Audio T Verdict
Alto might have started life in Chord Electronics' professional range, but there's nothing stopping it earning a place in a home Hi-Fi system. In fact, its combination of serious headphone power, compact dimensions and the ability to drive a pair of loudspeakers makes it unusually versatile.
At its heart is Chord Electronics' ULTIMA dual-feed-forward amplifier technology, condensed into a chassis barely larger than an A5 sheet. Alto provides four front-panel headphone sockets, 50W into 4-ohm loudspeakers, RCA and XLR analogue inputs and an XLR output that can operate with volume control or as a signal passthrough.
For someone building a high-end desktop, bedroom or dedicated headphone system, Alto can therefore cover considerably more ground than a conventional headphone amplifier.
Chord Electronics Alto Headphone and Speaker Amplifier
Alto was developed originally for professional studios, engineers and content creators before Chord Electronics introduced it to the wider home Hi-Fi market.
Its compact all-analogue design combines:
- Chord Electronics ULTIMA amplifier technology
- Four front-panel headphone outputs
- 50W into 4-ohm loudspeakers
- Stereo RCA analogue input
- Stereo XLR analogue input
- XLR variable output or signal passthrough
- 12V DC auxiliary output
- Wide-range auto-switching power supply
ULTIMA Amplifier Technology
Alto incorporates technology derived from Chord Electronics' larger ULTIMA amplifiers.
The ULTIMA topology uses a dual-feed-forward error-correction system designed to monitor and correct errors within the amplifier stage, reducing distortion while maintaining the speed and transparency for which Chord Electronics' amplification is known.
It means Alto shares core amplifier thinking with significantly larger Chord Electronics designs while packaging it for desktop, nearfield and headphone use.
Four Headphone Outputs
Alto can drive up to four pairs of headphones simultaneously and provides:
- 1 x 3.5mm headphone output
- 2 x 6.35mm headphone outputs
- 1 x 4.4mm headphone output
Maximum published headphone output is:
2250mW into 100 ohms.
This makes Alto particularly useful for comparing headphones, shared listening or driving demanding high-end models.
4.4mm Output Is Pseudo-Balanced
Although Alto includes a 4.4mm headphone socket, Chord Electronics specifies this as a pseudo-balanced output because the amplifier itself is not a fully balanced design.
The 4.4mm connection should therefore not be confused with a fully differential balanced headphone amplifier architecture.
Speaker Amplifier Too
Alto is not limited to headphones. Rear-panel banana sockets allow it to drive a conventional pair of passive loudspeakers.
Chord Electronics specifies:
- 50W into 4 ohms
- 25W into 8 ohms
That makes Alto particularly attractive for compact standmount speakers in desktop, nearfield, office or bedroom systems.
One Amplifier for Headphones and Speakers
Alto can form the centre of a compact system where headphones are used for private listening but a pair of passive speakers is also wanted.
That makes it rather more flexible than a conventional dedicated headphone amplifier.
RCA and XLR Analogue Inputs
Alto provides two stereo analogue input options:
- 1 x pair of RCA inputs
- 1 x pair of XLR inputs
This allows suitable DACs, streamers, CD players, phono stages and other line-level sources to be connected directly.
Alto does not contain its own DAC, streamer or phono stage, so digital and vinyl sources require an appropriate source component beforehand.
Variable XLR Output and Signal Passthrough
A further pair of rear-panel XLR connections can be used for:
- Additional volume-controlled output
- Signal passthrough
This gives Alto useful system-expansion possibilities, including connection to suitable active monitors or external amplification where appropriate.
12V DC Output
Alto also includes a:
12V DC jack output.
Chord Electronics provides this for use with compatible partnering products, adding further flexibility in professional or integrated installations.
High-Frequency Switch-Mode Power Supply
Alto uses an internal high-frequency switch-mode power supply and accepts:
80V to 250V AC with automatic voltage switching.
This gives the amplifier wide mains compatibility without requiring manual voltage selection.
Compact Desktop Design
Despite its output capability, Alto measures just:
- 200mm wide
- 215mm deep
- 57mm high
At 1.946kg, it remains compact enough for a desk while still being substantial enough for use in a conventional Hi-Fi rack.
Professional Roots, Domestic Uses
Chord Electronics originally developed Alto as a headphone and nearfield-monitor amplifier for studio professionals.
Its compact size, speaker outputs and multiple headphone connections make exactly the same features useful for high-end home listening.
Performance Specifications
Headphones
- 2250mW into 100 ohms
- 0.001% THD into 100 ohms
- Four simultaneous outputs
Loudspeakers
- 50W into 4 ohms
- 25W into 8 ohms
- 0.003% THD into 4 ohms
Chord Electronics also publishes a 120dB signal-to-noise ratio, -95dB crosstalk and frequency response extending from 6Hz to 60kHz.
Key Features
- Chord Electronics Alto
- Professional headphone and speaker amplifier
- ULTIMA amplifier technology
- Dual-feed-forward error correction
- Four headphone outputs
- 1 x 3.5mm headphone socket
- 2 x 6.35mm headphone sockets
- 1 x 4.4mm pseudo-balanced socket
- 2250mW into 100-ohm headphones
- 50W into 4-ohm loudspeakers
- 25W into 8-ohm loudspeakers
- Rear speaker banana sockets
- Stereo RCA analogue input
- Stereo XLR analogue input
- XLR variable output
- XLR signal passthrough
- 12V DC auxiliary output
- 120dB signal-to-noise ratio
- 6Hz to 60kHz frequency response
- 80V to 250V AC auto-switching
- Compact desktop dimensions
- Made in the UK
- Three-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chord Electronics Alto only a headphone amplifier?
No. Alto is both a headphone amplifier and a stereo speaker amplifier, delivering up to 50W into 4-ohm loudspeakers.
How many headphones can Alto drive?
Up to four pairs simultaneously using its 3.5mm, dual 6.35mm and 4.4mm outputs.
Is the 4.4mm headphone output fully balanced?
No. Chord Electronics describes it as pseudo-balanced because Alto itself is not a fully balanced amplifier design.
Does Alto have a DAC?
No. Alto is an analogue amplifier and requires a separate DAC for digital sources.
Can I connect a turntable?
Yes, but a suitable phono stage is required unless the turntable already has one built in.
Can Alto drive passive speakers?
Yes. It provides 50W into 4 ohms and 25W into 8 ohms through rear-panel banana sockets.
Can Alto be used with active speakers?
Alto has an XLR output that can operate with additional volume control or as a signal passthrough, making integration with suitable downstream equipment possible.
Does Alto have RCA inputs?
Yes. One stereo pair of RCA inputs is provided alongside a pair of XLR inputs.
Is Alto intended for home use?
Yes. Although originally developed for Chord Electronics' professional range, Alto was subsequently released worldwide for home listeners as well.
What are Alto's dimensions?
200mm wide, 215mm deep and 57mm high.
How much does Alto weigh?
1.946kg.
What warranty does Alto have?
Chord Electronics currently specifies a three-year manufacturer warranty.
Related Chord Electronics Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Help matching Alto to your headphones
- Speaker matching and system advice
- DAC and source recommendations
- RCA and XLR connection guidance
- Desktop and nearfield system setup
- 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 Alto with your own headphones or discuss using it as the centre of a compact speaker system.