September 2019


Best Of 2019 Blue Note Equipment Awards

Chord Electronics Symphonic MC Phono Preamplifier
Price: $4495
Click here to read the complete review.

  A killer MC phono preamplifier, the Chord Electronics Symphonic MC Phono Preamplifier is well worth its asking price. The first thing one might notice in regard to Chord's Symphonic Moving Coil (MC) phono preamplifier is its eye-catching appearance. At least that's the first thing that I noticed, even though by now I should be accustomed to this: I've never seen a Chord component that uses a rectangular 17" wide cabinet.

The form of the Symphonic phono preamp seems to follow its function, as the two round windows on the top of its enclosure allows the user to view the illuminated LEDs on its interior that inform the user of the settings they've chosen from the almost infinite number of gain and impedance options located on external pushbuttons on the cabinet's rear panel. Not only that, but Chord obviously didn't find it necessary to use a large cabinet when one wasn't necessary. Otherwise, the design of this Moving Coil (MC) phono preamplifier quite good looking, in a high-tech sort of way, and there's nothing wrong with that.

What I heard when spinning records while the Chord Electronics Symphonic MC phono preamp was in my system was music, with nothing added, nothing subtracted, and was as if I was hearing a direct connection to the potential of my analog set-up. This is because this phono preamplifier is obviously made by those who put a value not on any sonic exhibitionism, but only on the music. At the same time Chord Electronics also has on staff some very creative designers, because while the Symphonic is performing its job of expertly transferring the small signal from the phono cartridge  to the linestage, it looks extremely good while doing  it. To all those who use MC cartridges in their analog  set ups, I highly recommend this phono preamp. 

Click here to read the complete review.

Previous Annual Blue Note Awards

Product of the Year Awards 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001.