Audio T Verdict
ULTIMA PRE 3 is the more streamlined route into Chord Electronics' full-size pre/power amplification. Five analogue inputs cover a sensibly equipped system, while balanced and unbalanced outputs make it easy to partner with a wide choice of power amplifiers.
Inside, the design remains suitably serious: fully balanced analogue circuitry, advanced shielding, individual input buffering and low-distortion high-frequency power-supply technology. AV bypass also makes it possible to incorporate the amplifier into a suitably configured home-cinema system.
Pair it with ULTIMA 5 or ULTIMA 6 for a full-width stereo pre/power combination, or move to ULTIMA 2 or ULTIMA 3 monoblocks where the system demands more power.
Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 3
ULTIMA PRE 3 is a five-input analogue preamplifier from Chord Electronics' ULTIMA range, designed from the ground up around the company's latest low-noise analogue circuitry and power-supply technology.
Its fully balanced signal path combines individual input buffering, RF filtering and microprocessor-controlled sealed-relay switching with Chord Electronics' solid aluminium construction.
Five Analogue Inputs and Flexible Outputs
Inputs
- 2 x stereo balanced XLR
- 3 x stereo unbalanced RCA
- 1 x stereo balanced XLR AV bypass
Outputs
- 1 x stereo balanced XLR
- 1 x stereo unbalanced RCA
- 1 x 5V / 3A USB Type-A power output
- 12V trigger input/output
Each of the five conventional inputs is individually buffered and filtered to help minimise the ingress of radio-frequency interference before the signal reaches the preamplifier circuitry.
Fully Balanced Analogue Design
ULTIMA PRE 3 is a pure analogue preamplifier with fully balanced circuitry, advanced internal shielding and a Blue Velvet ALPS potentiometer for volume adjustment.
Chord Electronics specifies a frequency response from 10Hz to 200kHz, 0.002% THD across 20Hz to 20kHz and 100dB channel separation.
No Built-In DAC or Phono Stage
ULTIMA PRE 3 does not include digital conversion, streaming or phono amplification. Digital sources require a suitable DAC, while a turntable requires an external phono stage where one is not already provided by the source.
AV Bypass and 5V USB Power
A dedicated balanced XLR AV-bypass input allows ULTIMA PRE 3 and its partnering power amplifier to be incorporated into a compatible home-cinema system.
The rear USB Type-A connection supplies 5V / 3A power for compatible peripheral equipment. Chord Electronics specifically highlights products such as Qutest and Hugo 2 as potential uses for this connection.
ULTIMA System Matching
Chord Electronics designed ULTIMA PRE 3 to work across its current ULTIMA power-amplifier range. ULTIMA 5 provides a powerful stereo combination, while ULTIMA 3 monoblocks offer a natural route for more demanding systems.
View Chord Electronics ULTIMA 5
View Chord Electronics ULTIMA 3
Our Swansea team has also spent considerable time with the ULTIMA PRE 3 and ULTIMA 5 combination.
Read: Welcome to the Extraordinary - ULTIMA PRE 3 and ULTIMA 5
Construction and Controls
The symmetrical front panel places Chord Electronics' illuminated power sphere at the centre, with separate controls for volume/input selection and balance/AV bypass.
Current dimensions with the supplied Integra Legs are:
- Width: 480mm
- Depth: 340mm
- Height: 130mm
- Weight: 12.7kg
Optional gloss-black acrylic side blocks reduce the dimensions to 420mm wide and 100mm high. The side-block configuration cannot be stacked.
Key Features
- Five-input analogue preamplifier
- Chord Electronics ULTIMA range
- Fully balanced circuitry
- Pure analogue signal path
- High-frequency switch-mode power supply
- Advanced shielding technology
- Individual input buffering
- RF-filtered inputs
- Blue Velvet ALPS potentiometer
- 2 x stereo balanced XLR inputs
- 3 x stereo RCA inputs
- Balanced XLR AV bypass
- Balanced XLR output
- Unbalanced RCA output
- 5V / 3A USB Type-A power output
- 12V trigger input/output
- 10Hz to 200kHz frequency response
- 0.002% THD
- 100dB channel separation
- IR system remote included
- Convection cooled
- Dimmable top light ring
- Solid aluminium chassis
- Integra Legs included
- Black or Silver finish
- Five-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
How many inputs does ULTIMA PRE 3 have?
Five conventional stereo analogue inputs: two balanced XLR and three unbalanced RCA.
Does it have balanced outputs?
Yes. Stereo balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs are provided.
Does ULTIMA PRE 3 have AV bypass?
Yes. A dedicated stereo balanced XLR AV-bypass input is provided.
Does it have a DAC?
No. ULTIMA PRE 3 is a dedicated analogue preamplifier.
Does it have a phono stage?
No. A suitable external phono stage is required for a turntable unless the source already provides one.
What does the USB connection do?
It provides 5V / 3A power for compatible peripheral equipment. It is not a digital-audio USB input.
Can ULTIMA PRE 3 be used with ULTIMA 5?
Yes. ULTIMA 5 is one of its principal stereo power-amplifier partners.
Can it be used with ULTIMA 3 monoblocks?
Yes. Chord Electronics specifically lists ULTIMA 3 among its compatible power-amplifier options.
What are its dimensions?
Chord Electronics currently specifies 480mm wide, 340mm deep and 130mm high with the included Integra Legs.
What warranty does ULTIMA PRE 3 have?
Chord Electronics provides a five-year manufacturer warranty.
Related Chord Electronics Products
Why Buy From Audio T?
- ULTIMA pre/power demonstrations
- Power amplifier and loudspeaker matching
- Balanced and unbalanced system setup
- DAC and phono-stage recommendations
- AV bypass setup guidance
- In-store demonstrations where appropriate
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like to demonstrate Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 3 or discuss the best power amplifier for your system.