Chord Electronics At The Bristol HiFi Show 2026
CHORD ELECTRONICS QUARTET UPSCALER AND ULTIMA PHONOSTAGE TO DEBUT AT BRISTOL HIFI SHOW 2026
British manufacturer Chord Electronics will use the Bristol HiFi Show 2026 to present the UK debut of two new flagship products: the Quartet digital upscaler and the Chord ULTIMA PHONOSTAGE.
Both models will be shown publicly for the first time in the UK as part of a full reference playback system.
CHORD ELECTRONICS QUARTET UPSCALER AND ULTIMA PHONOSTAGE LEAD BRISTOL SHOW SYSTEM
The Chord Quartet digital upscaler and ULTIMA PHONOSTAGE will be demonstrated alongside the ULTIMA PRE 3 preamplifier and ULTIMA 3 mono power amplifiers. Chord Electronics says this system has been assembled to highlight both its latest digital processing work and its long-established analogue design approach.
Demonstrations will take place in a dedicated ground-floor room, allowing visitors extended listening sessions throughout the show.
CHORD QUARTET DIGITAL UPSCALER
The Quartet is a two-box FPGA-based digital upscaler developed over an eight-year period. It is designed to work with Chord Electronics’ DACs and uses multiple high-capacity FPGAs running bespoke code to perform high-rate digital upscaling. The processing architecture operates at sample rates up to 705.6kHz and 768kHz.
An external power supply is used, incorporating advanced RF filtering intended to reduce noise from the mains and surrounding electronics. The Quartet also includes a lossless EQ system, offering user-adjustable tonal shaping without altering phase behaviour. Final technical specifications will be released later in 2026, closer to the product’s full launch.
We will bring you the first pictures of the Chord Quartet from the show!
CHORD ELECTRONICS ULTIMA PHONOSTAGE
The ULTIMA PHONOSTAGE represents Chord Electronics’ most recent work in analogue vinyl replay. Drawing on the company’s ULTIMA amplifier topology, the phono stage is designed for use with high-performance turntables and cartridges. The Chord ULTIMA PHONO was first seen at High End Munich last year.
The unit features a dual-mono layout and supports up to three turntables or tonearms, each with independent settings that are retained in memory. Gain, loading and configuration options can be tailored per input. An automatic gain protection system is included to reduce output instantly if large signal spikes are detected, helping protect downstream equipment and loudspeakers.
CHORD ELECTRONICS BRISTOL HIFI SHOW 2026 SYSTEM
The main demonstration system will also include Wilson Audio Sabrina loudspeakers, a Michell Gyro turntable, an Innuos music server and cables from Chord Company. This setup will allow both vinyl and digital sources to be demonstrated under consistent conditions.
In addition to the main system, Chord Electronics will have a second space focusing on portable and desktop products. Demonstrations will include the latest Mojo 2 with 4.4mm output and USB-C charging, the Hugo TT 2 DAC/preamp and headphone amplifier, and models from the Qutest range. Selected show-only offers will be available on Mojo 2 (v1), Qutest and Hugo 2 DACs.
Chord Electronics will be exhibiting its main reference system featuring the Quartet upscaler and ULTIMA PHONOSTAGE in the SS Great Britain 1 Suite on the ground floor, with its portable and desktop range located separately in the Bristol Suite, also on the ground floor, at the Bristol HiFi Show 2026.
BRISTOL HIFI SHOW 2026 INFO
The Bristol HiFi Show 2026 takes place from Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd February 2026. Visitors can expect to hear the latest HiFi products from a wide range of exhibitors, covering everything from affordable HiFi to High End gear, HeadFi and Home Cinema.
Location: Delta Hotels by Marriott Bristol City Centre, Lower Castle Street, Bristol, BS1 3AD
Ticket Info: Tickets are also available in advance at reduced prices via the Bristol HiFi Show website.
On The Door Prices
Adult One Day Tickets: £20
Students & Senior Citizens (over 65) One Day Tickets: £18
Accompanied Children under 16: FREE
Whole Show Pass – Fri/Sat/Sun Inclusive (Wristband): £35
