Source: Press Release, Last Accessed: 2026/02/04

British amplification and digital audio specialist, Chord Electronics, announced the availability of two highly anticipated flagship products: the Quartet digital upscaler and the Ultima Phonostage, the later formally unveiled last year. Both new products will be showcased during the Brystol Hi-Fi Show (20-22/2/2026). According to the press release, the new devices will be joined by the acclaimed Ultima PRE 3 and Ultima 3 (monoblocks) in a unique playback system.
Eight years in development, the Quartet is Chord Electronics’ most ambitious digital audio project to date. A highly advanced two-box FPGA-based upscaler, the Quartet boasts an incredible five times the computing power of the partnering DAVE DAC.
The Quartet’s processing power centers around 5x 200T FPGAs with over two million lines of bespoke code; the device redefines what is possible with transient timing reconstruction for unparalleled transparency, realism and fidelity, Chord states.
A dedicated external power supply features the Kent company’s most sophisticated RF filtering so far, ensuring total isolation from mains noise and partnering electronics
. True lossless EQ customization is offered from the device’s bespoke 108-bit, 705.6/768kHz lossless EQ technology which provides a 10-band shelf adjustment, delivering tonal flexibility across genre, format and recording quality, without the phase distortion typical of conventional equalizers. (up to this time, there is no photo of the Quartet, full details and images will follow when the device is formally launched).
The Ultima Phonostage is Chord Electronics’ most advanced phono stage in almost 40 years and distills decades of know-how from Chord Electronics’ founder and chief designer John Franks. It adapts the company’s acclaimed Ultima amplifier topology for vinyl replay, creating a new reference point for owners of high-performance turntables Chord says.
The dual-mono design supports up to three phono cartridges simultaneously. Each input is independently configurable, with settings retained in memory after power-down.
According to the press release, an innovative automatic gain reduction system is included that protects speakers and prevents clipping by detecting signal spikes, such as accidental arm drops, adjusting gain instantly.
The phono preamp unveiled during the Munich High End Show 2025, but it will be available during 2026.

For more information: https://chordelectronics.co.uk/

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