Chord Ultima Pre 3 Preamplifier

Description

My Take: Frankly, this preamp (along with the equally impressive Ultima 5 power amp) was quite a surprise, and a very pleasant one. Great across the board, but the soundstage is amazing with depth that goes on forever - as dimensionally-deep as any solid-state preamplifier I've heard in this price range. Images are rock solid and elements within the stage are spatially precise and exceptionally well delineated. Great preamp! - Galen Carol

Built from the ground up, the UTLIMA PRE 3 takes advantage of the very latest developments in advanced low-distortion power supplies. These advanced devices offer exceptionally low noise and outstanding amplifier operation. Coupled with our latest design developments, the PRE 3 offers new levels of preamplifier performance.
 

The UTLIMA PRE 3 is equipped with five analogue inputs (two balanced and three unbalanced) all of which benefit from individual buffering and are selectively filtered against potential ingress from radio frequency interference.
 

Externally, the PRE 3 benefits from a completely redesigned aesthetic with a central circular power sphere flanked by a new volume control and balance/AV bypass selector, both of which benefit from a new ergonomic knob design.
 

Additional features include an AV bypass, plus a 5 V charging USB Type-A port.

KEY FEATURES:

• HF Switch Mode Power Supply
• Blue Velvet ALPS Potentiometer
• Advanced Shielding Technology
• Fully Balanced Circuitry
• Analogue Signal Path
• Convection Cooled
• Included Top Light Ring
• Solid Aluminium Chassis

REVIEWS:

Pusuit Perfect System:

"It was the comparative listening testing with other really very good components that showed to me just how accomplished this Chord Ultima Pre and power setup is. It is stunningly good, I don’t know what else to say other than that. I know these were not exhaustive comparative tests, but it seemed to me that the Chord pre really complements the Chord power and combined with an all-Chord digital front end seemed to all sonically synergise better and bring out more performance than the sum of its parts alone.

"This is why I postulated at the beginning of this review about there is something in having all a lot of system components from the one manufacturer. I do feel the all Chord sound wont be for every audiophile because it is not HiFi trying to make music sound romantic or overly pleasing. It is about making music sound lively, dynamic and expressive through its energetic honesty, and that does mean music is quite an active listen – more than pipe and slippers sit back relaxed listen Well, it was through the Bowers. It was the dynamics that struck me about this system. I don’t just mean the big stuff; I mean the small stuff, the dynamism of all the small things that makes every bit of the music pop off of the background and sound engaging and three dimensional, impressive stuff

"I am pretty smitten with this system. Yes, it’s expensive, but boy its uplifitngly good." - Terry Ellis

Pursuit Pefect System Special Performer Award Winner

HiFiChoice:

"Combining class-leading sound quality with an attractive and distinctive visual look and feel, Chord Electronics’ Ultima Pre 3 preamp is – in three words – hard to beat. It’s a real class act which, although expensive, still offers great value for money. If you’re in the market for a product such as this, it’s an essential listen."

Five Stars - HiFiChoice Recommended Award Winner

Stereonet:

"Although designed to work hand-in-glove with Chord's Ultima 5 and 6 stereo power amplifiers, or Ultima 2 and 3 monoblocks, there's nothing to stop you hooking up the Ultima Pre 3 preamp up to any top-tier power amp. This done, it really delivers – giving an extremely open sound that nevertheless doesn't appear too forensic or 'hi-fi' in its nature. It's certainly one of the best preamps I've heard for a while, and I doubt it would disgrace itself in the company of designs costing quite a lot more. Although expensive for a line-only preamp, its performance is such that it's still great value for money." - David Price
Stereonet Appluase Award Winner

SPECIFICATIONS:

Frequency response: 10 Hz-200 kHz +/- 3 dB

THD: 0.002 % 20Hz-20 kHz

Signal to noise ratio: -105 dB on all inputs

Input impedance: 100 kΩ

Output impedance: 560 Ω

Input maximum voltage:10 V RMS

Output maximum voltage: 17 V RMS

Gain: x1

Channel separation: 100 dB

Operation voltage: 80-250 V AC auto-switching 

Power consumption: 40 W

Dimensions with included Integra legs: 13 cm(H) x 48 cm(W) x 34 cm(D)

Dimensions with optional side blocks (can not be stacked): 10 cm(H) x 42 cm(W) x 34 cm (D)

Weight: 12.7 kg