Chord Huei

The Chord Electronics Huei is a high-performance phono preamplifier for Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges, designed and manufactured entirely in Great Britain with ultra-low-noise microprocessor control, eight-stage gain switching, twelve-step MC impedance matching, and a memory function that stores your settings between sessions.

Type and Technology

Phono preamplifier, solid-state. Supports Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges. Eight-stage switchable gain: 21-42dB (MM), 49-68dB (MC). Twelve-step impedance matching for MC: 100 to 3,700 ohms. RIAA equalisation accurate to +/-0.1dB from 12Hz to 25kHz. Switchable rumble filter (-24dB/octave below 50Hz). Microprocessor control with memory function, settings are remembered after power off. Illuminated polychromatic control spheres for gain, impedance, MM/MC selection, and rumble filter. RCA input. Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs. 12V external power supply included. Made in the UK.

Sound Character

Quiet, detailed, and tonally accurate. The Huei's 1.1nV/Hz input noise is extremely low for a phono stage at this price, producing a presentation that is clean and low-noise from the first note. The comprehensive gain and impedance matching options mean the Huei can be properly configured for almost any cartridge, and a properly configured phono stage reveals far more of what a turntable and cartridge are capable of.

Build and Finish

Precision-machined aircraft-grade aluminium billet in the same form factor as the Chord Qutest DAC, with the characteristic top-mounted viewing window into the illuminated internal circuitry. Compact at 4.5cm H x 16cm W x 8.8cm D. Available in a range of Chord's polychromatic sphere colours.

Best For

Turntable owners who want a phono stage with comprehensive MM/MC compatibility, flexible gain and impedance matching, and Chord's premium British craftsmanship, particularly those building a Qutest desktop system with the Anni and Qutest DAC.

What's in the Box

• Chord Huei phono preamplifier
• 12V external power supply
• Documentation

Specifications