{"product_id":"chord-electronics-ultima-pre-3-preamplifier","title":"Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 3 Preamplifier","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith 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.\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/6139\/9068\/files\/ChatGPT_Image_Sep_18_2026_04_01_43_PM.png?v=1789727570\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFully Balanced Analog Architecture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eULTIMA 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEach 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChord's advanced shielding technology and solid aluminum chassis further support the low-noise design.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdvanced Low-Noise Power Supply\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCombined with the PRE 3's latest-generation circuit design, the power supply provides a carefully controlled foundation for high-performance analog signal handling.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrecise Analog Volume Control\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVolume adjustment is handled by an ALPS Blue Velvet potentiometer, providing tactile analog level control while maintaining the PRE 3's all-analog signal path.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe redesigned front panel features Chord's distinctive central illuminated power sphere, flanked by dedicated controls for volume and balance\/AV bypass operation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn included IR system remote provides convenient control from the listening position.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBalanced \u0026amp; Unbalanced System Connectivity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eULTIMA PRE 3 provides two stereo balanced XLR inputs and three stereo unbalanced RCA inputs, allowing multiple analog sources to be connected simultaneously.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor power-amplifier connection, both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs are provided.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKey Features\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHigh-end five-input analog preamplifier\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFully balanced analog circuitry\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2 × balanced XLR and 3 × unbalanced RCA inputs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDedicated balanced XLR AV-bypass input\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBalanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eALPS Blue Velvet precision volume control\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHigh-frequency switch-mode power supply\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdvanced internal shielding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Chord Electronics","offers":[{"title":"Black","offer_id":54578933432604,"sku":null,"price":10275.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Silver","offer_id":54578933465372,"sku":null,"price":10275.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/6139\/9068\/files\/Untitleddesign-2026-09-18T155843.638.png?v=1789727368","url":"https:\/\/rockonav.com\/products\/chord-electronics-ultima-pre-3-preamplifier","provider":"RockOnAV","version":"1.0","type":"link"}