Chord CPM2600 integrated amp - Review & Blog

[DSJR]

I only know the 1200 poer amp of old and this one sounded grainy and thick when first switched on. After a few hours it massively improved, but as KJ developed as an Ab Sounds outlet primarily, the Chord was sold off and that was it, as far as I'm aware..

The Bryston pre I had was the BP25 with phono stage, using discrete class A gain blocks. After 24 hours, the sound was significantly better, almost sweet toned and very much clearer. The BP26 which replaced it had a couple of component (quality?) tweaks inside and a much larger and more expensive power supply, with separate rails for each stage (although it could also be used as an upgrade to the model I had). I suspect this answered much of my initial findings by tackling the important bits and getting the circuit stable more quickly, if you see what I mean.

If you're happy to leave on, then great This maker does spend a goodly amount on finish and construction too...

[jandl100]

This maker does spend a goodly amount on finish and construction too...

Hmmm, yes .... tbh, that has always put me off Chord in the past - I'd rather spend my ££ on sound quality internals than a shiny bling casework and finish. But at the used price I got I thought it was a worth a punt - and I wanted to find out what (if anything!) the Chord fanboyz were on about. And now I know - and I'm pretty impressed!

[Marc B]

Jerry, your findings are the same as mine with every amp I've had. Even with S/H kit.

It's pointless even setting the speakers up properly for the first week as the balance changes that much.

I'm thinking it must be the new load that the different speakers have or something.

Even my power amp which has just been repaired sounded completely different and had lost its grunt into the lower end. It seems to be slowly comming back on form after 10 hours of being switched on though.

Glad you like your Chord amp though , looks amazing !

I think you should aim for the complete matching system for the ultimate bling

[MartinT]

After my Chord was returned from its service it sounded horrible due to being so cold from exposure in the courier's van. Pumping a load of hi-watt music through it helped bring it up to temperature fairly quickly. However, leaving it on permanently is the best solution and isn't too eco-unfriendly since the idle current is very low.

BTW, Chord's service department were very helpful in replacing the noisy relays and bringing the circuit up to latest spec. Inexpensive, too.

[jandl100]

BTW, Chord's service department were very helpful in replacing the noisy relays and bringing the circuit up to latest spec. Inexpensive, too.

Ah, that's interesting.

The only slight niggle with mine is that the volume control tends to stick at very low levels (say up to 6 or 7 out of 100) when using the remote control. Not a great concern as 99% of my listening seems to be between 30-60. I'm pretty sure the volume knob is just snagging the casework in that position.

Where are Chord? - maybe I can arrange to have a quick service sometime.

[jandl100]

Hi Marc - I recognise that avatar from somewhere!

Jerry, your findings are the same as mine with every amp I've had. Even with S/H kit.

Must admit I've not found that myself ... maybe I haven't tried enough gear? The Chord is certainly an extreme example anyway.

I think you should aim for the complete matching system for the ultimate bling

Now there's a thought. I have a sneaking suspicion that too much Chord kit lined up in series might be a bit too 'clean' for my tastes. It would be fun to find out, though.

[Marc B]

you could do this to your speakers to fix the errr "clean"

pic nicked from the classe forum.. genius !

[jandl100]

Probably better to just get better matched components!

I have a tweeter level control on my Infinity speakers and that is set a tad on the low side with the Chord.

[MartinT]

Where are Chord?

They're in Kent:
http://www.chordelectronics.co.uk/

[MartinT]

I think you should aim for the complete matching system for the ultimate bling

Taken in jest, but not the best way to proceed. For instance, I compared the Chord 4000 preamp and it was comprehensively outperformed by the Pass Labs at a similar price. Always best to go for the best component at every stage.