The Chord Electronics ULTIMA Pre 3 Preamplifier is an advanced preamp with a slimmer and more streamlined I/O than the ULTIMA 2 model. The ULTIMA 3 is equipped with 5 analog inputs - two balanced and three unbalanced, or single-ended, all of which benefit from individual buffering and are selectively filtered against potential ingress from radio frequency interference.

The ULTIMA 3 Pre 3 works seamlessly in your hi-fi system along with your DAC, power amplifiers, headphones or loudspeakers, streamers, and more. The build quality from Chord is second to none, and the ULTIMA Pre 3 is a true audiophile-grade preamplifier. Just like the Mojo, Qutest, Hugo 2, the ULTIMA Series represents the best that British sound has to offer, and the Ultima Pre 3 is the successor to the popular Ultima Pre 2. Works well with other ULTIMA Series power amps like the Ultima 5 and the Ultima 6 stereo power amplifiers.

Dragon Cable Recommendation: The is one of our best-selling cables at Moon Audio and our top recommendation to pair with the Chord Etude. Sold in Pairs, the Silver Dragon V2 is our top-of-the-line silver conductor-based interconnect. With a braided geometry and amazing shielding, this interconnect is a remarkable solution where noise isolation is key.

Inputs & Outputs: 5 Stereo Inputs and 1 Stereo Output

• 2x Stereo Balanced XLR Inputs – Line In 1, Line In 2
• 3x Stereo Unbalanced RCA Inputs – Line In 3, Line In 4, Line In 5
• 1x Stereo Output – Either via Balanced XLR or Unbalanced RCA
• 1x Stereo Balanced XLR AV Bypass Input

A High-End, Modern Preamplifier for Everyday Use

The ULTIMA Pre 3 preamplifier from Chord is literally built from the ground up to take advantage of the very latest developments in advanced low-distortion power supplies. The ULTIMA Pre 3 offers exceptionally low noise and amplification efficiency. Coupled with Chord's latest design developments the ULTIMA Pre 3 offers the latest and greatest in amplifier performance.

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

What's in the Box?

• ULTIMA PRE 3 Quickstart guide
• Safety instructions
• 10A Mains IEC cable
• IR system remote control
• 2x AAA batteries

Press and Reviews