Chord SYMPHONIC User manual

Chord Electronics
Product Communication | English
The Pumphouse, Farleigh Lane, East Farleigh, Kent, ME16 9NB. Great Britain.
[phone]
[e-mail]
chordelectronics.co.uk
Symphonic
Manual
-
V.1.0

Chord Electronics
Symphonic | Manual
_
2 // 28
Contents 0.0
1.0 Safety instructions 03
1.1 Introduction 04
1.2 Protection against liquids & heat 05
1.3 Dismantling & Radio 06
frequency interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment 07
2.0 Warranty 08
2.1 Warranty period & registering 09
your purchase
2.2 Making a claim & warranty exclusions 10
0.0 Contents
3.0 Getting to know Symphonic 11
3.1 Getting to know Symphonic 12
3.2 The top panel 13
3.3 The rear panel 14
4.0 Setting up Symphonic 15
4.1 Placement 16
4.2 Connecting an input to 17
Symphonic
4.3 Connecting Symphonic 18
to a pre amplifier
5.0 How to navigate Symphonic 19
5.1 Basic navigation 20
5.2 Selecting the correct gain 21
5.3 Selecting the correct impedence 22
5.4 Selecting Input 23
5.5 Rumble filter 24
5.6 The LED window 25
6.0 Special features 26
6.1 Earthing point 27

Chord Electronics
Symphonic| Manual
_
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & Radio Frequency interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
1.0 Safety
instructions
Safety instructions 1.0
3 // 28

Chord Electronics
USymphonic | Manual
_
4 // 28
Introduction 1.1
Our Symphonic
phonostage brings
advanced features
and our proprietary technology
to vinyl, enabling the easy
integration of turntables into any
system as our flagship MC phono
stage.
Before operation, we strongly
advise you read this user manual
thoroughly.
We also recommend that you
store this user manual, along with
your original receipt of purchase,
in a safe place should you require
assistance in the future.
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment

Chord Electronics
Symphonic | Manual
_
Protection against
liquids & heat
1.2
Symphonic is not
protected against
liquids of any kind.
Never place containers of liquid
on Symphonic. Never allow
Symphonic to come into contact
with moisture or liquids; doing
so could result in electrocution
or damage to the Symphonic’s
internal circuitry.
Be aware that liquids, including
water that has dried, can leave
minerals that can aect the
PCB and other components,
which could eventually lead to
oxidisation and short-circuiting.
If the Symphonic comes into
contact with moisture or liquids,
immediately disconnect from
the mains power supply, and
connected equipment and
contact Chord Electronics for
further advice.
The Symphonic
has internal thermal
protection which will
shut down the unit in the event
of excessive temperatures
being reached. Never operate
the Symphonic near sources
of heat or naked flames as this
will decrease the lifespan of the
internal components. It is advised
that you do not operate the
Symphonic in an area of direct
sunlight or on top of significant
heat- producing devices.
Please be aware that it
is entirely normal for the
Symphonic to become warm
during use, particularly within
a stacked configuration. If
you are concerned about the
temperatures, please switch the
device o or consider a dierent
placement.
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
5 // 28

Chord Electronics
Symphonic | Manual
_
6 // 28
There are no user-
serviceable components
within the Symphonic
or its power supply. Dangerous
voltages/currents exist within
the Symphonic and its power
supply, posing a severe risk of
electrocution and/or fire.
Never attempt to
open, dismantle or
apply internal third-
party devices to it or insert
anything other than the listed
interconnects or headphone
adapters within this user manual.
If the Symphonic develops a
fault or the casework becomes
damaged, immediately
disconnect from the mains
power supply and connected
equipment, and contact Chord
Electronics for further advice.
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
Dismantling & radio
frequency interference
1.3
With a thick, solid aluminium
chassis, the Symphonic’s
casework largely protects the
sensitive internal circuitry from
radio frequency interference.
However, for optimal
performance, it is recommended
that the following points are
observed:
1. Consider placing the
Symphonic away from
wireless routers.
2. Separate the
Symphonic from
amplifiers using
toroidal transformers.
3. Operate mobile
phones at a distance
to avoid interference.
Although the Symphonic
is largely shielded, it
can generate radio
frequency interference that
may have an eect on radio
and television reception. If this
occurs, please reconsider your
placement.

Chord Electronics
Symphonic| Manual
_
Before connecting the
Symphonic to any equipment,
consult the manufacturer’s user
guide to confirm compatibility.
When connecting the Symphonic
to any equipment, make sure that
all devices are o, including the
Symphonic.
Once connected, switch all
equipment on starting with
the source and ending with the
amplification.
Initially, operate the any
connected equipment on its
lowest gain setting and lowest
volume setting, gently increasing
to a comfortable listening level.
Never operate connected
equipment to the Symphonic
at excessive sound levels;
permanent hearing damage and
loss can occur.
The included 16V 4000mA
power supply simply plugs into
the Symphonic.
If the power supply is
prematurely disconnected
Symphonic may still remain
active for up to 15 seconds,
however, this may cause damage
to connected equipment.
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
Connecting your equipment 1.4
Never disconnect the
power cable during
operation. Only
disconnect when Symphonic
is o. If the power cable
is disconnected during
operation there is a risk
of damage to connected
equipment.
7 // 28

Chord Electronics
Symphonic | Manual
_
2.1 Warranty period & registering your purchase
2.2 Making a claim & warranty exclusions
2.0 Warranty
Warranty 2.0
8 // 28

Chord Electronics
Symphonic | Manual
_
9 // 28
2.1 Warranty period & registering
your purchase
2.2 Making a claim & warranty
exclusions
Warranty period & registering
your purchase
2.1
At point of sale, Chord
Electronics Ltd. provides the
Symphonic with a comprehensive
five-year warranty* which
covers defects in materials and
workmanship through fair wear
and tear. The warranty will be
void if any other PSU other than
that supplied is used.
*The warranty is transferable
with proof of purchase, however
is not available on
ex-demonstration products.
Please use the form
below to record the
details of your purchase
in the event that these are
required at a later date, we
further advise that all purchases
are registered with Chord
Electronics at: chordelectronics.
co.uk/register-product/
RETAILER:
PURCHASE PRICE:
UNIT COLOUR:
DATE OF PURCHASE:
TRANSACTION ID:

Chord Electronics
Symphonic | Manual
_
In the unlikely event of a
claim, you must provide Chord
Electronics with the details of
the claim, including your original
proof of purchase and serial
number in order to validate the
nature of the repair.
Upon receipt, Chord Electronics
will make an assessment within
30 days and provide a reasonable
solution.
All warranty repairs must be
carried out by Chord Electronics
or an approved service centre to
guarantee the quality and safety
of the repair.
WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS: The
warranty does not cover connected
equipment, personal injury or
development natural patina of the
metalwork and will be null and void
if the following is applied: wilful
neglect; modification or tampering
of the product; improper use of the
product; acts of God; damage caused
by a connected device; mechanical
shock; fire or application of excessive
heat or repair/modification by a non-
authorised third-party vendor.
2.1 Warranty period & registering
your purchase
2.2 Making a claim & warranty
exclusions
Making a claim
& warranty exclusions
2.2
10 // 28

Chord Electronics
Symphonic | Manual
_
3.1 Getting to know Symphonic
3.2 The top panel
3.4 The back panel
3.0 Getting to know
Symphonic
Getting to know
Symphonic
3.0
11 // 28

Chord Electronics
Symphonic | Manual
_
Nestling in the Choral range,
the Symphonic is our flagship
MC phono stage. The high-
performance Symphonic uses
our latest high-frequency power
supply technology to exploit
vinyl’s full potential, along with
many key features, to brings the
performance levels in line with
the Choral range, home of the
DAVE DAC/preamp.
The Symphonic oers a number
of input impedance and gain
options as well as balanced
and unbalanced input options,
making it a highly flexible device
for integrating high-quality
turntables into Chord systems.
3.1 Getting to know Symphonic
3.2 The top panel
3.3 The rear panel
Getting to know Symphonic 3.1
12 // 28
To get the very most from the
device we recommend that you
familiarise yourself with the user
manual.

Chord Electronics
Symphonic | Manual
_
The top panel has no user
configurable options. Instead,
there are 2 viewing portals. This
is where you will see the LED
changes when pressing the
buttons on the back of the unit.
3.1 Getting to know Symphonic
3.2 The top panel
3.3 The rear panel
The top panel 3.2
13 // 28
Viewing portal Viewing portal

Chord Electronics
Symphonic | Manual
_
The rear panel has 2 sets of
inputs and output each as well
as several buttons for fine tuning
your sytem for optimun use.
Read section 5 for more on about
Symphonics buttons.
When installing any cable, you
must make sure that they securly
click into place.
3.1 Getting to know Symphonic
3.2 The top panel
3.3 The rear panel
The rear panel 3.3
14 // 28
WARNING: Do not
use any other power
supply other than
that supplied. Doing so will
invalidate your warranty.
1.5m 10a IEC mains
power
Balanced XLR and
unbalanced RCA inputs
pair
Balanced XLR and
unbalanced RCA outputs
pair
Input Impedance buttons
Input Gain buttons
Rumble
filter
Balanced/unbalanced input
selection switch
Power button

Chord Electronics
Symphonic | Manual
_
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting an input to Symphonic
4.3 Connecting Symphonic to a pre amplifier
4.0 Setting up
Symphonic
Setting up
Symphonic
4.0
15 // 28

Chord Electronics
Symphonic | Manual
_
Whilst the Symphonic operates
normally within a stack of Chord
Electronics Emsable stands along
with units such as the DAVE and
Etude, it is recommended that
you allow the device to breathe.
Allocating 10cm of space around
it to convection-cool during
operation is advised. If possible,
do not place the unit(s) inside a
cabinet.
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting an input to
Symphonic
4.3 Connecting Symphonic to a
pre amplifier
Placement 4.1
16 // 28

Chord Electronics
Symphonic| Manual
_
In order to connect up
Symphonic to a source, you
must connect the cables from
your Vinyl player to one of the
inputs listed below. Symphonic
has 2 pairs of inputs, one set of
balanced XLRs and one set of
unbalanced RCA inputs.
1) First, you must ensure that
Symphonic, and any
connecting equipment,
is turned o.
2) Select the correct inputs
from your vinyl player device
and insert the cables into the
ports.
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting an input to
Symphonic
4.3 Connecting Symphonic to a
pre amplifier
Connecting an input to
Symphonic
4.2
17 // 28
Input
3) Ensure that you pay attention
to the left and right channels
for your device. The left
output from your vinyl player
must go into the left input of
Symphonic and the same for
the right channel.

Chord Electronics
Symphonic | Manual
_
Using The XLR and RCA outputs
shown below, it is simple to
connect the Symphonic to
a pre amplifer. Left channel
connections are on the left, right
channel connections are on the
right, each output is identical. to
begin;
1) Ensure all your devices are
still turned o.
2) Locate the XLR or RCA
outputs shown below on the
Symphonic and connect to
the XLR or RCA input on the
choosen pre amplifier.
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting an input to
Symphonic
4.3 Connecting Symphonic to a
pre amplifier
Connecting Symphonic
to a pre amplifier
4.3
18 // 28
3) With the Volume set to
the lowest setting, turn on all
equipment including the
Symphonic.
4) Allow both the Symphonic
and other units to power
up.
5) With the volume at the lowest
setting on your pre amplifier
initiate playback and
gradually increase the volume
to a comfortable setting
to protect your hearing and
speakers.
Output

Chord Electronics
Symphonic | Manual
_
5.1 Basic navigation
5.2 Selecting the correct gain
5.3 Selecting the correct impedence
5.4 Selecting input
5.5 Rumble filter
5.6 The LED window
5.0 How to navigate
Symphonic
How to navigate Symphonic 5.0
19 // 28

Chord Electronics
Symphonic | Manual
_
Symphonic has no display but 2
viewing portals which will light
LEDs with the selected features
of Symphonic.
To access those features use the
buttons on the back of the unit.
Please familiarise yourself with
these sections in order to use
Symphonic at it‘s full capacity.
5.1 Basic navigation
5.2 Selecting the correct gain
5.3 Selecting the correct
impedance
5.4 Selecting input
5.5 Rumble filter
5.6 The LED window
Basic navigation 5.1
20 // 28