The Chord reference preamplifier
Chord ULTIMA PRE is the preamplifier at the top of the Chord Electronics range: a double-height analogue unit with eight stereo inputs and three stereo outputs, created to partner the ULTIMA mono power amplifier. The manufacturer's stated aim is to add nothing to, and take nothing away from, the incoming signal.
Construction is true dual mono: each channel has its own ultra-high-frequency switch-mode power supply, a choice made to obtain the greatest channel separation, stated as 100 dB. This is joined by low-noise, fully balanced circuitry, with buffer stages at input and output and an ALPS Blue Velvet potentiometer for volume.
Connections and adjustments
The line inputs are four balanced XLR and four unbalanced RCA, joined by a balanced XLR AV bypass input. The three stereo outputs are selectable and available on both XLR and RCA; gain is adjustable in six steps, from ×0.5 to ×3, and a 12 V trigger works as an input or an output.
On the fascia there are separate equalisation controls for the left and right channels, which according to Chord extend flexibility when matching partnering equipment. The headphone outputs are there for personal and late-night listening. The metal IR remote control is supplied.
Hand-made in Kent
Each ULTIMA PRE is hand-made in the Kent factory, and the various stages of build and production are overseen by a single skilled technician. The most sensitive parts of the circuit are protected against radio-frequency interference by shields milled from solid aluminium.
The enclosure is UK-produced aircraft-grade aluminium, which Chord describes as solid and resonance-eliminating, with convection cooling and the top light ring included. The Integra side legs are included: with the legs the preamplifier measures 480 × 350 × 355 mm (W × H × D), without them 420 × 310 × 355 mm. Weight is 30 kg.
Technical data
- Inputs: 4 stereo balanced XLR (Line In 1-4); 4 stereo unbalanced RCA (Line In 5, Line In 6, Tape 1, Tape 2); 1 stereo balanced XLR AV bypass.
- Outputs: 3 selectable stereo outputs, on balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA.
- Headphone outputs: fitted.
- Trigger: 12 V, 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: −120 dB on all inputs.
- Channel separation: 100 dB.
- Input impedance: 100 kΩ; output impedance: 100 Ω.
- Maximum voltage: 10 V RMS input, 17 V RMS output.
- Selectable gain: ×0.5, ×1, ×1.5, ×2, ×2.5 and ×3.
- Power supply: 80-250 V AC, auto-switching; consumption 60 W.
- Dimensions with the included Integra legs: 480 × 350 × 355 mm (W × H × D).
- Dimensions without Integra legs: 420 × 310 × 355 mm.
- Weight: 30 kg.
- Finishes: black or silver.
- Included: 10 A IEC mains cable, metal IR system remote control, 2 AAA batteries.
