Analogue preamplifier from the ULTIMA series
Chord ULTIMA PRE 3 is a stereo preamplifier with five analogue inputs, two balanced XLR and three unbalanced RCA, and both XLR and RCA outputs. Chord Electronics presents it as a ground-up design that brings together its most recent proprietary power supply technology and an updated circuit layout.
The starting point is a low-distortion, high-frequency switch-mode power supply: according to the manufacturer it delivers very low noise and favourable operating conditions for the amplifying stages. The signal path remains analogue, on fully balanced circuitry, with an ALPS Blue Velvet potentiometer for volume and shielding that Chord describes as advanced. Cooling is by convection.
Inputs, outputs and connections
Each of the five inputs has its own buffer stage and is selectively filtered against radio-frequency interference. The line inputs are joined by a balanced stereo XLR AV bypass input, selectable from the front panel, and by a 12 V trigger socket that works as an input or an output.
Towards the power amplifier there are one stereo XLR output and one stereo RCA output; a 5 V USB Type-A port is there to charge other devices. The inputs accept up to 10 V RMS, the output reaches 17 V RMS and gain is unity (×1). The power supply adapts automatically to mains voltages between 80 and 250 V, and stated consumption is 40 W.
Front panel, chassis and Integra legs
The look has been redesigned: at the centre of the front panel sits the circular power sphere, flanked by the new volume control and by the balance and AV bypass selector, both with a revised ergonomic knob design. The chassis is solid aluminium and the top light ring is included.
The Integra side legs are included and bring the footprint to 480 × 130 × 340 mm (W × H × D). Gloss black acrylic side blocks are available as an option, reducing the size to 420 × 100 × 340 mm, although the unit can then no longer be stacked; among the options the manufacturer also lists Integra legs in Jett Black or Argent Silver. Weight is 12.7 kg and the IR system remote control is supplied.
Technical data
- Inputs: 2 stereo balanced XLR, 3 stereo unbalanced RCA, 1 stereo balanced XLR AV bypass.
- Outputs: 1 stereo XLR, 1 stereo RCA; 1 × 5 V USB Type-A charging port.
- Trigger: 1 × 12 V socket, input/output.
- Frequency response: 10 Hz - 200 kHz, ±3 dB.
- Total harmonic distortion: 0.002 % from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
- Signal-to-noise ratio: −105 dB on all inputs.
- Channel separation: 100 dB.
- Input impedance: 100 kΩ; output impedance: 560 Ω.
- Maximum voltage: 10 V RMS input, 17 V RMS output.
- Gain: ×1.
- Power supply: 80-250 V AC, auto-switching; consumption 40 W.
- Dimensions with the included Integra legs: 480 × 130 × 340 mm (W × H × D).
- Dimensions with the optional side blocks (not stackable): 420 × 100 × 340 mm.
- Weight: 12.7 kg.
- Finishes: black or silver.
- Included: 10 A IEC mains cable, IR system remote control, 2 AAA batteries.
