Chord Electronics
Ultima 3 Preamplifier
Ultima Pre 3 is the way into Ultima preamplification, and it is not a cut-down of the two above it — it was drawn from the ground up around Chord's latest low-distortion power supply work, which is where its figures come from: distortion of 0.002 per cent and -105 dB signal-to-noise. Five inputs, two balanced and three unbalanced, each individually buffered and filtered against radio interference, which is the part that matters in a room full of wireless everything. An AV bypass lets a cinema processor pass straight through, and there is a USB socket on the back that simply charges a phone. Twelve and a half kilos, with a new volume knob that is a pleasure to use. Below Pre 2.
Specifications
| Gain | x1 |
|---|---|
| Input impedance | 100 kΩ |
| Output impedance | 560 Ω |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz-200 kHz +/- 3 dB |
| THD | 0.002 % 20Hz-20 kHz |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | -105 dB on all inputs |
| Channel separation | 100 dB |
| Inputs | 2x stereo balanced XLR inputs, 3x stereo unbalanced RCA, 1x stereo balanced XLR AV bypass input |
| Outputs | 1x stereo XLR, 1x stereo RCA, 1x 5 V charging USB Type-A port, 1x 12 V trigger output/input |
| Maximum input voltage | 10 V RMS |
| Maximum output voltage | 17 V RMS |
| Operating voltage | 80-250 V AC auto-switching |
| Power consumption | 40 W |
| Dimensions, with Integra legs | 13 cm(H) x 48 cm(W) x 34 cm(D) |
| Dimensions, with side blocks | 10 cm(H) x 42 cm(W) x 34 cm(D) |
| Weight | 12.7 kg |
| Finishes | Black; Silver |
| In the box | ULTIMA PRE 3 Quickstart guide; Safety instructions; 10A Mains IEC cable; IR system remote control; 2x AAA batteries |
Where to listen
Every model is sold and demonstrated through Joenit's authorized dealer network across Europe. Find your nearest dealer to hear it for yourself.
