Chord BLU MK II Upscaling CD Transport

DESCRIPTION

Put simply, the Blu MkII upscaling CD transport sets new standards for CD sound quality by using the very latest FPGA technology to implement advanced proprietary filtering and upscaling techniques. Our next-generation CD transport incorporates a powerful new FPGA core with extraordinary capability.

Blu MkII’s sophisticated WTA (Watts Transient Alignment) filtering and upscaling algorithms can output digital data at 705.6kHz (16 x CD’s 44.1kHz native resolution). When partnered with the critically acclaimed DAVE DAC/preamp, with its 705.6kHz-capable digital inputs, the Blu MkII sets a new technical benchmark for CD performance, while redefining sound quality from the medium.

At the heart of the Blu MkII lies an enormously powerful Xilinx FPGA. Rob Watts’ (Chord’s Digital Design Consultant) has used this to create his exclusive WTA M-Scaler technology, which incorporates 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.

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 Electronics’ legendary proprietary high-frequency switching power supply and a dedicated CD-only laser mechanism for an uncompromising performance.

FEATURES

Materials: Precision machined Choral aluminium casing designed by John Franks

CD Resolution: 44.1kHz – 705.6kHz (user configurable)

Connectivity (input): 1x USB input: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz, 384kHz, 705.6kHz,

& 768kHz 1x BNC S/PDIF: 44.1kHz – 384kHz (upsampled)

Connectivity (output):

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

User Configurable Options:

Selectable upsampling: 1x selectable switch providing three sample rates

Dither: On/Off (Only operational with 16bit source)

Control options: Manual

Remote control (included – upsampling modes not accessible via remote operation)

KEY FEATURES

Chord Custom Coded FPGA

1,015,808 Taps

Philips CD Pro 2 Mech

HFSwitch Mode Power Supply

Upsampling to 768kHz

768kHz USB Input

384kHz BNC S/PDIF Input

384kHz BNC S/PDIF Input

2x Data
Mode BNC to 705.6kHz

DXO Outputs

SolidAluminum Chassis

Convection Cooled

Remote Control Included

INCLUDED ACCESSORIES

1.5m 10a IEC Mains Power Lead 

Reference Blu Mk. II Remote 

Blu Mk. II Owners Manual

OTHER ACCESSORIES & CUSTOM OPTIONS

Precision machined from a solid block of aircraft grade aluminium, a work of art on its own, the Ensemble Stand is irrefutably the most satisfying way to display your Choral system components or stack.

TECHNICAL SPECS

Chipset: Chord Electronics custom coded Xilinx XC7A200T FPGA

Tap-length: 1,015,808 (16FS filter)

FPGA current draw: 10amps

Frequency response: 0Hz (DC) – 20kHz +/- 0.0000001dB

In-band ripple 0Hz-20kHz: +/- 0.0000002dB

Stop band rejection: -135dB

THD and noise (24bit input): -144dB

Noise 2.6 uV ‘A’ weighted: No measurable noise floor modulation

Signal to noise ratio: 126dB ‘A’ Weighted

Power supply: 90v AC – 24v AC Auto-Switching

Power consumption: 30w

Weight: 7kg

Dimensions: 333.5mm (W) x 98.5mm (H) x 142 (D)