Chord Electronics Ultima Pre-amplifier

Chord Electronics Ultima Pre

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What we Say:

The Chord Electronics Ultima Pre is the top model of two pre-amplifiers in the Chord Ultima range. It is built in a full size chassis standing at roughly double the height of the Ultima Pre 2. This allows the design to be split so each channel has it’s own input PCB so effectively dual mono in approach. Multiple inputs and outputs are available on both single ended RCA and balanced XLR connectors.

The font fascia is very striking with a pair of rows of LEDs which illuminate to indicate current output level. Above the large weighted volume and balance knobs are 4 rotary controls that look more like controls that you may find on a submarine rather than an amplifier. The case is constructed from large milled and anodised aluminium slabs which ooze quality and craftsmanship. As with most Chord Electronics products part of the inside is visible from vents in the top cover. The inside is illuminated using Teal colour LEDs which give the product a striking glow. Metalwork is available in Silver or Black. The pre-amp sits on Integra legs which enable stacking if required.

For more information about the Chord Ultima Pre.

https://chordelectronics.co.uk/product/ultima-pre

For reviews of the Chord Ultima amplifiers.

https://www.hifinews.com/content/chord-ultima-prepower-amplifier

For more Chord Electronics products available from DNA Audio

https://dnaaudio.co.uk/product_brand/chord-electronics/

 

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What they say:

ULTIMA PRE

Flagship reference-quality eight input preamp

 

Our flagship preamp, ULTIMA, neither adds to or takes away from, the precious incoming signal
RANGE: REFERENCE
COLOUR OPTIONS: 

Designed to be entirely uncompromising, the ULTIMA preamp is a world-class amplifier with advanced proprietary Chord Electronics technology. A product of three decades of research, design and engineering here in the UK, it benefits from true dual-mono construction with separate ultra-high-frequency power supplies for each channel, giving the best possible separation. With the addition of valuable low-noise circuitry, the noise floor performance is exceptional, at beyond -117dB.

Featuring impressive double-height dimensions, the ULTIMA preamp has been created to perfectly complement the flagship ULTIMA mono power amplifier, also the most advanced in the company’s 30-year history. With wide-ranging inputs and outputs, including balanced connectivity, ULTIMA offers complete flexibility for high-performance partnering equipment, enhanced further by the fascia-mounted separate frequency EQ adjust controls for the left and right channels. Headphone outputs offer further flexibility for late-night and personal listening in style.

Each ULTIMA preamp is hand-made in the Kent factory, with the various stages of build and production carefully overseen by one highly skilled technician. Sensitive internal circuit features are protected by solid milled aluminium shielding to prevent RF interference and Chord Electronics’ legendary UK-produced aircraft-grade aluminium provides a solid and resonance-eliminating enclosure for the electronics within, complemented by the famous Integra Leg System.

ULTIMA is the ultimate expression of the finest high-performance, ultra-fast, ultra-high-power amplifier technology available today.

Inputs & Outputs:

8 Stereo Inputs and 3 Stereo Outputs

  • 4x Stereo Balanced XLR Inputs – Line In 1, Line In 2, Line In 3, and Line In 4
  • 4x Stereo Unbalanced RCA Inputs – Line In 5, Line In 6, Tape 1, and Tape 2
  • 3x Stereo Outputs – Selectable – Either via Balanced XLR or Unbalanced RCA
  • 1x Stereo Balanced XLR AV Bypass Input

KEY FEATURES

HF Switch Mode Power Supply
Blue Velvet ALPS Potentiometer
-125dB Signal to Noise Ratio
Advanced Shielding Technology
Fully Balanced Circuitry
Analogue Signal Path
Input/Output Buffering
4x Stereo RCA Inputs
4x Stereo XLR Inputs
3x Stereo RCA Outputs
3x Stereo XLR Outputs
Convection Cooled
Included Top Light Ring
12v Trigger On/Off Input/Output
Solid Aluminium Chassis

Frequency Range:

2.5Hz – 200kHz +/- 3dB

Total Harmonic Distortion:

0.002% 20Hz – 20kHz

Intermodulation Distortion:

-125dB on all inputs

Signal to Noise Ratio:

-117dB on all inputs

Channel Separation:

20Hz @ 110dB, 1kHz @ 105dB, 10kHz @ 100dB, 20kHz @ 95dB

Channel Balance:

0.01dB

Input Max Voltage:

17v RMS Balanced – 8.5v RMS Unbalanced

Output Max Voltage:

17v RMS Balanced – 8.5v RMS Unbalanced

Output Offset:

0mV (Both Channels)

Potentiometer Performance:

0dB 0.5dB, -20dB 0.2dB, -60dB 0.24dB (13seconds Full Travel)

Nominal Gain:

All inputs subject to six levels of switchable gain (x0.5, x1, x1.5, x2, x2.5, x3)

Input Impedance:

100 kΩ Balanced – 50 kΩ Unbalanced

Output Impedance:

100Ω (Short Circuit Protected)

Operating Voltage:

85v – 270v AC (50Hz – 60Hz) Auto Switching

Power Consumption:

60w

Dimensions Without Integra Legs:

420mm (w) x 355mm (d) x 310mm (h)

Dimensions With Included Integra Legs:

480mm (w) x 355mm (d) x 350mm (h)

Weight:

30kG