Quartet upscaler in Audio Show Deluxe debut

NEWS
hi-fi+ Staff
Mar 17, 2026

17 March 2026, Kent, England: Chord Electronics is set for this weekend’s Audio Show Deluxe (21–22 March) with only the second UK showcase of its most ambitious digital project to date: the Quartet upscaler.

Exhibiting in Room S27, the founder-owned-and-run British manufacturer will demonstrate both a masterclass in digital reconstruction and absolute analogue transparency, thanks to the inclusion of the new ULTIMA PHONOSTAGE, accompanied by the ULTIMA PRE 3 preamp and two 480-watt ULTIMA 3 monoblocks.

Quartet Upscaler Makes Highly Anticipated Appearance

Making its highly anticipated appearance at the Audio Show Deluxe, the Quartet represents a new benchmark in digital audio.

An eight-year development project, this next-generation ‘uber-scaler’ features five times the computing power of the partnering DAVE DAC. Attendees will experience firsthand how the Quartet’s massive FPGA-based processing redefines transient timing and realism, leading to unprecedented musicality.

ULTIMA PHONOSTAGE Makes Audio Show Deluxe Debut

On the analogue side, Chord Electronics will be Audio Show Deluxe-debuting the ULTIMA PHONOSTAGE, the company’s most advanced phono stage in nearly 40 years.

Distilling the acclaimed ULTIMA topology into a dual-mono design, it offers a new reference point for vinyl enthusiasts with high-performance turntables.

Powered by the ULTIMA Range

The system will be powered by the acclaimed ULTIMA PRE 3 and ULTIMA 3 mono power amplifiers, providing the quick-reacting, powerful and dynamic foundation required to showcase the nuances of the new upscaler and phono stage.