Description
Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 3 Pre-amplifier
The Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 3 Pre-amplifier is equipped with five analogue inputs (two balanced and three unbalanced) all of which benefit from individual buffering and are selectively filtered against potential ingress from radio frequency interference.
Built from the ground up, the UTLIMA PRE 3 takes advantage of the very latest developments in advanced low-distortion power supplies. These advanced devices offer exceptionally low noise and outstanding amplifier operation. Coupled with our latest design developments, the PRE 3 offers new levels of preamplifier performance.
Externally, the PRE 3 benefits from a completely redesigned aesthetic with a central circular power sphere flanked by a new volume control and balance/AV bypass selector, both of which benefit from a new ergonomic knob design.
Additional features include an AV bypass, plus a 5 V charging USB Type-A port.
- Inputs: 2x stereo balanced XLR inputs, 3x stereo unbalanced RCA
- Outputs: 1x stereo XLR, 1x stereo RCA and 1x 5 V charging USB Type-A port
- 1x stereo balanced XLR AV bypass input
- 1 x 12 V trigger output/input
Reviews
- Stereonet
- Pursuit Perfect System
- Hi-Fi Choice
- The Absolute Sound
Features
- HF Switch Mode Power Supply
- Blue Velvet ALPS Potentiometer
- Advanced Shielding Technology
- Fully Balanced Circuitry
- Analogue Signal Path
- Convection Cooled
- Included Top Light Ring
- Solid Aluminum Chassis
30 Years
The ULTIMA PRE 3 harnesses more than 30 years of British amplifier-building expertise and takes advantage of the very latest developments in advanced low-distortion power supplies. These new devices offer exceptionally low noise and outstanding amplifier operation. Coupled with the company’s latest circuit design, the ULTIMA PRE 3 offers new levels of preamplifier performance.
Benefiting from five analogue inputs (two balanced and three unbalanced), plus a separate AV bypass input, all five of the ULTIMA PRE 3’s inputs enjoy individual buffering and are selectively filtered against potential ingress from radio frequency interference. Selection switching is performed via sealed relays, controlled by microprocessors.
External Features
Externally, the ULTIMA PRE 3 benefits from a completely redesigned front panel. The new fascia offers a perfectly symmetrical design, centered on a circular power on/off sphere, using the company’s familiar polychromatic indicator lighting, giving a clear and simple indication of the amplifier’s playing status. The power sphere is flanked by a newly designed volume and input selector control knob, plus a combined balance and AV bypass control.
All casework is precision CNC machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminium, including the Integra legs. A black acrylic side-block alternative to the Integra legs is also available as a no-cost option. The upper panel features a pleasing vented design, which is enhanced with a dimmable LED light.
In addition to its five inputs, the ULTIMA PRE 3’s rear panel features both balanced and unbalanced outputs, a 12 V trigger and IEC power inlet, plus a convenient 5 V/3 A USB Type-A output to power peripheral devices, including Chord Electronics’ DACs such as the Qutest and Hugo 2.
The new ULTIMA PRE 3 is perfectly suited to a wide range of power amps, including the ULTIMA 5 and ULTIMA 6 stereo power amplifiers. It can also be used with the ULTIMA 2 and ULTIMA 3 monos.
The hand-built ULTIMA PRE 3 is available now in either Jett black or Argent silver. It will make its European show debut at High End, Munich, 2022.
Included Accessories
- ULTIMA PRE 3 Quickstart guide
- Safety instructions
- 10A Mains IEC cable
- IR system remote control
- 2x AAA batteries
Specifications
- Frequency response 10 Hz-200 kHz +/- 3 dB
- THD 0.002 % 20Hz-20 kHz
- Signal to noise ratio -105 dB on all inputs
- Input impedance 100 kΩ
- Output impedance 560 Ω
- Input maximum voltage 10 V RMS
- Output maximum voltage 17 V RMS
- Gain x1
- Channel separation 100 dB
- Operation voltage 80-250 V AC auto-switching
- Power consumption 40 W
- Dimensions with legs: 485 mm (w) x 355 mm (d) x 130 mm (h)
- Weight: 12.7 kg
