Chord Ultima Pre 2

The fully modernised ULTIMA PRE 2 is built to complement stereo systems of the highest order and represents the finest Chord Electronics engineering inside and out.

Just as a preamplifier should, the ULTIMA PRE 2 adds nothing to the original waveform and instead preserves it with zero colouration. This is thanks to our latest advances in switch-mode power supply design, developed from aerospace technologies, and our ultra-low-noise proprietary solid-state circuitry which is both carefully shielded and equipped with premium system components. As a result, the ULTIMA PRE 2 is able to achieve unprecedented noise floor performance of -130dB, meaning your source will always sound like your source and nothing else.

Where connectivity is concerned, the ULTIMA PRE 2 has hi-fi systems (and more!) covered. Featuring eight inputs, four stereo pairs of XLRs for balanced connections and another four RCA for unbalanced connections, each of these can be gain-matched and individually selected. For outputs, a single stereo pair is available via XLR or RCA, to accommodate a single stereo amplifier such as the ULTIMA 5 or a pair of mono blocks such as the ULTIMA 3s. Naturally, headphone users are catered for, too, for personal and late-night listening with the addition of a high-resolution 6.35mm output on the front fascia.

Where system-triggering is important, (allowing the simultaneous start-up of connected equipment from a single button-press), the ULTIMA PRE 2 is equipped with three outputs which should be more than enough for most systems.

The Chord Electronics Ultima Pre 2 is a high-end preamplifier that's designed to preserve the original audio waveform without adding colorization. 

Features: Eight inputs, including four stereo pairs of XLRs and four RCA inputs, plus a single stereo pair of outputs via XLR or RCA 

Technology: Uses switch-mode power supply design and ultra-low-noise solid-state circuitry 

Noise floor: Achieves a noise floor performance of -130dB 

Connectivity: Can be used with other Chord products, such as the DAVE DAC and Ultima 6 power amplifier 

Controls: Front panel controls for accessing connected sources, plus a remote control for volume, balance, input, and output selection 

Headphone outputs: Two 6.35mm headphone outputs on the front panel 

AV bypass input: Allows signals to be routed directly to the output without going through the volume control 

Features:

• HF Switch Mode Power Supply
• Blue Velvet ALPS Potentiometer
• -115dB Signal to Noise Ratio
• Advanced Shielding Technology
• Fully Balanced Circuitry
• Analog Signal Path
• Input/Output Buffering
• Convection Cooled
• Solid Aluminum Chassis
• IR Remote Control (included)
  
• Top Light Ring (included)
• 12v Trigger On/Off Input/Output
• Inputs:
  • 4x Stereo Balanced XLR Inputs – Line In 1, Line In 2, Line In 3, and Line In 4
  • 4x Stereo Unbalanced RCA Inputs – Line In 5, Line In 6, Tape 1, Tape 2
• 1x Stereo Balanced XLR AV Bypass Input
• Outputs:
  • 1x Stereo Output – Either via Balanced XLR or Unbalanced RCA
• 2x Stereo Outputs – RCA unattenuated for recording loop

Technical Specifications:

• Frequency Range: 2.5Hz – 200kHz +/- 3dB

   

• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.002% 20Hz – 20kHz

   

• Intermodulation Distortion: -115dB on all inputs

   

• Signal to Noise Ratio: -120dB on all inputs

• Channel Separation: 20Hz @ 100dB, 1kHz @ 95dB, 10kHz @ 90dB, 20kHz @ 85dB

• Channel Balance: 0.01dB

• Input Max Voltage: 17v RMS Balanced – 8.5v RMS Unbalanced

• Output Max Voltage: 17v RMS Balanced – 8.5v RMS Unbalanced

• Output Offset: 0mV (Both Channels)

• Potentiometer Performance: 0dB 0.5dB, -20dB 0.2dB, -60dB 0.24dB (13seconds Full Travel)

• Nominal Gain: All inputs subject to six levels of switchable gain – x0.5, x1, x1.5, x2, x2.5, and x3

• Input Impedance: 100 kΩ Balanced – 50 kΩ Unbalanced

• Output Impedance: 100Ω (Short Circuit Protected)

• Operating Voltage: 85v – 270v AC (50Hz – 60Hz) Auto Switching

• Power Consumption: 30w

• Dimensions Without Integra Legs: 420mm (w) x 355mm (d) x 133mm (h)

• Dimensions With Included Integra Legs: 480mm (w) x 355mm (d) x 173mm (h)

• Weight: 18kG