Chord Electronics Ultima Pre 2 Reference Preamplifier

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.

Specifications

Key Features:

• HF Switch Mode Power Supply
• Blue Velvet ALPS Potentiometer
• -115dB Signal to Noise Ratio
• Advanced Shielding Technology
• Fully Balanced Circuitry
• Analogue Signal Path
• Input/Output Buffering
• 4x Stereo RCA Inputs
• 4x Stereo XLR Inputs
• 1x 4x Stereo RCA Output
• 1x Stereo XLR Output
• Convection Cooled
• IR Remote Control Included
• Included Top Light Ring
• 12v Trigger On/Off Input/Output
• Solid Aluminium Chassis

Inputs & Outputs:

8 Stereo Inputs and 1 Stereo Outputs

• 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 Output – Either via Balanced XLR or Unbalanced RCA
• 1x Stereo Balanced XLR AV Bypass Input

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 (13 seconds 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