You don’t need a wall of gear. That’s what they want you to think. They make it complicated on purpose—racks, cables, boxes stacked high like trophies. But you’re not here for trophies. You’re here because you want to hear things clearly… maybe for the first time. This—this is the Chord Electronics Suzi. Modular preamp and power amp.
Doesn’t look like much, does it? That’s the point. Quiet. Small. No distractions. But when you hook it up… it doesn’t just play music. It shows you what’s real.
You won’t need to ask if it’s good. You’ll know.
And once you hear it, really hear it… you won’t go back.
That’s how it starts.
With support for high-res streaming, analog sources, and more than enough power to drive a serious pair of bookshelf speakers, Suzi gives you everything you need to build a compact, no-compromise audiophile system that’ll make your gearhead friends quietly question their life choices — and some of us know that to be true more than others. Ahem. Looks in mirror. Still have all of my hair. Finished off all of the biltong in the hospital.
The Chord Electronics Suzi Series represents a bold new approach to high-end audio, combining modular design with ULTIMA-tech to offer exceptional flexibility and performance. Created by Chord’s founder John Franks, the Suzi Series includes the Suzi Pre preamplifier and the Suzi Amp power amplifier, both of which integrate seamlessly with Chord’s Hugo 2 and Hugo 2/2go, as well as existing high-end audio setups.
Whether you’re looking for a versatile analog pre/power amplifier, a DAC/amplifier, or a streaming solution, the Suzi Series provides an innovative, space-saving solution for audiophiles seeking top-tier sound quality and customization.
Suzi Preamplifier
In its most advanced configuration—comprising a Suzi, Hugo 2, and 2go—the system (pictured above) combines three distinct proprietary Chord Electronics audio technologies: amplification, digital conversion, and streaming. Along with advanced Wi-Fi/Ethernet streaming, this flagship setup also offers premium solid-state library storage and playback, thanks to 2go’s dual microSD card slots.
The Suzi also includes a configurable MM/MC phono stage that allows one to change the gain and impedance on the front panel. Headphone users are not left out in the cold here either. Chord has proven that it knows how to build a rather solid headphone amplifier and the front panel offers 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm (1/4-inch) headphone outputs.
Inputs:
- 1 x Stereo RCA turntable input (MM/MC)
- 2 x Stereo RCA
- 1 x 12V DC jack
Outputs:
- 1 x Stereo RCA
- 2 x Headphone jacks (1 x 3.5mm + 1 x 1/4″)
Technical Specifications:
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 0.0007% (A-weighted)
- Input Maximum Voltage: 3.5 V RMS
- Output Maximum Voltage: 3.5 V RMS
- Frequency Response: 7 Hz – 30 kHz ±3 dB
- Signal to Noise Ratio: -103 dB
- Operating Voltage: 12 V DC
Chord Suzi Power Amplifier
Designed by John Franks, the Suzi Amp is a ULTIMA-tech modular power amplifier, delivering 30 watts per channel. It integrates seamlessly with the new Suzi Pre preamplifier, Hugo 2, or Hugo 2 and 2go. The Suzi Amp offers three primary configurations: as an analogue pre/power amplifier (Suzi Pre + Suzi Amp), a DAC/amplifier (Suzi Amp + Hugo 2), or a streaming amplifier (Suzi Amp + Hugo 2 and 2go). It can also function as a standalone amplifier.
The Bottom Line
The Chord Electronics Suzi series proves you don’t need a full rack of gear—or a second mortgage—to get high-end sound at your desk. It’s modular, powerful, and handles both analog and digital sources. All the performance, none of the clutter.
There’s also now a USB multiplexer accessory that adds USB inputs and charging to the Hugo 2, which comes in handy when pairing it with the Suzi Amp.
Two bundles are worth noting:
- Suzi Amp + Hugo 2 – A high-performance DAC/amp setup, with the optional multiplexer accessory adding USB-C/B inputs and charging support.
- Suzi Amp + Hugo 2 + 2go – A full-blown streaming DAC/amp rig with up to 2TB of microSD storage, giving you wireless playback, local file access, and serious performance in one compact stack.
But let’s be real—it’s not cheap. The fully-loaded system will cost you close to $12,000. You’ll pay for quality. Long live the rebellion. Reviews forthcoming.
Where to buy:
- Chord Suzi Amp – $4,795 at Bloom Audio
- Chord Suzi Pre – $2,995 at Bloom Audio
- Chord Hugo2 – $2,500 at Bloom Audio
- Chord 2go – $1,500 at Bloom Audio
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Anton Bobrovsky
April 23, 2025 at 12:59 pm
Chord makes exceptional equipment and I rather like the industrial design of this. It’s somewhat on the analytical side but just invest in warmer sounding speakers and you’re good.
The inclusion of an MC/MM stage is a bonus. Is this the same as the Hue?
$12K? That sucks.
Ian White
April 23, 2025 at 2:28 pm
Anton,
Chord makes fantastic gear. Smart people. No BS. Slightly cool for my taste in terms of tonal balance but it’s quality. The Hue, Hugo and Qutest are great components. Worth every cent. We have a review of the Hue that is well worth reading.
IW
Dr Royce Powel
April 26, 2025 at 11:46 am
No balanced connections ? Why? No Balanced XLR or even a 4.4 balanced headphone out? I don’t understand why Chord leaves this important connection out of their products ? If they had them I’d buy them in a heartbeat