CHORD ELECTRONICS ULTIMA PRE 3 PREAMPLIFIER LAUNCHED BY THE BRITISH HIFI BRAND

British HiFi brand Chord has launched an all-new ground-up-design analogue preamplifier, the Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 3.

The new preamp is an entirely fresh design both inside and out, and benefits from the latest Chord Electronics preamplifier technologies, along with a new fascia design, from the company’s founder-owner John Franks.

Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 3 Preamplifier

CHORD ELECTRONICS ULTIMA PRE 3 PREAMPLIFIER

The ULTIMA PRE 3 takes advantage of the very latest developments in advanced low-distortion power supplies; these new devices offer low noise and are coupled with the company’s latest circuit design.

Top of the Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 3 Preamplifier

Benefiting from five analogue inputs, two balanced and three unbalanced, plus a separate AV bypass input, all five of the ULTIMA PRE 3’s main inputs enjoy individual buffering and are selectively filtered against potential ingress from radio frequency interference. Selection switching is performed via sealed relays, controlled by microprocessors.

Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 3 Preamplifier in silver

NEW FRONT PANEL

Externally, the Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 3 benefits from a completely redesigned front panel. The new fascia offers a perfectly symmetrical design, centred on a circular power on/off sphere which uses the company’s familiar polychromatic indicator lighting, giving a clear and simple indication of the amplifier’s playing status. The power sphere is flanked by a newly designed combined volume and input selector, plus a combined balance and AV bypass control.

The new front panel

All casework is precision-machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminium, including the Integra legs. A black acrylic side-block alternative to the Integra legs is also available as a no-cost option. The upper panel features a vented design, which is enhanced with a dimmable LED light.

The Integra legs

BALANCED OUTPUTS

In addition to its five inputs, the ULTIMA PRE 3’s rear panel features both balanced and unbalanced outputs, a 12 V trigger and IEC power inlet, plus a convenient 5 V/3 A USB Type-A output to power peripheral devices, including Chord Electronics’ DACs such as the Qutest and Hugo 2.

Round the back of the Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 3 Preamplifier

CHORD ELECTRONICS ULTIMA PRE 3 PREAMPLIFIER PRICE

The hand-built Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 3 Preamplifier is available now in either Jett black or Argent silver. It will make its European show debut at High End, Munich 2022.

UK SRP: £6,000

HiFi Pig Says: A distinctive piece of high-end loveliness from Chord, we look forwards to hearing it at Munich.

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