Chord Electronics Étude Stereo Power Amplifier

The Chord Electronics Étude is a compact, high-performance stereo power amplifier from Chord's Choral range. Delivering 150 watts RMS per channel into 4Ω, Étude combines Chord's advanced dual-feed-forward error-correction technology with fully balanced circuitry, proprietary MOSFET construction, and Class AB sliding-bias operation.  Designed to complement components such as DAVE and Prima, Étude offers substantial loudspeaker-driving capability in Chord's distinctive compact Choral chassis. For systems requiring additional power, Étude can also be configured for bridged mono operation, delivering 300 watts into 4Ω. Advanced Dual-Feed-Forward Technology Étude introduced a fundamentally new amplifier topology for Chord, using multi-feedback and dual-feed-forward error correction to monitor and compensate for nonlinearities within the amplifier's output stage. This technology works with Chord's proprietary high-power MOSFET devices to provide precise control of the audio signal while maintaining the speed and low distortion expected from Chord's high-performance amplification designs. 150 W Stereo / 300 W Bridged Mono In standard stereo operation, Étude delivers 150 W RMS per channel into 4Ω at 0.05% distortion. For systems requiring greater output from separate amplifiers, Étude can be operated in bridged mono mode, increasing output to 300 W into 4Ω. Two Étude amplifiers can therefore be configured as dedicated monoblocks, with one amplifier powering each loudspeaker.  Fully Balanced Class AB Design Étude uses fully balanced circuitry with Class AB sliding-bias operation. It provides both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA stereo inputs, making it compatible with a wide range of high-quality preamplifiers and variable-output source components. The amplifier does not provide input switching, so the XLR and RCA connections should not be used simultaneously. Étude is also a dedicated power amplifier and therefore requires a preamplifier or another source capable of properly controlling output level.  High-Frequency Power Supply Architecture Internally, Étude uses three individual high-frequency switch-mode power-supply units: dedicated supplies for the active power rails plus an additional supply for auxiliary rails. Chord combines this architecture with advanced internal shielding, proprietary MOSFET devices, and an actively cooled plenum-chamber design within the compact aluminum chassis.  Designed for the Choral System Étude belongs to Chord's Choral range, making it a natural partner for other Choral components. Chord specifically recommends Prima, DAVE and Symphonic, as well as the Choral Ensemble Stand.  DAVE can provide DAC and preamplifier functionality directly into Étude, while Prima provides a dedicated analog preamplifier solution. Key Features 150 W RMS per channel into 4Ω Bridgeable to 300 W into 4Ω Advanced dual-feed-forward error correction Fully balanced Class AB sliding-bias circuitry Proprietary Chord MOSFET construction Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs High-frequency switch-mode power supplies Solid aluminum Choral chassis