Audio T Verdict
ULTIMA PRE is Chord Electronics' no-compromise reference preamplifier, designed specifically for systems where keeping noise, interference and unwanted colouration to an absolute minimum is the priority.
Its true dual-mono construction gives each channel its own ultra-high-frequency power supply, while eight analogue inputs, balanced and unbalanced outputs, adjustable source gain and AV bypass make it remarkably flexible for such a purist design.
It is the natural control partner for the flagship ULTIMA monoblocks and very much a component we'd want to demonstrate as part of the complete reference system.
Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE
ULTIMA PRE sits at the top of Chord Electronics' preamplifier range and forms part of the flagship ULTIMA Reference series.
Its core design combines:
- True dual-mono construction
- Separate ultra-high-frequency power supplies for each channel
- Fully balanced analogue circuitry
- Advanced internal RF shielding
- Blue Velvet ALPS volume control
- Eight stereo analogue inputs
- Three stereo output channels
- Selectable input gain
- Balanced AV bypass
- 12V trigger integration
Dual-Mono Reference Architecture
The left and right channels are treated independently, including separate high-frequency power supplies, helping reduce interaction between channels and maintain separation throughout the analogue signal path.
Sensitive circuitry is enclosed within solid milled-aluminium shielding to reduce radio-frequency interference, while Chord Electronics specifies a signal-to-noise ratio of -120dB across all inputs.
Eight Inputs, Three Outputs and Selectable Gain
Inputs
- 4 x stereo balanced XLR
- 4 x stereo unbalanced RCA
- 1 x stereo balanced XLR AV bypass
Outputs
- 3 x stereo output channels
- Balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA connection
- 12V trigger input/output
Each source can also be gain matched using six selectable levels:
This helps reduce large jumps in listening level when changing between source components with different output voltages.
EQ Adjustment, Headphone Listening and AV Integration
Separate front-panel frequency EQ adjustment is provided for the left and right channels, adding useful system-tuning flexibility without hiding controls inside the chassis.
Headphone outputs are also incorporated for private listening, while the dedicated balanced XLR AV-bypass input allows ULTIMA PRE to form part of a suitably configured home-cinema system.
A Pure Analogue Preamplifier
ULTIMA PRE does not contain a DAC, network streamer or phono stage. Digital and vinyl sources therefore require the appropriate external source component or phono stage.
Designed for the ULTIMA Reference System
The natural partnering power amplifier is the flagship Chord Electronics ULTIMA monoblock, creating the company's reference pre/power combination.
DAVE can provide digital conversion ahead of ULTIMA PRE, while analogue sources can connect directly through the extensive RCA or XLR input selection.
View Chord Electronics ULTIMA Reference Mono Power Amplifier
View Chord Electronics DAVE
Reference-Scale Construction
ULTIMA PRE uses a double-height solid-aluminium chassis and weighs 30kg.
With the supplied Integra Legs fitted it measures:
- Width: 480mm
- Depth: 355mm
- Height: 350mm
Without the Integra Legs, the chassis measures 420mm wide, 355mm deep and 310mm high. The amplifier is convection cooled.
Key Features
- Flagship reference preamplifier
- ULTIMA Reference range
- True dual-mono construction
- Separate channel power supplies
- Fully balanced circuitry
- Pure analogue signal path
- Advanced internal shielding
- Input and output buffering
- Blue Velvet ALPS potentiometer
- 4 x stereo balanced XLR inputs
- 4 x stereo RCA inputs
- 3 x stereo output channels
- Balanced and unbalanced outputs
- Balanced XLR AV bypass
- Six selectable gain settings
- Independent left/right EQ adjustment
- Headphone outputs
- 12V trigger input/output
- -120dB signal-to-noise ratio
- Convection cooled
- Solid aluminium chassis
- Integra Legs included
- Black or Silver finish
- Made in the United Kingdom
- Five-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ULTIMA PRE Chord Electronics' flagship preamplifier?
Yes. It sits in the separate ULTIMA Reference range alongside the flagship ULTIMA monoblock.
How many inputs does it have?
Eight stereo analogue inputs: four balanced XLR and four unbalanced RCA.
Can the input levels be matched?
Yes. Six selectable gain settings from x0.5 to x3 are provided.
Does ULTIMA PRE have balanced outputs?
Yes. Its three stereo output channels can be used through balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA connections.
Does it have AV bypass?
Yes. A dedicated stereo balanced XLR AV-bypass input is provided.
Does it have a DAC or streamer?
No. ULTIMA PRE is a dedicated analogue preamplifier.
Does it have a phono stage?
No. A suitable external MM or MC phono stage is required for a turntable.
Which power amplifier is designed to partner it?
The flagship ULTIMA Reference monoblock is its natural system partner.
How much does ULTIMA PRE weigh?
30kg.
What warranty does it have?
Chord Electronics provides a five-year manufacturer warranty.
Related Chord Electronics Products
Why Buy From Audio T?
- ULTIMA Reference system demonstrations
- Power amplifier and loudspeaker matching
- Balanced and unbalanced system setup
- Source gain-matching guidance
- DAC and phono-stage recommendations
- AV bypass setup advice
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like to discuss or arrange a demonstration of the Chord Electronics ULTIMA Reference system.