Chord Electronics Suzi Pre Preamplifier, Headphone Amplifier and Phono Stage at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The Suzi Pre is a compact analogue preamplifier, MM/MC phono stage, and headphone 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 Pre delivers 0.0007% THD A-weighted and a signal-to-noise ratio of -103 dB from a chassis dimensionally matched to the Chord Suzi stereo power amplifier, the Hugo 2 DAC, and the 2go wireless streamer. Featuring two preamp gain options, selectable MC cartridge impedance, dual headphone outputs, and a remote control, the Suzi Pre functions as a standalone preamplifier, a phono preamplifier, or the analogue control centre of a complete Suzi modular system with the Chord Suzi power amplifier.

MM/MC Phono Stage with Selectable Gain and Impedance

The Suzi Pre incorporates a built-in MM/MC phono stage with selectable gain and adjustable impedance loading, configurable directly from the front panel. Two preamp gain settings, high and low, allow the output level to be matched to the sensitivity of the connected power amplifier or active loudspeakers. For MC cartridge users, multiple impedance load options can be selected to optimise the electrical interface between the cartridge and the input stage, a facility that was previously found only in dedicated phono stages or larger preamplifiers. The phono input accepts signals from both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges through a single stereo RCA turntable input, with the remaining two stereo RCA pairs accommodating line-level sources such as CD players, network streamers, or digital-to-analogue converters. Signal-to-noise ratio is -103 dB and THD measures 0.0007% A-weighted, with a frequency response spanning 7 Hz to 30 kHz within plus or minus 3 dB across the full operating range. Maximum input and output voltage are both rated at 3.5 V RMS, and the unit is powered by a 12V DC supply, enabling direct power delivery from the Suzi stereo power amplifier when the two units are used together as a stacked system.

The Complete Suzi Modular System: Three Configurations

The Suzi Pre is engineered as the analogue control hub of the Chord Suzi modular system, designed to work alongside the Chord Suzi stereo power amplifier in three primary configurations. As a standalone unit, the Suzi Pre functions as a compact analogue preamplifier with phono stage and headphone amplifier, connecting to any power amplifier or active loudspeakers via its stereo RCA output. When combined with the Chord Suzi power amplifier, the two units form a complete analogue pre/power amplifier and phono stage system in a compact footprint ideally suited to nearfield, desktop, or space-constrained listening environments. For existing Chord Hugo 2 and 2go owners, the Suzi Pre can also be used alongside a separate Hugo 2 DAC within the broader modular ecosystem, integrating analogue and digital sources under a single volume control. The central polychromatic control sphere on the Suzi Pre's front panel handles both volume and input selection, and a remote control is included for full-function operation from the listening position.

Key Features

• Built-In MM/MC Phono Stage: Accommodates both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges through a dedicated stereo RCA turntable input, with selectable gain and adjustable MC cartridge impedance loading from the front panel.
• 0.0007% THD A-Weighted: Exceptionally low distortion for a preamplifier of this size, preserving the integrity of both phono and line-level signals through the gain stage.
• -103 dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio: A low noise floor across all inputs ensures that programme material is reproduced cleanly without background noise colouring the presentation.
• Two Preamp Gain Options: High and low gain settings allow the Suzi Pre's output level to be matched to the sensitivity of the connected power amplifier or active loudspeakers.
• Selectable MC Cartridge Impedance: Multiple impedance load settings allow the phono stage to be optimised for a wide range of moving coil cartridges, including designs with very low output impedance.
• Dual Headphone Outputs: Both a 3.5mm and a quarter-inch headphone output are provided on the front panel, enabling connection to full-size and portable headphones without an adapter.
• Three Analogue Inputs: One dedicated MM/MC phono input and two stereo RCA line inputs provide connectivity for a turntable, CD player, DAC, or network streamer simultaneously.
• Remote Control Included: Full remote control functionality allows volume and input selection from the listening position.
• 12V DC Power Input: Powered via 12V DC, the Suzi Pre can receive power directly from the Chord Suzi stereo power amplifier when the two units are stacked, eliminating the need for a separate power supply in the combined system.
• Dimensionally Matched to the Suzi Ecosystem: The Suzi Pre shares the compact chassis format of the Chord Suzi power amplifier and Hugo 2, enabling a cohesive and space-efficient stacked system.
• Polychromatic Control Sphere: A central illuminated control sphere on the front panel handles volume and input selection with the intuitive visual interface shared across the Chord Hugo product family.
• Designed by John Franks: Engineered by Chord Electronics' founder and chief designer, whose product portfolio spans over three decades of British analogue and digital audio innovation.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• 1 x stereo RCA MM/MC phono input (moving magnet and moving coil, selectable impedance)
• 2 x stereo RCA line inputs
• 1 x 12V DC power input jack
• 1 x stereo RCA output
• 1 x 3.5mm headphone output
• 1 x 1/4" (6.35mm) headphone output

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chord Electronics Suzi Pre?

The Chord Electronics Suzi Pre is a compact analogue preamplifier, MM/MC phono stage, and headphone amplifier from Chord Electronics, designed by John Franks and formally launched in 2025. It measures 0.0007% THD A-weighted and -103 dB signal-to-noise ratio, features selectable MM/MC phono gain and MC cartridge impedance loading, includes dual headphone outputs at 3.5mm and quarter-inch, and is powered by 12V DC. It is designed to integrate directly with the Chord Suzi stereo power amplifier to form a complete analogue pre/power amplifier system, and also functions as a standalone preamplifier for use with any power amplifier or active loudspeakers.

How does the Chord Suzi Pre compare to the Cambridge Audio Alva Solo or iFi Audio Zen Phono?

The Chord Suzi Pre is a significantly more comprehensive device than standalone phono preamplifiers such as the Cambridge Audio Alva Solo or iFi Audio Zen Phono. Where those units handle phono amplification only, the Suzi Pre combines a full MM/MC phono stage with a line-level preamplifier, headphone amplifier, and remote control in a single chassis. Its 0.0007% THD and -103 dB SNR represent genuinely high-end measured performance that exceeds the Alva Solo's specification in both categories. The Suzi Pre also features selectable MC impedance loading from the front panel, a capability more commonly found in dedicated phono preamplifiers several times its size, and integrates directly into the Chord Suzi modular system for expanded functionality.

Can the Chord Suzi Pre be used with any power amplifier?

Yes, the Chord Suzi Pre functions as a standalone analogue preamplifier compatible with any power amplifier or active loudspeakers. Its stereo RCA output connects to any power amplifier accepting a line-level input, regardless of manufacturer. While it is engineered for optimal integration with the Chord Suzi stereo power amplifier within the modular Suzi system, it works equally well as a preamplifier for designs from Naim, Bryston, Parasound, or any other power amplifier accepting a standard RCA input. The two gain settings allow output level matching to amplifiers of different input sensitivities.

What is the difference between MM and MC phono settings in the Chord Suzi Pre?

Moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) are the two principal types of phono cartridge used in turntables. MM cartridges produce a higher output voltage and require a standardised 47k-ohm input impedance load, while MC cartridges produce a much lower output voltage and require a specific impedance load that varies by cartridge model to operate optimally. The Chord Suzi Pre accommodates both types through a single dedicated RCA phono input, with front-panel selectable gain settings and selectable impedance loading for MC cartridges. This allows the Suzi Pre to be configured correctly for the specific cartridge fitted to the user's turntable without any external adapters or additional equipment.

Does the Chord Suzi Pre include a headphone amplifier?

Yes, the Chord Suzi Pre includes a built-in headphone amplifier with both a 3.5mm and a quarter-inch (6.35mm) output on the front panel, enabling private listening directly from the preamplifier stage without a separate headphone amplifier. This makes the Suzi Pre a practical all-in-one analogue hub for desktop and nearfield systems where a turntable, line-level sources, and headphones all need to coexist within a compact footprint. Both headphone outputs are available simultaneously, allowing two listeners to use different headphone types at the same time.

How does the Chord Suzi Pre integrate with the Suzi power amplifier?

The Chord Suzi Pre and Suzi stereo power amplifier are designed to operate as a matched pre/power amplifier system. The Suzi Pre's stereo RCA output connects to one of the Suzi power amplifier's RCA inputs, and the 12V DC power supply can be shared between the two units when stacked, with the Suzi power amplifier providing 12V DC to the Suzi Pre via the DC jack, reducing the number of separate power connections required. Together, the two units deliver a complete analogue pre/power amplifier with phono stage and headphone amplification in a chassis footprint smaller than most single-box integrated amplifiers.

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

The Chord Electronics Suzi Pre preamplifier, headphone amplifier, and phono stage is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorised Chord Electronics dealer located in Toronto, Canada. Vinyl Sound carries the complete Chord Suzi modular system including both the Suzi Pre and the Suzi stereo power amplifier, and can demonstrate the full analogue system configuration in-store. Canadian customers across the Greater Toronto Area are welcome to contact or visit Vinyl Sound Toronto for expert guidance on integrating the Suzi Pre into an existing or new system.