Chord Electronics Ultima Pre

The Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE is a flagship reference-level preamp designed to provide a completely transparent listening experience. Meticulously engineered in the UK, this preamp is a product of over three decades of research and development, combining Chord’s cutting-edge technology with exceptional craftsmanship. With its uncompromising design, the ULTIMA PRE neither adds nor subtracts from the precious incoming signal, ensuring purity and precision in every detail.

At the heart of the ULTIMA PRE is Chord’s proprietary dual-mono construction. This advanced design features separate ultra-high-frequency power supplies for each channel, maximizing separation and ensuring that both channels receive clean, independent power. The result is an audio experience with unparalleled clarity and separation between left and right channels. Additionally, Chord has implemented low-noise circuitry to achieve an extraordinary noise floor performance of beyond -117dB, ensuring the preamp remains whisper-quiet even during silent passages.

The ULTIMA PRE has been crafted with flexibility in mind. It features a wide range of inputs and outputs, including balanced connectivity, making it compatible with a broad range of high-performance equipment. The preamp’s fascia is equipped with separate frequency EQ adjust controls for both left and right channels, allowing for precise tuning to suit your listening environment. Furthermore, the ULTIMA PRE is equipped with a headphone output, giving you the option for private listening sessions without compromising on sound quality.

Each ULTIMA PRE is hand-built in the Kent factory, where a single skilled technician oversees every stage of production to ensure precision and attention to detail. The preamp’s sensitive internal circuits are shielded by solid milled aluminum to prevent RF interference, while the exterior features Chord’s renowned aircraft-grade aluminum, providing both a solid, resonance-eliminating enclosure and a sleek, modern aesthetic. The Integra Leg System, a hallmark of Chord’s design philosophy, further enhances the stability and resonance control of the unit.

The ULTIMA PRE pairs perfectly with the ULTIMA mono power amplifiers, creating an audio system that represents the pinnacle of high-performance audio technology. Whether you’re using it as part of a larger setup or as the centerpiece of a dedicated stereo system, the ULTIMA PRE ensures an extraordinary listening experience.

Key Features

• HF Switch Mode Power Supply: Provides clean, stable power for superior performance.
• Blue Velvet ALPS Potentiometer: Ensures smooth, precise volume control for optimal sound quality.
• -125dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Delivers incredibly low noise, offering complete transparency in signal reproduction.
• Advanced Shielding Technology: Protects sensitive circuitry from RF interference for cleaner sound.
• Fully Balanced Circuitry: Ensures improved audio performance through a balanced signal path.
• Analogue Signal Path: Maintains the integrity of the original signal for natural, uncolored sound.
• Input/Output Buffering: Improves performance and protects connected devices.
• Convection Cooled: The preamp’s natural cooling system reduces the need for active fans and ensures quiet operation.
• Included Top Light Ring: Adds a stylish touch to the design with functional illumination.
• 12V Trigger On/Off Input/Output: Allows for remote control integration with other equipment.
• Solid Aluminium Chassis: Provides durability and reduces unwanted vibrations for clearer sound.