Chord Electronics
Chord Huei phono preamp
Best high-end phono stage for serious vinyl enthusiasts seeking precise control.
Experience superior turntable integration with the Chord Huei phono preamp, meticulously engineered in Great Britain. Building on 30 years of amplifier expertise, the Huei offers seamless compatibility with both Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges. Its advanced design features ultra-low-noise microprocessor control and a convenient memory function. Crafted from precision-machined aircraft-grade aluminum, it boasts illuminated control spheres for intuitive adjustments. With comprehensive gain and impedance options, a switchable rumble filter, and both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs, the Huei delivers exceptional performance for your vinyl setup.
$1725.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
133
/ 466
#133 in Phono Preamps
Price vs Category Average
-75%
Below average
Cartridge Type Support
Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC)
/ Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC)
Who it's for
- Desktop audiophiles prioritizing premium build quality and space efficiency
- Vinyl collectors using diverse or high-end cartridge collections
- Critical listeners seeking absolute clarity and sonic transparency
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking entry-level or mid-range solutions
- Analog purists who prefer tactile, intuitive physical switches
- Purists demanding integrated power supplies for maximum noise isolation
Performance breakdown
Cartridge Versatility
Seamlessly handles both MM and MC cartridges with extensive gain settings.
Build Integrity
Aircraft-grade aluminum chassis offers exceptional durability and vibration resistance.
Signal Purity
Microprocessor-controlled circuitry ensures an ultra-low noise floor for pristine playback.
Connectivity Options
Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs provide flexible system integration.
Interface Intuition
Polychromatic control spheres make adjustments visually engaging and straightforward.
Sonic Correction
Switchable rumble filter effectively manages low-frequency interference from older records.
Key Specs
Cartridge Type Support
Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC)
Gain Control
Seven-stage switchable gain
Chassis Material
Precision-machined aircraft-grade aluminium billet
Outputs
Unbalanced (RCA) and Balanced (XLR)
Inputs
RCA
Power Supply
Supplied with a high-quality 12V external unit
Control System
Microprocessor controlled
Circuitry Type
Solid State
Features
- Supports MM and MC cartridges
- Ultra-low-noise microprocessor control
- Convenient memory function for settings
- Seven stages of switchable gain
- Switchable rumble filter
- Precision-machined aluminum chassis
- Illuminated polychromatic control spheres
- Balanced and unbalanced outputs
What customers say
The Chord Huei phono preamp earns high praise for its exceptional technical performance and versatility. Users consistently highlight its remarkable clarity and low noise floor, which significantly enhances vinyl detail retrieval and dynamic range. A key strength is its comprehensive configurability; numerous gain and impedance settings allow precise matching to virtually any MM or MC cartridge. While the sound signature is neutral and precise, some may prefer warmer alternatives. The initial setup complexity, due to the many options, is generally accepted as a worthwhile trade-off for the resulting sonic flexibility. This component is viewed as a high-value, future proof investment delivering substantial sonic improvements.
Know before you buy
Yes, the Huei is fully compatible with both MM and MC cartridges. You can easily toggle between them and adjust the settings to match the specific requirements of your cartridge.
You can adjust these settings using the illuminated control spheres on the front panel. The device features seven stages of switchable gain, allowing you to fine-tune the output to perfectly match your turntable setup.
Yes, it includes a switchable rumble filter. This is a helpful feature for cleaning up low-frequency noise caused by warped records or turntable motor vibrations.
Yes, the Huei provides both unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR outputs. Using the balanced XLR outputs can help reduce noise interference, especially if you have a longer cable run to your amplifier.
Yes, the Huei features a built-in memory function. It will store your last used gain and impedance settings, so you don't have to reconfigure it every time you power the unit on.
The Huei comes with a dedicated, high-quality 12V external power supply. It is designed to work specifically with the unit to maintain the low-noise performance of the internal circuitry.
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