CHORD ETUDE Stereo Power Amplifier User Manual
- June 6, 2024
- chord
Table of Contents
CHORD ETUDE Stereo Power Amplifier
Safety instructions
Introduction
Étude is an incredibly dynamic next-generation power amplifier which uses a
brand new analogue amplifier topology, Chord Electronics’ first all-new design
since its inception.
Before operation, we strongly advise that you read this user manual
thoroughly, storing it in a safe place along with your original receipt of
purchase, in case you should require assistance in the future.
Protection against liquids & heat
The Étude is not protected against liquids of any kind. Never place containers
of liquid on Étude. Never allow Étude to come into contact with moisture or
liquids; doing so could result in electrocution or damage to the Étude’s
internal circuitry.
Be aware that liquids, including water that has dried, can leave minerals that
can affect the PCB and other components, which could eventually lead to
oxidisation and short-circuiting.
If the Étude comes into contact with moisture or liquids, immediately
disconnect from the mains power supply, and connected equipment, and contact
Chord Electronics for further advice.The Étude has internal thermal protection
which will increase the speed of the cooling fans if excessive temperatures
are being reached. Should this occur then check that Étude has adequate
ventilation and/or reduce the volume level until Étude has cooled and the fans
slowed. Never operate the Étude near sources of heat or naked flames as this
will decrease the lifespan of the internal components. It is advised that you
do not operate the Étude in an area of direct sunlight or on top of
significant heat- producing devices. Please be aware that it is entirely
normal for the Étude to become warm during use, particularly within a stacked
configuration. If you are concerned about the temperatures, please switch the
device off and consider a different placement.
Dismantling & radio frequency interference
There are no user-serviceable components within the Étude or its power supply.
Dangerous voltages/currents exist within the Étude and its power supply,
posing a severe risk of electrocution and/or fire. Never attempt to open,
dismantle or apply internal third-party devices to it or insert anything other
than the listed interconnects or speaker cables within this user manual.
If the Étude develops a fault or the casework becomes damaged, immediately
disconnect from the mains power supply and connected equipment and contact
Chord Electronics for further advice.
With a thick, solid aluminium chassis, Étude’s casework largely protects the sensitive internal circuitry from radio frequency interference. However, for optimal performance, it is recommended that the following points are observed:
- Consider placing the Étude away from wireless routers.
- Separate the Étude from amplifiers using toroidal transformers.
- Operate mobile phones at a distance to avoid interference.
Although the Étude is largely shielded, it can generate radio frequency interference that may have an effect on radio and television reception. If this occurs, please reconsider your placement.
Connecting your equipment
Before connecting the Étude to any equipment, consult the manufacturer’s user guide to confirm compatibility. When connecting the Étude to any equipment, make sure that all devices are off, including the Étude. Once connected, switch all equipment on starting with the source and ending with the amplification. Initially, operate the Étude with your preamp/device on its lowest gain setting and lowest volume setting, gently increasing to a comfortable listening level. Never operate the Étude at excessive sound levels; permanent hearing damage and loss can occur.
Étude is supplied with its own grounded 10A-rated mains IEC cable and it is important that the amplifier is earthed at all times via this cable, or an appropriate alternative. Failure to do this could be hazardous in the unlikely event of a fault. Étude employs an auto-sensing mains input voltage circuit and will adjust to suit your region’s supply; Étude will operate between 120V AC and 240V AC -50Hz – 60Hz. Étude is fully protected in the event of a short circuit or fault and will automatically shut down.
Étude’s supplied region-specific 10A mains IEC cable can be supplemented for
an alternative power cable, however, please make sure that it has an earth. If
any cable becomes damaged you must discontinue use and replace it immediately
to avoid the risk of electrocution.
Étude must be permanently connected to a source of power. The included mains
lead simply plugs into the Étude’s IEC mains socket. If the mains lead is
prematurely disconnected Étude may still remain active for up to 15 minutes.
WARNING : Never disconnect the power cable during operation. Only disconnect when Étude is off. If the power cable is disconnected during operation there is a risk of damage to connected equipment.
Warranty
Warranty period & registering your purchase
At the point of sale, Chord Electronics Ltd. provides the Étude with a
comprehensive five-year warranty*, which covers defects in materials and
workmanship through fair wear and tear.
The warranty is transferable with proof of purchase, however is not available
on ex-demonstration products.
Please use the form below to record the details of your purchase in the event that these are required at a later date, we further advise that all purchases are registered with Chord Electronics at: chordelectronics.co.uk/register- product
Getting to know Étude
Étude is an incredibly dynamic next-generation power amplifier which uses a brand new analogue amplifier topology, Chord Electronics’ first all-new design since its inception. Before operation, we strongly advise you read this user manual thoroughly, storing it in a safe place along with your original receipt of purchase, should you require assistance in the future.
The front panel
Étude has no user-controlled buttons on the front panel and simply features a ventilation system integrated into the casework.
WARNING : You must keep all vents clear. The top panel
Similar to the front panel, the top panel of the device also has no user- controlled buttons and simply features two ventilation systems integrated into the casework.
WARNING : You must keep all vents clear. The rear panel
The rear panel offers a comprehensive connectivity suite, featuring both balanced and unbalanced inputs for connection to preamps and audiophile-grade 30-amp loudspeaker binding terminals, suitable for use with banana- and spade- type speaker plugs. The rear panel also features the IEC mains input for use with the supplied power cable, an on/off single analogue rocker switch and a phase toggle switch for each channel.
WARNING : You must keep all vents clear.
Setting up Étude
Placement
Whilst Étude will operate normally within a stack of other Chord
Electronics Choral components within the Choral Ensemble stand/floor system,
it is recommended that the device is allowed to ‘breathe’ with 10cm of space
around it to convection-cool during operation. For this reason we recommend
the Chord Electronics Ensemble stand, as shown.
Connecting Étude to ancillary equipment
When connecting the Étude to equipment within the signal path, ensure all devices are switched off. It is recommended that once all equipment is properly connected, that the volume setting is operated to its lowest setting, before slowly being raised to a comfortable listening level. Always observe partnering manufacturers’ guidelines.
Line level inputs
Étude is equipped with a stereo pair of unbalanced (single-ended) RCA inputs and a stereo pair of balanced XLR inputs. Étude has no ability to switch between the inputs, therefore, only one must be used. Connect the left and right line input channels on Étude with the corresponding line outputs on your preamp or device and double-check.
Étude also features a phase toggle switch for each channel. In normal stereo mode where one power amplifier is being used, both toggle switches should remain in the same ‘down’ position. The amplifier can also be used in bridged mode, requiring an alternative phase switch position; details on this and bridging mode can be found further on under Special Features.
WARNING : Étude must be connected to a dedicated preamplifier, or a device capable of attenuating its output. Failure to attenuate the volume before it enters Étude could result in irreversible hearing damage, speaker damage and could void the warranty. Audio outputs
Étude supports a single stereo output. In order to connect Étude to loudspeakers, use high-quality loudspeaker cable terminated with 4mm banana plugs or 6mm spades. Bare wire can be used, but it is not recommended.Connect the black (negative) terminal from
Étude to the negative terminal on your loudspeaker and the red(positive) terminal from Étude to the red positive terminal on your loudspeaker. Repeat for each channel.
Power-on sequence
With the unit connected to a mains power supply, switch Étude ‘on’ using the analogue rocker switch located next to the mains input. This will switch the unit both on and off. During the initial start-up phase, Étude will power-up and perform a safety check.
Once complete (after approximately twelve seconds), the relays will engage and the output will be live, with the internal LEDs glowing blue. If a fault is detected the unit will simply switch itself off. As Étude consumes very little power when idle, we recommend leaving the unit switched ‘on’ when not in use.
Earthing issues in Europe
In some European countries, a hum or buzz may occur if the amplifier is connected to mains sockets that do not have an earth or adequate earth. If this occurs, please ensure that your equipment is connected via a good-quality multi-way mains block which contains an earth point at every socket outlet. We recommend that an earthing method for your building is implemented.
Special features
Bridged operation & set-up
This section will show you how to wire up an Etude so that it can be used as a mono amplifier:
- Turn off the Etude and any other connected equipment.
- A signal Y-cable is needed to split the same signal into both inputs at the same time.
- When looking at the phase switches make sure one is up, and one is down.
- Wire the speaker between the 2 RED terminals on the back.
- Power the amplifier on.
When you are using 2 Etudes, make sure that the 2nd unit is identically setup to the first, this includes the signal cable going into the same side. mode, please take extra precaution when connecting the Études to equipment within the signal path, ensuring all devices are switched off and that the volume setting is operated to its lowest setting, before slowly being raised to a comfortable listening level.
CAUTION : with the increased power output available from bridged mode, please take extra precaution when connecting the Études to equipment within the signal path, ensuring all devices are switched off and that the volume setting is operated to its lowest setting, before slowly being raised to a comfortable listening level.