Chord Blu MkII Upscaling CD Transport

Description

Blu MkII

Using the very latest FPGA technology to implement advanced proprietary filtering and upscaling techniques, the Blu MkII upscaling CD transport from Chord Electronics sets new standards for sound quality obtained from a Compact Disc. This next-generation unit incorporates a powerful new FPGA core with extraordinary capability.

WTA algorithms

Blu MkII’s sophisticated Watts Transient Alignment (WTA) filtering and upscaling algorithms can output digital data at 705.6kHz (x16 the native 44.1kHz resolution of CD’s).

When partnered with the critically acclaimed DAVE (with its 705.6kHz-capable digital inputs), Blu MkII sets a high technical benchmark for Compact Disc performance, while redefining sound quality from the medium.

M-Scaler technology

At the heart of the Blu MkII lies an enormously powerful Xilinx FPGA, the same used to create Chord’s exclusive WTA M-Scaler technology, the most advanced filter of its kind in the world.

The Xilinx FPGA has also enabled a key breakthrough in tap-length (the technical indicator of how complex the interpolation filter is) taking Blu MkII to an unprecedented 1,015,808 taps.

Flexible connectivity

A comprehensive suite of high-performance connectivity is offered and the Blu MkII also features a USB digital input, meaning that it can also be used a standalone high-performance upsampler, for use with other digital sources.

Further features include Chord’s proprietary high-frequency switching power supply and a dedicated CD-only laser mechanism for an uncompromising performance.

Finish

Blu Mk2 is available in precision machined Choral aluminium casing, in silver or black finishes.

Features

• CD Resolution: 44.1kHz – 705.6kHz (user configurable)
• Inputs: 1x USB (44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz, 768kHz (16-bit to 32-bit), 1x BNC S/PDIF: 44.1kHz – 384kHz (upsampled), 16-bit to 32-bit
• Outputs: 1x Single AES Option (44.1kHz & 88.2kHz), 1x Dual AES Option (88.2kHz & 176.4kHz), 1x Single BNC S/PDIF Mode (88.2kHz, 176kHz, & 352.8kHz), 1x Dual BNC S/PDIF Mode (176.4kHz, 352.8kHz, & 705.6kHz)

More information

• https://chordelectronics.co.uk/product/blu-mk-2/
• https://www.whathifi.com/chord/blu-mkii/review

Additional information

Brand

Chord Electronics

Born out of the uncompromising world of avionics, Chord Electronics focus upon two main objectives - creating the world’s finest sounding hi-fi and pushing the boundaries of innovation.

The company makes visually unique and sonically stunning designs with a timeless appeal, and have designed a whole product ecosystem with a beautiful industrial aesthetic to suit any environment. Chord products are a talking point in any location, from showroom to yacht, home to studio.