John Darko
Suzi — not Quatro, but a new mini-modular amplifier system from Chord Electronics for smaller listening spaces, high efficiency loudspeakers and desktops. We first saw Suzi at Munich High-End in 2024, but only now is she ready for prime time.
We start with the Suzi Amp, which offers 30wpc (into 8 Ohms) of designer John Franks’ ULTIMA amplification. No 4 Ohm rating has been provided. On the back panel sit Naim-style speaker connectors that talk only to banana plugs.
But up top on the Amp is where the fun begins…
Slide off the cover block to expose the Amp’s analogue connectors onto which the optional Suzi Pre docks. Now we have volume attenuation of the Pre’s three analogue inputs and access to the Amp endstop’s 3.5mm and 6.4mm headphone outputs. The Suzi Pre also features MM and MC phono pre-amplifier capabilities whose gain and impedance settings can be customised via the top panel controls or the supplied remote control.
Listeners who prefer streaming to analogue sources aren’t left out in the cold. We can slide off the Suzi Pre and slide on the Hugo 2 DAC + bolt-on 2go streaming module (review here) to turn the Suzi Amp into a full-blown streaming amplifier. The catch? The 2go module still only supports Bluetooth, as well as Ethernet- or Wi-Fi-derived network streams via Roon Ready, Apple AirPlay, and UPnP. No Spotify Connect. No Tidal Connect. No Qobuz Connect.
How to manage the Hugo 2’s charging when docked? The press release has the answer: “The Suzi Amp is supplied with a charging bridge accessory for use with the Hugo 2 DAC. The charging bridge connects the Suzi Amp to the Hugo 2 and provides charging power to the Hugo 2 when the Suzi Amp is switched off, keeping the Hugo 2 fully charged for portable use. The charging bridge also offers a convenient 5V USB-C power output for devices.”
But there’s more: the optional Multiplexer converts the Hugo 2’s microUSB sockets into USB-B and USB-C. Back to the press release: “Chord Electronics offers a separate USB multiplexer expansion accessory which connects to the Hugo 2’s dual Micro USB inputs, and adds USB-B data inputs, plus USB-C data and charging. The Hugo 2 automatically detects the active input, allowing for simultaneous connections.”
That Multiplexer will run you an extra £300 on top of the Suzi Amp’s £3400 asking price. The Suzi Pre sells for £1995. This isn’t chump change, but we should remember that all Chord Electronics products are made in the UK.
Your choice of black or silver.
Further information: Chord Electronics
