- Chord has officially launched the elite Suzi Pre and Suzi Amp
- Both were shown in prototype only at High End Munich 2024
- Chord lists ficw possible configurations – here’s the breakdown
Love a TechRadar heritage review? Me too! Grab something refreshing and check out our Chord Chordette review from 2010 (what a name) for five minutes.
Back to the news at hand now, and although High End Munich 2025 saw UK hi-fi specialist Chord tease something “groundbreaking”, it’s the company’s 2024 two-strong prototype reveal that’s finally available to buy now – and that I want to shine a light on.
I don’t actually know if the pair were named after Suzi Quatro, but that is what I want to believe. Furthermore, anyone who plans on discrediting my assumption has a heart of stone, because she rocks. (Sorry, eds. More of this throughout).
Suzi Pre and Suzi Amp: specs, pricing, Quatro references…
Breakdown? Of course. As you’d expect, the Suzi Pre preamp and Suzi Amp stereo power amplifier can be used in isolation, or in combination as a pre/power amp, but Chord explains that the 30-watt Suzi Amp can also seamlessly integrate with the company’s flagship Hugo 2 DAC (although not the minor step-down Qutest model).
And there’s more. When the Suzi Amp is paired with the aforementioned Hugo 2 DAC and the company’s 2go streamer, it transforms into a streaming amplifier complete with Roon Endpoint and DLNA/UPnP connectivity, plus the potential for 2TB maximum onboard solid state storage, using the 2go’s twin MicroSD slots.
But let’s keep a knockin’ with Chord’s full Suzi concept guide, including five potential configurations. Yes, I’d kind of hoped for a 48 crash too, but five will do…
- Suzi Pre: a standalone analog preamp with a phono stage and headphone output
- Suzi Amp: a standalone stereo power amp
- Suzi Pre/Suzi Amp: a compact pre/power amplifier with phono stage and headphone out
- Suzi Amp with a Hugo 2: a DAC/amplifier (add USB-C/B inputs with the Multiplexer accessory)
- Suzi Amp with a Hugo 2 and 2go: a streaming DAC/amp with up to 2 TB microSD storage
Should you buy both? Well, your mama won’t like me (and neither will your bank balance) but there’s plenty to love – they make me smile, at any rate.
The Suzi Pre boasts a premium built-in MM/MC phono stage (for connectivity with the best turntables, irrespective of your deck’s cartridge) with selectable gain and impedance, accessible via top-panel controls or the bundled remote control. It features both 3.5mm and 6.35mm headphone outputs, three RCA inputs, one RCA output, and a 12V DC output. A central polychromatic control sphere takes care of volume and input selection.
The Suzi Amp power amplifier incorporates Chord Electronics’ proprietary ULTIMA amplifier topology, boasting 30 watts of stereo power in a remarkably compact design (so it’s hardly too big for your home). It features 4mm banana loudspeaker outputs, RCA inputs and a removable solid aluminum cover block exposing connections for the direct integration of the Suzi Pre or Hugo 2.
Chord tells me that front-panel polychromatic buttons control power and the AV bypass feature, and that casework venting should regulate the temperature. A 12 V DC output is also there, for compatibility with other Chord Electronics devices. A headphone pass-through (3.5mm and 6.35mm) is also active when the Suzi Amp is connected to the Suzi Pre or Hugo 2.
If you’re considering the Hugo 2 and Suzi Amp combination (good shout – me too), Chord Electronics is keen to emphasize that it also offers a separate USB multiplexer expansion accessory. This connects to the Hugo 2’s dual micro USB inputs and adds USB-B data inputs plus USB-C data and charging.
The Suzi Amp is even supplied with a charging bridge accessory for use with the Hugo 2 DAC. Said charging bridge provides juicing power to the Hugo 2 when the Suzi Amp is switched off, keeping the Hugo 2 fully charged for portable use and offering a convenient 5 V USB-C power output for devices.
Let’s head down the devil gate drive of pricing, shall we? Suzi Pre comes with a list price of £1,995 (so around $2,700 or AU$4,150, as a rough guide). The Suzi Amp is the Daytona demon of the duo though – the wild one, if you will – in that it is priced at £3,400 (or around $4,600 or AU$7,000, before duties). That USB Multiplexer? It’s a snip at £300.
All are available now. My advice? Evie, Evie, let your hair down…
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becky.scarrott@futurenet.com (Becky Scarrott)
