Chord Electronics Upgrades Standard Series Power Amplifiers to MkII Status

Chord Electronics, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-performance hi-fi and home cinema products, has upgraded its legendary Standard Series power amplifiers to MkII status. The upgrade introduces significant improvements taken from the Reference Series to a more affordable line up, which includes what is considered by many to be the classic Chord Electronics power amp, the SPM 1200 MkII, which made its UK debut at the 2013 Sound and Vision show.

Four models have been updated: three stereo power amps and one monoblock, all revised to include a variety of engineering refinements implemented to increase sonic performance, flexibility and lifespan. The revisions have been implemented to the following stereo models: SPM 1200MkII (350 watts); SPM 4000MkII (480 watts); SPM 5000MkII (500 watts), plus the SPM 1400MkII monoblock (480 watts).

On the outside, the new MkII models sport a stunning new front-panel design and rear connector plate, featuring new British-designed, heavy-duty, gold-plated insulated speaker terminals. The new rear connector plate also enables third-party power connectors to be used. New lighting further complements the design.

On the inside, the refinements are abundant and include: a new power-control and sequencing board for simpler operation and better visual indication; refinements to the filter components to ensure greater high-speed performance and overall stability; plus a plethora of circuit board and earthing changes to improve high-current power flow. Driver circuitry improvements have also been implemented, giving a faster overall response and improved high-frequency response.

The Standard Series amplifiers showcase the very best Chord Electronics’ expertise, design and know-how taken from the Reference Series, at a far more affordable price point. As with all Chord Electronics amplifiers, the Standard Series products utilise technology directly evolved from the aerospace industry, where incredibly high power outputs are demanded from very efficient and very small devices.

Around twenty-five years of research and development knowledge have gone into Chord Electronics’ fifth-generation power supply, which proudly utilises spread spectrum, phased clocking, high-frequency auxiliary and other advanced technologies not usually found outside of the aerospace industry. The result is a virtually noiseless amplifier with huge reserves of effortless power and astonishingly low distortion.

The Standard Series MkII power amps are available now.

SPM 1200MkII: 350-watt stereo power amp (£8,220)
SPM 4000MkII: 480-watt stereo power amp (£12,540)
SPM 5000MkII: 500-watt stereo power amp (£15,000)
SPM 1400MkII: 480-watt mono power amp (£9,090)

Product Specifications

SPM 1200MkII

• Output power: 2x 350W RMS into 8 Ohms; 2x 620W RMS into 4 Ohms; 2x 750W RMS into 2 Ohms
• Output connections: 8x gold-plated WBT output connectors
• Input connections: 2x XLR balanced inputs; 2 x RCA phono single-ended
• Dimensions: 420x140x355mm (WxHxD)
• Weight: 18 kg

SPM 4000MkII

• Output power: 2x 480W RMS into 8 Ohms; 2x 750W RMS into 4 Ohms; 2x 950W RMS into 2 Ohms
• Output connections: 8x gold-plated WBT output connectors
• Input connections: 2x XLR balanced inputs; 2x RCA phono single-ended
• Dimensions: 420x310x355mm (WxHxD)
• Weight: 45 kg

SPM 5000MkII

• Output power: 2x 560W RMS into 8 Ohms; 2x 1,020W RMS into 4 Ohms; 2x 950W RMS into 2 Ohms
• Output connections: 4x gold-plated WBT output connectors
• Input connections: 2x XLR balanced inputs; 2x RCA phono single-ended
• Dimensions: 480x400x310mm (WxHxD)
• Weight: 45 kg

SPM 1400MkII mono

• Output power: 480W RMS into 8 Ohms; 800W RMS into 4 Ohms; 1,000W RMS into 2 Ohms
• Output connections: 4x gold-plated WBT output connectors
• Input connections: 2x XLR balanced inputs; 2x RCA phono single-ended inputs
• Dimensions: 420x140x355mm (WxHxD)
• Weight: 18kg

Source: Press Release