Analogue preamplifier from the Choral range
Chord Prima is a stereo preamplifier with an analogue signal path and fully balanced circuitry. It is part of the compact-format Choral range and was designed to complement the Etude power amplifiers from Chord Electronics.
The chassis is precision-machined from a solid billet of aircraft-grade aluminium. Despite its small footprint, 335 × 170 × 65 mm and 8 kg, the manufacturer presents it as a Chord amplifier in every respect.
Inputs, outputs and power supply
There are five stereo inputs: one balanced XLR and four unbalanced RCA. The outputs are one balanced XLR and one RCA tape output, with low impedance. The audio circuit provides independent input gain adjustments, and inputs and outputs are buffered.
The power supply is a custom ultra-high-frequency switch-mode unit which, according to Chord, charges and discharges energy quickly and efficiently to feed the capacitors when required. It accepts mains voltages from 50 to 260 V AC with automatic switching and consumes 30 W. Volume is handled by an ALPS Blue Velvet potentiometer and cooling is by convection.
Controls
The Prima is operated from the remote control or from the front panel, where the volume and balance controls are found. The push buttons on top of the unit select the input and the tape line: the latter function allows the tape outputs to be selected for recording from source components.
Also on the top panel, a display shows the chosen input and the volume level, and a porthole lets the internal circuit board be seen. The infrared system remote control with batteries and the 10 A IEC mains cable are included.
Technical data
- Inputs: 1 balanced stereo XLR, 4 unbalanced stereo RCA.
- Outputs: 1 balanced stereo XLR, 1 stereo RCA tape output.
- Frequency response: 2.5 Hz-200 kHz ± 3 dB.
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 93 dB.
- Output impedance: 100 Ω (short-circuit protected).
- Volume: ALPS Blue Velvet potentiometer.
- Power supply: 50-260 V AC, 50-60 Hz, auto-switching; consumption 30 W.
- Dimensions: 335 × 170 × 65 mm (W × D × H).
- Weight: 8 kg.
- Finishes: black and silver.
- Included: infrared system remote control with 2 AAA batteries, 10 A IEC mains cable.
