I think that was referring to driving speakers rather than not connecting any speakers as you stated (mine are active).I’ve “invested” a significant amount (by my standards anyway) in Chord equipment; I have a 2650 integrated amp, TT2 and M-Scaler. At the moment all is functioning as it should and I am happy but there seems to be some confusion about what is and is not appropriate. For example Chord says I should use ONLY the mains power cord for my 2650 (yeh, right...) and don’t use aftermarket power supplies for the TT2 and, now, don’t connect speakers. @Rob Watts uses an aftermarket supply (a battery) for his TT2 and says speakers are appropriate. Now, there may be issues with the TT2 power supply (still unknown for certain) or it may be an inrush limiter or, well, who knows.
To be perfectly clear Chord seems to be doing everything they can to resolves those problems but most of us don’t want to be faced with these issues along with confused communication about what is, or isn‘t allowed for warranty purposes. I haven’t yet heard of anyone whose device was denied a warranty repair for using appropriate aftermarket power supplies, cords, speakers, etc so it appears they are trying to walk a fine line here to protect themselves. Even the email you quote is confusing; first it says don’t connect speakers and then it says we really don’t recommend it. So, can I or not?
More to follow, I’m sure!
If the inrush limiter is making the noise then is it possible that the mains power for some people is having surges and causing issues? I'm not trying to point the finger away from Chord or saying that the equipment should not be able to cope with it - I'm just wondering aloud and further wonder if some inrush limiters are not quite up to spec or if the spec is perhaps not quite sufficient to cope with some specific electrical scenarios?
It would be interesting to hear Chord's position on this.