Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 3 Preamplifier

Chord Electronics

Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 3 Preamplifier

High-End Five-Input Analog Preamplifier

Special Order

May require additional processing and shipping time. Non-cancelable and non-returnable. Full manufacturer warranty included.

$10,275

Special Order Required

This special order item may require additional processing and shipping time. It cannot be canceled or returned.

Color: Black

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Description

The Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 3 is a high-performance analog preamplifier designed to serve as the control center of a reference two-channel audio system. Developed from the ground up as part of Chord's ULTIMA range, PRE 3 combines fully balanced circuitry, a pure analog signal path, advanced low-noise power-supply technology, and flexible balanced and unbalanced connectivity.

With five analog inputs, dedicated AV bypass, balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs, and precise analog volume control, ULTIMA PRE 3 is designed to partner with high-performance power amplifiers, including Chord's ULTIMA power amplifier range.

Fully Balanced Analog Architecture

ULTIMA PRE 3 uses a fully balanced circuit design and an entirely analog signal path, keeping the focus on high-quality analog preamplification without adding unnecessary digital processing.

Each of its five main analog inputs—two balanced XLR and three unbalanced RCA—is individually buffered and selectively filtered to help protect the signal path against potential radio-frequency interference.

Chord's advanced shielding technology and solid aluminum chassis further support the low-noise design.

Advanced Low-Noise Power Supply

At the heart of ULTIMA PRE 3 is Chord's latest high-frequency switch-mode power-supply technology, developed to provide exceptionally low noise and stable operation for the preamplifier circuitry.

Combined with the PRE 3's latest-generation circuit design, the power supply provides a carefully controlled foundation for high-performance analog signal handling.

Precise Analog Volume Control

Volume adjustment is handled by an ALPS Blue Velvet potentiometer, providing tactile analog level control while maintaining the PRE 3's all-analog signal path.

The redesigned front panel features Chord's distinctive central illuminated power sphere, flanked by dedicated controls for volume and balance/AV bypass operation.

An included IR system remote provides convenient control from the listening position.

Balanced & Unbalanced System Connectivity

ULTIMA PRE 3 provides two stereo balanced XLR inputs and three stereo unbalanced RCA inputs, allowing multiple analog sources to be connected simultaneously.

For power-amplifier connection, both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs are provided.

A dedicated stereo balanced XLR AV bypass input allows the PRE 3 to be incorporated into a combined two-channel and home-theater system, while a 12 V trigger input/output simplifies power control when used with compatible components.

The rear panel also includes a 5 V USB Type-A charging port for powering or charging compatible devices. This USB connection is for power only and is not a digital audio input.

Key Features

High-end five-input analog preamplifier
Fully balanced analog circuitry
2 × balanced XLR and 3 × unbalanced RCA inputs
Dedicated balanced XLR AV-bypass input
Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs
ALPS Blue Velvet precision volume control
High-frequency switch-mode power supply
Advanced internal shielding

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 3?

ULTIMA PRE 3 is a high-performance analog stereo preamplifier designed to control source selection and volume within a high-end two-channel audio system. It provides five main analog inputs, balanced and unbalanced outputs, and dedicated AV bypass functionality.

Is ULTIMA PRE 3 a fully balanced preamplifier?

Yes. Chord specifies fully balanced circuitry, and the PRE 3 provides two balanced XLR source inputs, a balanced XLR AV bypass input, and balanced XLR outputs.

How many inputs does ULTIMA PRE 3 have?

It provides five main analog source inputs: two stereo balanced XLR inputs and three stereo unbalanced RCA inputs. A separate balanced XLR AV bypass input is also provided.

Does ULTIMA PRE 3 include a DAC?

No. ULTIMA PRE 3 uses an analog signal path and does not include a built-in DAC. Digital sources require a separate DAC before connection to the preamplifier.

Does ULTIMA PRE 3 include a phono stage?

No. A turntable requires a compatible external phono stage unless the turntable or another component in the system already provides phono amplification.

What is the AV bypass input used for?

The dedicated balanced XLR AV bypass input allows ULTIMA PRE 3 to be incorporated into a system that combines high-performance two-channel listening with compatible home-theater electronics.

What is the USB Type-A connection used for?

The rear USB Type-A port supplies 5 V charging power for compatible devices. It is not a USB digital audio input.

Which power amplifiers can be used with ULTIMA PRE 3?

ULTIMA PRE 3 can be connected to compatible power amplifiers using either its balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA outputs. It is also designed as a natural system partner for power amplifiers in Chord Electronics' ULTIMA range.

Specifications

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Range	ULTIMA
Signal Path	Analog
Circuitry	Fully Balanced
Analog Inputs	2 × Stereo Balanced XLR 3 × Stereo Unbalanced RCA
AV Bypass	1 × Stereo Balanced XLR AV Bypass Input
Analog Outputs	1 × Stereo Balanced XLR 1 × Stereo Unbalanced RCA
Additional Connections	1 × 5 V USB Type-A Charging Port 1 × 12 V Trigger Input/Output
Frequency Response	10 Hz–200 kHz ±3 dB
THD	0.002% from 20 Hz–20 kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	-105 dB on All Inputs
Input Impedance	100 kΩ
Output Impedance	560Ω
Maximum Input Voltage	10 V RMS
Maximum Output Voltage	17 V RMS
Gain	×1
Channel Separation	100 dB
Operating Voltage	80–250 V AC, Auto-Switching
Power Consumption	40 W
Dimensions with Included Integra Legs	13 × 48 × 34 cm (H × W × D)
Dimensions with Optional Side Blocks	10 × 42 × 34 cm (H × W × D)
Weight	12.7 kg
Cooling	Convection
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Included Accessories	ULTIMA PRE 3 Quickstart Guide Safety Instructions 10 A IEC Mains Cable IR System Remote Control 2 × AAA Batteries Integra Legs

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