Chord Electronics Prima

The Chord Electronics Prima is a five-input analog preamplifier built to the same standard as Chord's power amplifiers and DACs, with an ALPS Blue Velvet potentiometer, variable gain on every input, and both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA connections. It is the control center for a Choral-range system, sitting between the DAVE (or any other source) and the Etude power amplifier.

Key Features

• Five inputs: XLR balanced and RCA single-ended connections
• ALPS Blue Velvet potentiometer for analog volume control
• Variable gain on all inputs for level-matching between different sources
• Balanced XLR and RCA outputs
• Display screen showing active input and volume level
• Full remote control
• High-frequency switch-mode power supply
• Choral form factor for stacking with DAVE, Etude, Symphonic, and Ensemble Stand

Why We Carry Chord Electronics

Chord Electronics has been doing digital conversion differently since 1989. While every other manufacturer buys off-the-shelf DAC chips, Rob Watts designs custom FPGA algorithms with tap lengths that dwarf anything from ESS or AKM. Their proprietary Pulse Array technology, MOSFET amplification stages, and high-frequency switch-mode power supplies are all designed and built in Kent, England. From the portable Mojo 2 to the flagship DAVE, every product runs code that Chord wrote themselves.

Why a Separate Preamp When DAVE Has Variable Output?

The DAVE can drive a power amplifier directly using its digital volume control, and for many systems that is the simplest and shortest signal path. The Prima exists for systems with multiple analog sources that need switching and level-matching, or where the listener prefers an analog volume control stage. If you run a turntable through the Symphonic phono stage alongside the DAVE for digital, the Prima handles source selection and volume for both without touching the DAVE's digital domain. It also lets you add a CD transport, tape deck, or any line-level source to the system without routing everything through the DAVE.

Input Gain Matching

Every input on the Prima has independent gain adjustment, so you can match the output levels of different source components. A phono stage, a DAC, and a CD player rarely output the same voltage. Without gain matching, switching between sources means reaching for the volume knob every time. The Prima eliminates that by letting you calibrate each input to the same perceived volume level. Once set, switching between sources requires no adjustment.

ALPS Blue Velvet Volume Control

The Prima uses an ALPS Blue Velvet potentiometer for volume, a component that has been the reference standard in high-end preamps for decades. It provides smooth, precise control with excellent channel tracking (both channels attenuate equally at every position). The volume position is readable on the front display alongside the active input.

Chord Electronics Prima Power Supply

Like every component in the Choral range, the Prima uses Chord's proprietary high-frequency switch-mode power supply rather than a conventional toroidal transformer. The SMPS operates well above the audio band, delivering fast, clean energy to the preamp circuitry without the magnetic interference that low-frequency transformers can introduce. For a preamp handling microvolt-level signals, power supply noise rejection matters more than in almost any other component.

The Choral Range

The Prima shares its form factor with the DAVE, Etude, Symphonic, and Choral Ensemble Stand. A complete Choral system stacks neatly on the Ensemble Stand. Available in black or silver finish.

The Listening Room Difference

We're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on exceptional service and relentless passion for hifi. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.

Chord Electronics Prima Specifications