Chord CMP 3350 Integrated Amplifier - 220 Watts Per Channel

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General:
The CMP 3350 is an impressive and uniquely designed integrated amplifier from Chord. In addition to its distinctive British styling, it houses top-of-the-line electronics within its aluminum chassis.

Power is delivered by a Class AB output stage rated at 220 watts into an 8-ohm load. Even more impressively, our test bench measurements showed the amplifier exceeding 250 watts without clipping—a clear indication of excellent engineering and low distortion performance.

Another noteworthy design choice is Chord’s use of proprietary MOSFETs, engineered to deliver enhanced performance and efficiency compared to off-the-shelf components. In testing it sounded wonderful.

This unit includes its original aluminum remote control, box, and manual.

From Chord:
The CPM 3350 is our high-power stereo integrated amplifier and offers a conservative 250 watts of power, compared to our entry-level amp, the CPM 2650, which offers 120 watts. Like its sibling, the CPM 2650, the design uses trickle-down technology and construction techniques from our pre and power amps, in this instance, the CPA 3000 preamp and SPM1050 MkII power amplifier, distilled down into a neat, one-box solution.
The amp offers great flexibility across its inputs, with adjustable input-gain — individual gains can be selected to prevent unwanted swings in volume when switching between inputs. The CPM 3350 enables line-level connection of up to six external components using RCA connections, with a further XLR balanced input option across two of the inputs. The amp also offers a bi-amping function and a preamp function, via a separately switchable preamplifier output. Two tape loop outputs are also provided.

Chord’s ground-breaking ultra-high-frequency proprietary power supply technology is deployed in the CPM 3350, plus our own proprietary lateral-structure dual-die MOSFETs. Capable of delivering 250 watts into 8 ohms and colossal power into a decreasing load, the powerful CPM 3350 retains all the famous Chord hallmarks: power, resolution and transparency to name but a few. Further features include gold-plated speaker binding posts, capable of accepting spade or banana cable terminations, plus a front-panel display.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
A couple of minor blemishes on the legs, Overall fantastic shape. Well preserved.

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
RCA, XLR, IEC Power

General Sound:
Big beautiful musical sound with little fatigue.

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top.. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and tested in our lab and listening room.

Included:
Unit, Box, Manual

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Original MSRP:
$17,000.00

Specs:
Output Power:
220w RMS per channel @ 0.05% distortion into 8Ω
Frequency Response:
-1dB – 0.8Hz to 46kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio:
Better than -103dB
Channel Separation:
Better than 80dB
Input Impedance:
47kΩ Unbalanced – 94kΩ Balanced
Output Inductance:
2.3mH
Slew Rate:
70v per μS 1kHz, 20v Square Wave
Gain:
30dB
Stability:
Unconditional
Dimensions Without Integra Legs:
15cm (H) 42cm (W) 36cm (D)
Dimensions With Included Integra Legs:
17cm (H) 48cm (W) 36cm (D)

Dimensions:
17cm (H) 48cm (W) 36cm (D) (with Legs)

Weight:
40 lbs.

Approximate Age:
2008

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Better

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Best

Kimber Kable - Speaker Cables - Better

Kimber Summit Series Monocle XL Speaker Cables (PAIR) - Best

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Best

Testing Process:
We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

If the device has the ability to decouple the preamplifier from the power amplifier, we remove the jumpers and independently test each section. If the device cannot be decoupled, we assess the electronic condition of the piece by analyzing the speaker level output only.

We start by connecting the "Pre-Out" jacks of the integrated to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which simulates real world loading conditions and gives us an oscilloscope interface. The first order of business is checking that the volume control works smoothly throughout its entire range with acceptable channel balance. This is accomplished by feeding a 1 KHz sine wave into one of the preamp’s line level inputs while monitoring the preamp’s output on an oscilloscope.

We then switch to a 1 KHz square wave to test the tone controls, loudness function, and filters where applicable. During this step we are watching for equal alteration of the test signal by both channels. This also helps us identify dirty controls that will need treatment.

Once the basic line stage functions are verified, we test each input individually. This is especially important for devices that use relays to select their sources.

If the preamp section is equipped with a phono stage we test that as well. We use an inverse RIAA filter which allows us to feed a reference test signal into the phono input with the proper RIAA equalization and level. A square wave or sine sweep is used to verify that the device’s phono stage is faithfully reproducing the RIAA curve.

Next we test the power amplifier section by connecting the integrated amplifier speaker outputs to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which acts as a dummy load, DC offset monitor, and oscilloscope interface. We start with a low level 1 KHz test signal at the "Main In” jacks and slowly increase its amplitude while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of noise, clipping, distortion, or improper channel balance. We continue increasing the signal level until the amplifier reaches clipping.

At this point we take an output power measurement and compare it to the spec sheet of the amplifier to verify proper performance. We finish off the bench evaluation with a 1 KHz square wave check and a 20 Hz to 20 KHz sine sweep to assess the amplifier’s frequency response characteristics.

This battery of tests will usually reveal if the amplifier has any issues that need further attention.

If the preamp and power amp both pass these tests, we reconnect the sections and verify that the preamp section can drive the power amp to rated power with a 1KHz tone on one of the line level inputs.

Before the device leaves the bench, we perform a listening test with actual music using a variety of preferred test tracks. Our benches are outfitted with familiar monitor speakers which help us identify inconsistencies that will not always show up on our test gear. The main things that we are listening for are hum or noise with no signal present, proper center image, clicks, pops, or any other obvious undesirable audio characteristics.

If the unit passes all of these tests it moves to our long term testing rig where we simulate real word operating conditions for 6-8 hours minimum. This allows us to monitor the unit for signs of thermal runaway or intermittent issues that only crop up when the unit has fully come up to temperature.