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A compact, high-current Chord like this is notable for speed and control, not warmth or romance. At £1,399, it looks fair to good against the model’s original £4,995 launch price, and comfortably under typical used asking levels for an amp of this class; I’d call it a sensible buy rather than a bargain-basement steal.
What keeps it interesting is the sound: the SPM 650 is widely praised for being fast, tight, and highly resolved, with 130W into 8 ohms and 170W into 4 ohms, plus the ability to drive awkward loads cleanly. If the listing is genuinely clean, ideally with the original box and a known service history, that’s a strong upside; for an amp this age, just confirm the switching supply starts reliably, both channels are quiet, and the protection circuit isn’t tripping.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Chord Electronics, a British high-fidelity powerhouse, traces its roots to the aviation industry. Founded in 1989 by John Franks, a former Marconi Avionics engineer, the company emerged from his early 1980s innovations in ultra-reliable, high-frequency switching power supplies for aircraft electronics. Initially too costly for commercial viability, the designs became feasible with advancing components, launching Chord from its Kent headquarters in a renovated pumphouse that remains its manufacturing heart.
The brand excels in premium amplifiers and digital-to-analog converters (DACs), blending Franks' analog prowess with digital expertise from FPGA specialist Rob Watts. Early power amplifiers quickly won acclaim from professional studios like the BBC, Abbey Road, and Skywalker Sound, establishing credibility before shifting focus to consumer hi-fi. Iconic products like the Hugo and Mojo DACs exemplify their boundary-pushing approach, alongside integrated amps and streamers, all handcrafted in the UK without compromise on power, precision, or musicality.
Positioned firmly in the high-end market, Chord commands respect among discerning audiophiles for its uncompromising engineering, aerospace-grade reliability, and bold innovation. Independent and proudly British, it sets benchmarks in transparency and dynamics, attracting buyers who demand reference-level performance over mass-market concessions.
See all Chord Electronics listings on RADAR.
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