Chord Quartet | Reference-Grade Upscaler

$ 93.22
Category:
  • The Quartet represents the most significant advancement in digital audio technology in Chord Electronics’ history. A reference-class digital upscaler, the Quarter addresses a fundamental flaw inherent in standard digital playback: the subtle but critical mistiming of transients. At the core of the Quartet’s performance is the all-new Blackbird WTA (Watts Transient Aligned) filter. Representing the culmination of 46 years of specialised research, the Blackbird filter utilises a staggering four million filter ‘taps’—the technical measure of interpolation complexity. The Blackbird WTA represents a tenfold increase over previous WTA designs, achieving a tenfold improvement in transient timing accuracy, plus it has even more ‘taps’ at its disposal for even better performance. To process this complex interpolation algorithm without compromise, the Quartet utilises five (5x) Xilinx FPGAs, (five times the processing power of the reference DAVE DAC). Technically, nearly 100 per cent of the filter’s mathematical coefficients reach the theoretical ideal ‘sinc function,’ in other words, the ‘gold standard’ for perfect waveform reconstruction. Crucially, all filtering is executed directly within the hardware architecture. By avoiding the software-industry shortcut of FFT convolution, which converts audio to frequency data and back, introducing further timing errors, the Quartet preserves pure signal integrity, delivering unmatched transient fidelity. For the first time in a Chord Electronics upscaler, the Quartet integrates a proprietary Pulse Array ADC (analogue-to-digital converter). This allows analogue sources, including high-end turntables, to benefit directly from the device’s upscaling power. By employing advanced decimation filtering, the integrated ADC eliminates traditional aliasing distortion, outperforming even dedicated studio-grade conversion hardware. To protect the digital signal from interference, the Quartet benefits from a two-box configuration. The sensitive audio circuitry is isolated from an independent, Rob-Watts-designed power supply that incorporates a proprietary pinch-off RF filter architecture, achieving the exceptional sonic purity of a battery-powered device from a mains-connected unit. The rear panel features comprehensive, isolated connectivity, including USB-B, optical, and dual BNC outputs capable of supporting maximum resolution up to 768 kHz. The Quartet is compatible with all Chord Electronics DACs and is capable of unlocking the full potential of the DAVE DAC. Utilises the most advanced interpolation algorithm to deliver a tenfold improvement in transient timing accuracy. Features massive processing capability with 3,700 DSP cores running over two million lines of proprietary code. All digital filtering is implemented directly in hardware, completely avoiding the timing errors caused by software FFT convolution shortcuts. The first Chord Electronics upscaler to accommodate analogue sources (such as turntables) via RCA inputs, eliminating traditional aliasing distortion through advanced decimation filtering. Separates the sensitive audio circuitry from a dedicated power supply featuring a proprietary pinch-off RF filter architecture to reject mains-borne noise. A ten-shelf equalisation system providing ±18 dB of adjustment across frequencies with zero degradation of signal quality. Equipped with isolated USB-B, optical in, BNC in and dual BNC outputs supporting maximum resolution up to 768 kHz (optimised for pairing with the DAVE DAC). Offers selectable delay from 10 milliseconds to three seconds to ensure perfect lip-sync during audio-visual playback.

CD - THE BELFAST SESSIONS

This, our latest collection of songs, was recorded at RedBox Studios in Belfast. We’ve wanted to record there for awhile now and finally the timing was right for all. Dónal O’Connor one of the owners, produced it with expertise, poise, patience and not a few threats, the main one being “no more Guinness till youse get this track right.” Inspirational words indeed! He was somehow able to corral us and steer us in the right direction on each song. I’m sure he’d love to work with us again – maybe! We had a great time all together recording there, and hopefully dear fans you’ll enjoy listening. In these uncertain times remember, music hath charms to soothe a savage breast. I think that was a quote from Paul McCartney, or possibly Bob Dylan. Enjoy!

The Belfast Sessions (2025)

Track Listing:

  1. BOYS OF BELFAST
  2. BELFAST BOOZELEERS
  3. DOWN BY THE LAGAN SIDE
  4. IRISH NAVIES
  5. MY BELFAST LOVE
  6. A NIGHT IN BUSHMILLS
  7. NO DOUBT ABOUT IT
  8. I’LL TELL YOU BOYS IT’S WHISKEY
  9. PRODIGAL SON
  10. NEW LINE TO DUBLIN
  11. PADDY’S DREAM
  12. SONG FOR BELFAST
  13. DAYTRIP TO BELFAST

Related products