Audio T Verdict
Huei packs an unusually useful amount of cartridge adjustment into the same compact format as Chord Electronics' Qutest DAC and Anni amplifier.
It supports both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges, with eight stages of gain and 12 selectable MC impedance settings. Add RCA and balanced XLR outputs, a switchable rumble filter and memory for your chosen settings, and it becomes a very flexible phono stage for anything from a straightforward MM cartridge to a much more demanding low-output MC.
The colourful controls look very Chord Electronics, but they also make the important adjustments accessible from the front rather than hiding banks of tiny DIP switches underneath the case.
Chord Electronics Huei Phono Stage
Huei is a compact moving-magnet and moving-coil phono stage designed and manufactured in Great Britain.
It combines wide cartridge compatibility with:
- Moving Magnet and Moving Coil operation
- Eight-stage adjustable gain
- 12-step MC impedance adjustment
- Switchable rumble filter
- Microprocessor-controlled settings
- Memory function
- RCA input
- RCA and balanced XLR outputs
Moving Magnet and Moving Coil
Unlike Chord Electronics' larger Symphonic, which is designed specifically for moving-coil cartridges, Huei supports both major cartridge types.
Moving Magnet
Fixed 47k-ohm input impedance with adjustable gain to suit a wide range of conventional MM cartridges.
Moving Coil
Twelve selectable impedance settings from 100 to 3,700 ohms, combined with higher gain for low-output MC cartridges.
Eight-Stage Adjustable Gain
Huei offers eight selectable gain settings, allowing the output level to be matched more closely to the cartridge being used.
Published gain ranges are:
- MM via RCA: 21dB to 42dB
- MM via XLR: 27dB to 48dB
- MC via RCA: 49dB to 70dB
- MC via XLR: 55dB to 76dB
Matching Gain to Your Cartridge
There is no single correct gain setting for every MM or MC cartridge. Cartridge output voltage and the sensitivity of the connected amplifier both matter.
Audio T can help select a sensible starting point from the cartridge manufacturer's specification.
12-Step Moving-Coil Impedance Adjustment
For moving-coil cartridges, Huei provides:
12 selectable impedance settings between 100 and 3,700 ohms.
This allows the electrical loading to be adjusted to suit a broad range of MC designs and gives useful flexibility when fine-tuning cartridge setup.
Moving-magnet cartridges use the conventional fixed:
47,000-ohm input impedance.
Microprocessor Control and Memory
Huei uses ultra-low-noise microprocessor control for its main settings, with Chord Electronics' illuminated control spheres providing direct access to:
- MM or MC selection
- Gain
- MC impedance
- Rumble filter
A memory function retains the selected configuration, making everyday use much easier once the cartridge has been set up correctly.
Switchable Rumble Filter
A switchable low-frequency filter is provided to reduce unwanted turntable and record rumble.
Chord Electronics specifies a:
Rausch slope of -24dB per octave below 50Hz.
The filter can be switched out when it is not required.
RCA Input with RCA and XLR Outputs
Huei provides one stereo unbalanced RCA input for the turntable and two analogue output options:
- 1 x stereo RCA output
- 1 x stereo balanced XLR output
Balanced Output, RCA Cartridge Input
The XLR connection is an output option. The turntable itself connects to Huei through the stereo RCA input.
This should not be confused with the larger Symphonic, which also provides balanced XLR cartridge inputs.
RIAA Equalisation
Huei follows the standard RIAA equalisation curve with published accuracy of:
+/-0.1dB.
Chord Electronics specifies the RIAA response from 12Hz to 25kHz, with an input-noise figure of 1.1nV/vHz and maximum output capability of 20V RMS.
Part of the Qutest Range
Huei shares its compact form factor with Chord Electronics Qutest and Anni, allowing a remarkably small digital, vinyl and amplification system to be assembled.
View Chord Electronics Qutest DAC
View Chord Electronics Anni Amplifier
Compact Aluminium Construction
Huei is machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminium and measures just:
- Width: 160mm
- Height: 45mm
- Depth: 88mm
- Weight: 657g
A 12V / 2A external switching power supply is included.
Key Features
- Moving Magnet and Moving Coil compatible
- Qutest-range phono stage
- Eight-stage adjustable gain
- 12-step MC impedance selection
- 100 to 3,700-ohm MC loading range
- 47k-ohm MM input impedance
- Microprocessor-controlled settings
- Memory function
- Switchable rumble filter
- RIAA equalisation
- RCA turntable input
- RCA analogue output
- Balanced XLR analogue output
- 1.1nV/vHz input noise
- 20V RMS maximum output
- Solid aircraft-grade aluminium chassis
- 12V external power supply
- Made in Great Britain
- Three-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Huei for moving-magnet or moving-coil cartridges?
Both. Huei supports MM and MC cartridges.
How many gain settings does Huei have?
Eight selectable gain stages. Chord Electronics' current specification corrects older Audio T copy that referred to seven stages.
Can I adjust the loading for a moving-coil cartridge?
Yes. Huei offers 12 user-selectable MC impedance settings between 100 and 3,700 ohms.
What is the MM input impedance?
47,000 ohms.
Does Huei have balanced outputs?
Yes. A stereo pair of XLR outputs is provided alongside RCA outputs.
Does it have balanced turntable inputs?
No. Huei has one stereo RCA cartridge input. Chord Electronics Symphonic provides both RCA and balanced XLR cartridge inputs.
Does Huei have a rumble filter?
Yes. It is switchable and uses a -24dB-per-octave slope below 50Hz.
Will Huei remember my settings?
Yes. Its microprocessor-controlled design includes a memory function.
Can I use Huei with Anni?
Yes. Huei and Anni are both part of Chord Electronics' compact Qutest range and can be partnered together.
What are Huei's dimensions?
160mm wide, 45mm high and 88mm deep.
What warranty does Huei have?
Chord Electronics currently provides a three-year manufacturer warranty.
Related Chord Electronics Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- MM and MC cartridge matching advice
- Gain and impedance setup guidance
- Turntable and tonearm setup advice
- RCA and XLR connection guidance
- 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 Huei or need help matching its gain and loading settings to your cartridge.