{"product_id":"chord-electronics-ultima-pre","title":"Chord Electronics Ultima Pre","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Chord Electronics Ultima Pre is the reference preamplifier in Chord's ULTIMA lineup, with eight variable-gain inputs, three dedicated outputs, dual headphone jacks, independent high and low frequency EQ adjustment per channel, and two selection buses for simultaneous source routing. It is built for systems where every source in the room connects to one box, and that box needs to control all of them without compromise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEight inputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4 XLR balanced + 4 RCA single-ended\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThree outputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e balanced XLR and RCA options for multi-amplifier configurations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSix gain levels per input\u003c\/strong\u003e for precise level-matching\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIndependent frequency EQ adjustment\u003c\/strong\u003e (high and low, per channel, bypassable)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDual headphone outputs\u003c\/strong\u003e capable of driving any impedance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTwo input selection buses\u003c\/strong\u003e for simultaneous listening and recording\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAV bypass input\u003c\/strong\u003e for home theater integration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFull remote control\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-frequency switch-mode power supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eWhy We Carry Chord Electronics\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChord 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 \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chord-electronics-mojo-2\"\u003eMojo 2\u003c\/a\u003e to the flagship \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chord-electronics-dave\"\u003eDAVE\u003c\/a\u003e, every product runs code that Chord wrote themselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eReference Preamplifier\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Ultima Pre is not just a higher-priced version of the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chord-electronics-ultima-pre-2\"\u003eUltima Pre 2\u003c\/a\u003e. It adds a third output (allowing tri-amplification or simultaneous connection to multiple power amplifiers), independent frequency EQ adjustment per channel, and the ability to drive any headphone impedance from its dual headphone outputs. These are features that exist because systems at this level are complex. A reference system might run a DAVE as digital source, a phono stage for vinyl, a CD transport, a reel-to-reel, and a home theater processor, all feeding the Ultima Pre, which then routes to a pair of Ultima or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chord-electronics-ultima-2\"\u003eUltima 2\u003c\/a\u003e mono blocks for the main speakers, a separate amplifier for subwoofers, and a headphone amplifier for late-night listening. The Ultima Pre handles all of it from a single chassis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/chord-ultima-pre-angled.jpg\" alt=\"Chord Electronics Ultima Pre reference preamplifier angled view\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eFrequency EQ Adjustment\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndependent high-frequency and low-frequency EQ controls for left and right channels let you fine-tune the Ultima Pre's output to match your room and speakers. This is not a graphic equalizer. It is a subtle adjustment tool for compensating room acoustics or speaker characteristics at the frequency extremes. If your room has a slight bass buildup in one corner (common in asymmetric rooms), you can reduce the low-frequency output on that channel. If your speakers are slightly bright with a particular recording chain, you can soften the high end. The EQ can be bypassed entirely for a flat signal path when correction is not needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThree Outputs\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree dedicated outputs (balanced XLR and RCA) allow the Ultima Pre to feed multiple amplifiers simultaneously. In a bi-amplification setup, one output feeds a pair of amplifiers for the woofers while another feeds amplifiers for the midrange and tweeter. In a tri-amplification setup, all three outputs are active. The outputs can also serve different zones or a combination of speaker and subwoofer amplifiers. Having three dedicated outputs means no Y-splitters, no compromised connections, and no impedance issues from parallel-wired single outputs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/chord-ultima-pre-rear.jpg?v=1773255666\" alt=\"Chord Electronics Ultima Pre rear panel showing eight inputs and three outputs\" style=\"max-width:100%; height:auto; margin:20px 0;\"\u003e\n\n\n\u003ch5\u003eDual Headphone Outputs and Selection Buses\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo headphone outputs on the front panel drive headphones of any impedance. The output stage has enough current to handle planar magnetic designs that demand more than typical headphone jacks provide. Two independent selection buses allow simultaneous routing: listen to one source through the main outputs while recording a different source through a secondary path. This is the same capability found on the Ultima Pre 2, carried forward to the reference model.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eChord Electronics Ultima Pre Power Supply\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChord's proprietary high-frequency switch-mode power supply operates above the audio band, keeping its switching noise well away from the signal frequencies the preamplifier handles. With eight inputs, three outputs, and dual headphone jacks all active simultaneously, the power supply needs to service a complex circuit without introducing noise at any node. The SMPS charges its capacitors thousands of times per second, maintaining voltage stability under varying load conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThe ULTIMA Range\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Ultima Pre is the natural partner for the reference \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chord-electronics-ultima\"\u003eUltima\u003c\/a\u003e and Ultima 2 mono block amplifiers. Its three outputs, frequency EQ, and comprehensive input routing make it the control center for systems where the amplification alone costs six figures. Balanced XLR connections between the preamp and mono blocks allow long cable runs without signal loss, the standard configuration for high-power mono block systems. Available in black or silver finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Listening Room Difference\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt The Listening Room, we don't just sell high-end audio, we provide a level of service that's as refined as the products we offer. When you invest in a preamplifier like the the Ultima Pre, you're not just making a purchase, you're making a commitment to world-class sound, and we match that commitment with world-class service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOwner Michael Hoaston \u003cstrong\u003ewill personally deliver the Ultima Pre to your home, anywhere in the country\u003c\/strong\u003e. This isn't a curbside drop-off. Mike will painstakingly ensure that every detail of your setup is dialed in perfectly. From room placement and fine adjustments to full system integration, he'll work to optimize the Ultima Pre's performance within your space. When you buy from The Listening Room, you're getting the expertise and dedication of someone who truly understands what it takes to bring a system to life.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eChord Electronics Ultima Pre Specifications\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse;\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f3f3f3;\"\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221); width: 34%;\"\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221); width: 66%;\"\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Type\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eReference Analog Preamplifier\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e8 total: 4 XLR balanced + 4 RCA single-ended\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e3 (XLR balanced + RCA single-ended)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGain Levels\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e6 per input\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHeadphone Outputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e2 (drives any impedance)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSelection Buses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e2 independent\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequency EQ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eIndependent high\/low per channel (bypassable)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAV Bypass\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRemote Control\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eHigh-frequency switch-mode\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eBlack or Silver\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRange\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eULTIMA Reference\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDesigned \u0026amp; Built\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eKent, England\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n","brand":"Chord Electronics","offers":[{"title":"Black","offer_id":42641586618464,"sku":"CHORDULTPREBLK","price":52395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Silver","offer_id":42641588551776,"sku":"CHORDULTPRESIL","price":52395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/Ultima-Pre-Front.jpg?v=1773255090","url":"https:\/\/listenroom.com\/products\/chord-electronics-ultima-pre","provider":"The Listening Room","version":"1.0","type":"link"}