ULTIMA PRE 3

Five input pre-amplifier

The ULTIMA PRE 3 is an all-new ground-up-design preamplifier containing the very latest proprietary power supply technology and the latest circuit design. 

DESCRIPTION

Built from the ground up, the UTLIMA 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 our latest design developments, the PRE 3 offers new levels of preamplifier performance.

The UTLIMA 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.

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.

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

INCLUDED ACCESSORIES

 ULTIMA PRE 3 Quickstart guide

 Safety instructions

 10A Mains IEC cable

 IR system remote control

 2x AAA batteries

REVIEW & AWARDS

Chord Electronics Ultima Pre 3 Preamplifier Review

"Although designed to work hand-in-glove with Chord's Ultima 5 and 6 stereo power amplifiers, or Ultima 2 and 3 monoblocks, there's nothing to stop you hooking up the Ultima Pre 3 preamp up to any top-tier power amp. This done, it really delivers – giving an extremely open sound that nevertheless doesn't appear too forensic or 'hi-fi' in its nature. It's certainly one of the best preamps I've heard for a while, and I doubt it would disgrace itself in the company of designs costing quite a lot more. Although expensive for a line-only preamp, its performance is such that it's still great value for money." - David Price

Chord Ultima Pre 3 and Ultima 6 Power Amplifier REVIEW 

"It was the comparative listening testing with other really very good components that showed to me just how accomplished this Chord Ultima Pre and power setup is. It is stunningly good, I don’t know what else to say other than that. I know these were not exhaustive comparative tests, but it seemed to me that the Chord pre really complements the Chord power and combined with an all-Chord digital front end seemed to all sonically synergise better and bring out more performance than the sum of its parts alone." - Steve Crowe

First direct

"Combining class-leading sound quality with an attractive and distinctive visual look and feel, Chord Electronics’ Ultima Pre 3 preamp is – in three words – hard to beat. It’s a real class act which, although expensive, still offers great value for money. If you’re in the market for a product such as this, it’s an essential listen" - Nick Tate

Chord Electronics Ultima Pre 3 Preamplifier and Ultima 5 Power Amplifier

"The Chord Ultima Pre 3 and Ultima 5 is a fantastic combination both in sound and design and build quality. I suspect that the Ultima 5 would shine even brighter with speakers more difficult to drive than mine. The Ultima 5 was unflappable at any volume level and with any kind of music no matter how dynamic or complex." - Rives Bird

SPECIFICATIONS