Chord Electronics

Ultima 3 Preamplifier

Built from the ground up, the ULTIMA 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 Chord's latest design developments, the PRE 3 offers new levels of preamplifier performance.

The ULTIMA 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.

The black ULTIMA PRE 3 in three-quarter view: the VOLUME/IP and BALANCE/AV knobs either side of the central cyan power sphere, the CHORD badge and the Integra legs, with the lit vent on the top panel

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.

More photographs

Rear of the black ULTIMA PRE 3: two balanced XLR and three unbalanced RCA inputs per channel, the A/V and stereo XLR and RCA outputs, the USB charging port, trigger outputs, mains switch and IEC inlet

The black ULTIMA PRE 3 from above: the blue-lit circle and arc vent pattern over the electronics, framed by the four ball-topped Integra legs

The silver ULTIMA PRE 3 stacked on a matching ULTIMA power amplifier, both fascias lit by their cyan power spheres

The story on this page is Chord Electronics's own, reprinted by Joenit, its official distributor.

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