Chord Electronics Suzi Stereo Power Amplifier at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The Suzi is a modular stereo power amplifier from Chord Electronics (Maidstone, Kent, United Kingdom), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Designed by Chord Electronics founder John Franks and formally launched in 2025, the Suzi delivers 30 watts per channel into 8 ohms with trickle-down ULTIMA amplifier topology in a compact chassis sized to integrate directly with the Hugo 2 DAC/preamp or the Suzi Pre preamplifier. The Suzi's fully modular architecture enables three distinct system configurations, making it the most versatile entry point into Chord Electronics' ULTIMA-technology amplifier family and a natural upgrade path for existing Hugo 2 and 2go owners.

ULTIMA Technology in a Modular Architecture

The Chord Suzi brings the same ULTIMA-derived error-correction topology already deployed across the ULTIMA 5, ULTIMA 6, BerTTi, and Anni amplifiers into a uniquely modular chassis format. ULTIMA technology works by monitoring signals and correcting non-linearities before the output stage rather than applying conventional negative feedback after the fact, a distinction that contributes directly to the Suzi's measured THD of 0.01% and signal-to-noise ratio of -116 dB. The output stage operates into 8 ohms with a maximum output voltage of 15 V RMS, while the input stage accepts up to 3 V RMS with a fixed gain of 30 dB. The amplifier runs on a universal voltage range from 80 to 250 V, ensuring full compatibility with mains standards across North America, the United Kingdom, and international markets. A 12V DC trigger output enables system automation when the Suzi is integrated with source components and preamplifiers that support trigger control.

Three System Configurations: Analogue, DAC/Amplifier, and Streaming

The defining characteristic of the Chord Suzi is its purpose-designed modularity. In its first configuration, the Suzi pairs with the Suzi Pre preamplifier to create a traditional analogue pre/power amplifier system; the Suzi Pre adds a built-in MM/MC phono stage and headphone output to the combination. In its second configuration, the Suzi integrates directly with the award-winning Chord Hugo 2 DAC, which functions as both a digital-to-analogue converter and a volume-controlled preamplifier, creating a compact DAC/amplifier system of exceptional resolution. In its third configuration, adding the Chord 2go wireless streamer to the Hugo 2 transforms the Suzi system into a full streaming amplifier with Roon Endpoint capability, DLNA/UPnP connectivity, and up to 2 TB of onboard solid-state storage via the 2go's twin MicroSD card slots. All three configurations share the same Suzi amplifier chassis, allowing the system to evolve alongside a listener's requirements without requiring a new power amplifier.

Key Features

• ULTIMA-Derived Amplifier Topology: Trickle-down error-correction technology from Chord Electronics' flagship ULTIMA amplifier range, monitoring and correcting signals before the output stage for a measured THD of 0.01% and SNR of -116 dB.
• 30W Per Channel into 8 Ohms: Delivers 30 watts of stereo amplification with a maximum output voltage of 15 V RMS into 8 ohms, suited to sensitive loudspeakers and nearfield or desktop listening environments.
• Fully Modular System Design: The Suzi integrates directly with the Suzi Pre preamplifier, the Chord Hugo 2 DAC, or the Hugo 2 combined with the 2go streamer, enabling three distinct and fully functional system configurations from a single amplifier chassis.
• Streaming Amplifier Capability: When combined with the Hugo 2 and 2go, the Suzi system supports Roon Endpoint, DLNA/UPnP streaming, and up to 2 TB of onboard MicroSD storage, functioning as a complete network streaming amplifier.
• Dual RCA Inputs: Two RCA input pairs provide connectivity for multiple analogue sources, accommodating preamplifier and DAC connections simultaneously.
• 4mm Banana Loudspeaker Outputs: High-quality banana socket loudspeaker outputs provide a secure and reliable connection to a wide range of loudspeakers.
• 12V DC Trigger Output: Enables automated system power-on and standby control when used with compatible preamplifiers and source components.
• Universal Mains Voltage: Operates across 80 to 250 V, making the Suzi fully compatible with North American, European, and international mains standards without modification.
• Compact Chassis: At 215 mm wide, 100 mm deep, and 69 mm tall, the Suzi is dimensionally matched to the Hugo 2 and 2go for a cohesive and space-efficient system footprint.
• Designed by John Franks: Engineered by Chord Electronics' founder and chief designer, whose ULTIMA topology development underpins the company's entire current amplifier lineup from the BerTTi to the flagship ULTIMA mono amplifiers.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• 2 x RCA analogue input pairs
• 1 x pair 4mm banana loudspeaker outputs
• 1 x 12V DC trigger output jack
• Universal mains inlet (80-250V)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chord Electronics Suzi?

The Chord Electronics Suzi is a 30-watt modular stereo power amplifier from Chord Electronics, a British high-end audio manufacturer based in Maidstone, Kent, UK. Formally launched in 2025 and designed by company founder John Franks, the Suzi uses trickle-down ULTIMA amplifier topology to deliver 0.01% THD and -116 dB signal-to-noise ratio from a compact chassis. Its defining feature is a modular design that allows direct physical and electrical integration with the Suzi Pre preamplifier, the Hugo 2 DAC, or the Hugo 2 combined with the 2go wireless streamer, enabling three distinct system configurations from a single amplifier.

How does the Chord Suzi compare to the Chord BerTTi or Naim Uniti Atom?

The Chord Suzi and BerTTi both use ULTIMA-derived topology and are aimed at compact, high-performance systems, but they serve different use cases. The BerTTi delivers 75 watts per channel and is sized to complement the Hugo TT 2 within the Table Top range, whereas the Suzi delivers 30 watts and is dimensionally matched to the smaller Hugo 2 and 2go for a more compact footprint. Against an integrated amplifier such as the Naim Uniti Atom, the Suzi offers greater system flexibility by functioning as a standalone power amplifier, a DAC/amp combination, or a full streaming amplifier depending on the partnered components, rather than locking the listener into a fixed all-in-one architecture. Those who already own a Chord Hugo 2 will find the Suzi the most natural and sonically optimised amplifier upgrade available.

Can the Chord Suzi be used as a streaming amplifier?

Yes, the Chord Suzi becomes a full streaming amplifier when combined with the Chord Hugo 2 DAC and the Chord 2go wireless streamer. In this three-component configuration the 2go adds Roon Endpoint capability, DLNA/UPnP network streaming, and up to 2 TB of onboard solid-state storage via twin MicroSD card slots, while the Hugo 2 handles digital-to-analogue conversion using Chord's proprietary FPGA architecture. The Suzi then provides ULTIMA-topology amplification to drive loudspeakers directly, creating a complete streaming system in a physically compact and highly resolving form.

What is ULTIMA amplifier topology in the Chord Suzi?

ULTIMA amplifier topology is Chord Electronics' proprietary approach to analogue amplification, developed by founder John Franks and first deployed in the company's flagship ULTIMA mono power amplifiers. Rather than applying conventional negative feedback to correct distortion after it has occurred in the output stage, ULTIMA technology uses error-correction circuits that monitor signals and compensate for non-linearities before the output devices, preventing errors from entering the signal path in the first place. In the Suzi, this trickle-down implementation achieves a THD of 0.01% and SNR of -116 dB, performance figures well beyond what most amplifiers of this size and power output are capable of delivering.

Is the Chord Suzi compatible with the Hugo 2 I already own?

Yes, the Chord Suzi is specifically designed to integrate directly with the Chord Hugo 2. The Suzi's chassis dimensions and input configuration are matched to accept the Hugo 2 as a combined DAC and preamplifier, with the Hugo 2's variable analogue output feeding directly into one of the Suzi's RCA input pairs. This makes the Suzi the most purpose-designed amplifier upgrade path available to existing Hugo 2 owners, adding ULTIMA-topology stereo amplification without requiring a change to the DAC or an additional preamplifier. Adding a Chord 2go to the Hugo 2 further extends the system into full streaming amplifier territory.

Where can I buy the Chord Electronics Suzi in Toronto or Canada?

The Chord Electronics Suzi stereo power amplifier is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorised Chord Electronics dealer located in Toronto, Canada. Vinyl Sound carries the full Chord Electronics modular ecosystem including the Suzi, Suzi Pre, Hugo 2, and 2go, and can demonstrate all three Suzi system configurations in-store. Canadian customers across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond are welcome to contact or visit Vinyl Sound Toronto to arrange a listening appointment and receive expert system-matching guidance.