OPERATION
When the amplifier is connected to the mains the LED immediately above the power switch will indicate red
(standby). When switched on, this LED will change to illuminate green (operational). There will be a delay of about
12 seconds before the output signal is fed to the loudspeakers, with the subsequent illumination of the blue Status
LED. This is to allow the amplifier to stabilise.
In the event of a major overload or a short circuit across the output of any channel, the green "power on" LED will
indicate trip by fading and immediately re-illuminating to red standby mode. The amplifier will shut down
automatically and it should then be switched off. When the fault condition has been rectified, the amplifier can be
switched on and will power up as normal. A minimum period of eight seconds must be allowed to elapse between
switching off and switching on again. This is to allow the power supply protection circuitry to re-set itself.
There are no user serviceable parts in your SPM 1050. It should only be serviced by Chord Electronics Limited or
their expressly approved Service Agents.
CARE AND CLEANING
The SPM 1050 requires no special care other than common-sense. Spray window cleaner (clear type) may be used (if
first sprayed on to a soft cloth) to remove surface blemishes such as finger marks from the metal casing or the piano
black finished wooden side cheeks. Never spray directly on to the amplifier and never use abrasive cleaning
materials, use only a lint free soft cloth as described.
SERVICE INFORMATION
WARNING - The power supply components within this amplifier are designed to be operated at lethal voltages and
energy levels. Circuit designs that embody these components conform with applicable safety requirements.
Precautions must be taken to prevent accidental contact with power-line potentials. Do not connect grounded test
equipment.
NEW TECHNOLOGY
Much of what Chord has achieved is the result of using innovative, leading edge technology. For example, we believe
that we are unique in using the technique of ‘dynamic coupling’ of the power supply rails. Whatever transient
demand is presented to the amplifier stages, the positive and negative rails remain in perfect equilibrium, with each
compensating for the demands made on the other. This means that power delivery is always balanced and free from
ground loop modulation distortion.
This, combined with enormous reserves of instantly delivered, precisely controlled power is what makes the SPM
1050 sound so effortless. The power supply rails operate nominally at 80 volts, well above that which most
amplifiers can accommodate. This and other advanced techniques enables the ultra high frequency low ESR power
supply to store a great deal more energy far more efficiently. Clipping is virtually impossible. Furthermore,
compared to other amplifiers of a similar power rating the SPM 1050 weighs in at a mere 15Kg. Another new
technique is used to protect the amplifier against overload, internal and external short circuits. The output signal path
is totally free of any fuses or sound-degrading resistive components often employed for overload sensing. The SPM
1050 is designed to surpass the highest European safety and electromagnetic interference standards.
The amplifier sections are also highly sophisticated designs that make the most of the best high voltage, lateral
structure MOSFETs available, 4 x 300 watt devices per channel. Combining the subtlety and musicality of a good
valve design with the punch and accuracy of ‘state of the art’ solid state products. The result is a ‘sliding bias’ class
A/B design with all drive circuitry operating in class A. At usual listening levels, most of the music will be
reproduced in class A. Chord’s no-compromise design philosophy means there is no better built amplifier.
Individually hand-crafted, it is constructed to aerospace standards from the circuit boards up.
