Audio T Verdict
Suzi Pre crams an impressive amount into a very small box. It is a three-input analogue preamplifier, an MM/MC phono stage and a headphone amplifier, with remote-controlled volume and input selection thrown in for good measure.
Its real appeal is flexibility. Use it as a standalone preamp with a suitable power amplifier, or connect it directly to the matching Suzi Amp to create a beautifully compact pre/power system. Vinyl users get selectable gain and MC cartridge loading, while the 3.5mm and 6.35mm headphone outputs make private listening equally straightforward.
Chord Electronics Suzi Pre
Suzi Pre is a compact analogue preamplifier from Chord Electronics' Hugo range, designed to work either independently or as the control centre of the modular Suzi system.
It combines:
- Three analogue stereo inputs
- Built-in MM and MC phono stage
- Selectable phono gain
- Selectable MC cartridge loading
- 3.5mm and 6.35mm headphone outputs
- Stereo RCA preamplifier output
- Remote-controlled volume and input selection
- Direct integration with Chord Electronics Suzi Amp
MM and MC Phono Stage
One of Suzi Pre's biggest advantages is its built-in phono stage, allowing a turntable to be connected without requiring a separate phono preamplifier.
Moving Magnet
MM cartridges use a conventional 47k-ohm input impedance, with selectable High or Low gain.
Moving Coil
MC cartridges benefit from High or Low gain plus three selectable loading options: 50 ohms, 235 ohms + 47pF or 470 ohms + 47pF.
Gain and impedance are adjusted directly from the front panel using Chord Electronics' colour-coded controls. A dedicated grounding post is also provided for the turntable earth connection.
Choosing the Right MC Loading
Check your cartridge manufacturer's recommended load impedance before selecting a setting. If the exact value is not available, Chord Electronics recommends choosing the option that most closely matches the cartridge specification.
Three Inputs, Headphone Amplifier and Preamp Output
Suzi Pre provides one dedicated phono input plus two conventional line-level inputs, allowing a typical system to accommodate a turntable alongside sources such as a DAC, streamer or CD player.
- Input 1: Stereo RCA MM/MC phono input
- Input 2: Stereo RCA line input
- Input 3: Stereo RCA line input
- Preamp output: Stereo RCA
- Headphones: 1 x 3.5mm and 1 x 6.35mm
The headphone outputs can be used individually or simultaneously, with Chord Electronics specifying 160mW into 100 ohms.
Designed for Suzi Amp
Suzi Pre can be used with a suitable standalone power amplifier, but it was designed specifically to integrate with the matching Chord Electronics Suzi Amp.
Together they create a compact analogue pre/power amplifier with turntable and headphone connectivity. Suzi Amp can also supply power to Suzi Pre through the dedicated 12V connection, helping keep the complete system neat.
View Chord Electronics Suzi Amp at Audio T
Simple Front-Panel and Remote Control
A central polychromatic control sphere and thumb-wheel handle volume and input selection, with the selected input identified by colour.
The supplied remote provides control over:
- Standby
- Volume
- Mute
- Input selection
- Display brightness
The compact aluminium casework measures just 215mm long, 100mm wide and 34mm high, making Suzi Pre equally suited to desktop systems and conventional Hi-Fi installations.
Key Features
- Compact analogue preamplifier
- Chord Electronics Hugo range
- Built-in MM phono stage
- Built-in MC phono stage
- High and Low phono gain
- 47k-ohm MM loading
- Three selectable MC loads
- Dedicated turntable grounding post
- 2 x RCA line inputs
- 1 x RCA MM/MC phono input
- 1 x stereo RCA preamp output
- 3.5mm headphone output
- 6.35mm headphone output
- 160mW headphone output into 100 ohms
- Simultaneous headphone operation
- Remote volume control
- Remote input selection
- Direct Suzi Amp integration
- 12V DC operation
- Black or Silver finish
- Made in the United Kingdom
- Three-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Electronics Suzi Pre?
Suzi Pre is an analogue preamplifier, headphone amplifier and MM/MC phono stage in one compact chassis.
Can Suzi Pre be used without Suzi Amp?
Yes. It can operate as a standalone preamplifier with a suitable unbalanced power amplifier.
Does Suzi Pre have a phono stage?
Yes. It supports both Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges.
Can I adjust the moving-coil cartridge loading?
Yes. MC impedance can be set to 50 ohms, 235 ohms + 47pF or 470 ohms + 47pF.
What is the MM cartridge loading?
47k ohms.
Does the phono stage have adjustable gain?
Yes. High and Low gain settings are provided for the phono input.
How many line inputs are provided?
Two stereo RCA line inputs are provided in addition to the dedicated MM/MC phono input.
Does Suzi Pre have a headphone amplifier?
Yes. It provides both 3.5mm and 6.35mm headphone outputs, rated at 160mW into 100 ohms.
Can both headphone sockets be used together?
Yes. Chord Electronics specifies that they can be used individually or simultaneously.
Does Suzi Pre include remote control?
Yes. Volume, mute, standby, input selection and display brightness can be controlled remotely.
What colours are available?
Audio T currently offers Black and Silver.
What warranty does Suzi Pre have?
Chord Electronics provides a three-year manufacturer warranty.
Related Chord Electronics Products
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Suzi Pre and Suzi Amp demonstrations
- MM and MC cartridge matching advice
- Phono gain and loading setup guidance
- Headphone matching and demonstrations
- Preamp and power amplifier matching
- 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 Suzi Pre or discuss the best phono and amplifier configuration for your system.