputs are provided.
Does it have balanced outputs?
Yes. Symphonic provides both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analogue outputs.
Does Symphonic have a rumble filter?
Yes. The switchable filter uses a -24dB-per-octave slope below 50Hz.
What is the maximum output voltage?
Chord Electronics specifies 10V RMS.
Can Symphonic be used with non-Chord amplification?
Yes. It can feed any suitably compatible preamplifier or integrated amplifier with line-level RCA or XLR inputs.
How large is Symphonic?
It measures 333.5mm wide, 59mm high and 142mm deep, including connectors.
What warranty does Symphonic have?
Chord Electronics provides a five-year manufacturer warranty.
Related Chord Electronics Products
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Moving Coil cartridge matching advice
- Gain and impedance setup guidance
- Balanced and unbalanced connection advice
- Turntable and tonearm setup support
- In-store demonstrations where appropriate
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like to demonstrate Chord Electronics Symphonic or need help matching it to your Moving Coil cartridge.