audioFi.net Hi-fi news, reviews and rants
  • Reviews
    • Amplifiers
    • Digital Players/Streamers
    • Digital Processors
    • Loudspeakers
    • Accessories
    • Preamplifiers, phono stages
    • Systems
    • Turntables, cartridges
    • Headphones, headfi, desktop
  • News
  • Rants ‘n Raves
  • Hot Picks
    • Amplifiers
    • Loudspeakers
    • Preamplifiers
    • Systems
    • Turntables, cartridges, etc
  • What’s Up
  • About us
  • Home
  • News
  • Chord Electronics unveils the Ultima Pre 3

Chord Electronics unveils the Ultima Pre 3

May 5, 2022 1 Comment Written by The Editor

DESIGNED ground-up, Chord Electronics’ new Ultima Pre 3 preamp features the latest developments in advanced power supplies and a new circuit design.

The brainchild of Chord founder-owner John Franks, the Ultima Pre 3 “harnesses more than 30 years of British amplifier-building expertise and takes advantage of the very latest developments in advanced low-distortion power supplies”.

We’re also told that “these new devices offer exceptionally low noise and outstanding amplifier operation… coupled with the company’s latest circuit design, the Ultima Pre 3 offers new levels of preamplifier performance.”

The Ultima Pre 3 features five analogue inputs (two balanced, three unbalanced), plus a separate AV bypass input. All main inputs enjoying individual buffering and are selectively filtered against radio frequency interference. Selection switching is performed via sealed relays, controlled by microprocessors.

Additionally, the Ultima Pre 3’s front panel design is a breakaway from Chord’s older models.

“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.

“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 pleasing vented design, which is enhanced with a dimmable LED light.”

On the Ultima Pre 3’s rear panel, apart from the inputs and outputs, there’s a 12 V trigger and IEC power inlet, plus a convenient 5V/3A USB Type-A output to power peripheral devices, including Chord Electronics’ DACs such as the Qutest and Hugo 2.

“The Ultima Pre 3 is perfectly suited to a wide range of power amps, including the Ultima 5 and 6 stereo power amplifiers, and the Ultima 2 and 3 monoblocks.”

Hand-built in the UK and retailing at £6,000, the Ultima Pre 3 comes in either Jett Black or Argent Silver finish.

News
Chord Electronics Ultima 3 preamp
connected-fidelity pucks could Float your boat
McIntosh has a new player/DAC, the MCD12000

1 Comment

  1. Samad Samad
    May 5, 2022    

    The presence of super performing budget preamps like the Topping and Gustard make a mockery of expensive preamps like this

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Samad Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Categories

  • Recent
  • Naim Audio looks back with limited edition NAIT 50
    May 26, 2023
  • McIntosh reimagines the ML1 loudspeaker for 2023
    May 23, 2023
  • The ultimate one? Chord reveals the ULTIMA Integrated
    May 18, 2023
  • A special Planar 3 from Rega… only for 2023
    May 11, 2023
  • Monitor Audio’s new flagship, the Hyphn
    May 3, 2023

RSS 440Hz.my – Expanding music horizons

  • Gibson acquires Mesa/Boogie January 7, 2021 The Editor
  • The Pandemic, The Arts, and The Situation October 5, 2020 BRENDAN de CRUZ
  • Martin SC-13E… fret not over the higher notes January 17, 2020 The Editor
  • Sadowsky and Warwick announce licensing deal December 17, 2019 The Editor
  • Roland RP302… your family-friendly digital piano December 2, 2019 Sujesh Pavithran
  • The making of a Taylor guitar – a sustainable and ethical process November 28, 2019 Sujesh Pavithran
  • Godin Acoustic Series… keeping it premium November 18, 2019 Sujesh Pavithran
  • Eugene Lee – bringing ’em back to life November 11, 2019 NR Lohan
  • Fender announces the American Ultra series November 6, 2019 The Editor
  • Penang House of Music – still a mountain to climb October 28, 2019 RSMurthi

evolve theme by Theme4Press  •  Powered by WordPress