Chord Electronics
Chord ULTIMA PRE 2 Preamplifier
Best high-fidelity hub for audiophiles seeking pristine, transparent signal control.
The Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 2 Preamplifier is designed to be the central hub of your high-fidelity audio system, offering unparalleled connectivity with minimal coloration. It preserves the integrity of your incoming audio signal, ensuring no degradation when integrated into your setup. This preamplifier is engineered with advanced switch-mode power supply technology and ultra-low-noise solid-state circuitry, achieving an exceptional noise floor performance of -130dB. It features eight stereo inputs, including balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA options, and provides flexible stereo outputs via XLR or RCA. A high-resolution 6.35mm headphone output is also included for private listening.
$22848.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
8
/ 466
#8 in Phono Preamps
Price vs Category Average
+232%
Above average
Frequency Range
2.52003
/ Hz – kHz ± dB
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking absolute clarity and microscopic musical detail
- Design enthusiasts valuing premium materials and iconic industrial aesthetics
- Purists demanding the cleanest signal path through proprietary engineering
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious listeners prioritizing value over aspirational luxury
- System builders lacking high-end matching source and power components
- Minimalists preferring understated or traditional home audio styling
Performance breakdown
Signal Transparency
Minimal coloration ensures the original recording remains entirely untouched and pure.
Noise Floor
Ultra-low-noise circuitry delivers a silent background for absolute sonic clarity.
Connectivity Versatility
Eight stereo inputs provide extensive flexibility for complex high-end audio systems.
Frequency Response
Extremely wide bandwidth captures every nuance from deep bass to air.
Build Engineering
Aerospace-grade power supply technology ensures rock-solid stability and long-term reliability.
Headphone Performance
Dedicated high-resolution output offers a premium private listening experience.
Key Specs
Frequency Range
2.5 Hz – 200 kHz ±3 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
0.002% (20 Hz – 20 kHz)
Intermodulation Distortion
-115 dB on all inputs
Signal to Noise Ratio
-120 dB on all inputs
Channel Separation
20 Hz @ 100 dB, 1 kHz @ 95 dB, 10 kHz @ 90 dB, 20 kHz @ 85 dB
Inputs
4x Stereo Balanced XLR, 4x Stereo Unbalanced RCA
Outputs
1x Stereo Balanced XLR or Unbalanced RCA, 2x Stereo RCA (unattenuated recording loop)
AV Bypass Input
1x Stereo Balanced XLR
Features
- Unrivaled connectivity and minimal coloration for a pristine Hi-Fi system hub.
- Preserves audio quality with zero degradation, ideal for adding to any signal chain.
- Works seamlessly with other Chord products like DAVE DAC and Ultima 6 power amplifier.
- Provides clean line-level audio transmission suitable for any system.
- Front panel controls offer easy access to all connected sources.
- Latest advances in switch-mode power supply design developed from aerospace technologies.
- Ultra-low-noise proprietary solid-state circuitry for exceptional performance.
- High-resolution 6.35mm headphone output for personal listening.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Chord ULTIMA PRE 2 Preamplifier for its exceptional build quality and sophisticated design. Reviewers frequently highlight its remarkable sonic clarity and precision, describing an immersive listening experience that elevates their audio systems. The meticulous engineering and premium materials contribute to a sense of enduring reliability. While a significant investment, owners feel the preamplifier delivers an unparalleled level of audio refinement, making it a standout component for discerning audiophiles seeking ultimate performance and aesthetic appeal.
Know before you buy
The ULTIMA PRE 2 is engineered with ultra-low-noise solid-state circuitry and an advanced switch-mode power supply, achieving a noise floor of -130dB. This design ensures that the audio signal remains pristine and free from coloration or degradation as it passes through your system.
Yes, the unit includes a dedicated AV bypass input via balanced XLR. This allows you to integrate the preamplifier into a surround sound system while maintaining the high-fidelity performance of your stereo components.
The preamplifier offers extensive connectivity with eight stereo inputs, split evenly between balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA. This provides enough flexibility to accommodate a wide range of high-end source components simultaneously.
The integrated 6.35mm headphone output is designed to provide high-resolution audio performance, maintaining the same signal integrity as the main outputs. It is an excellent solution for private, high-fidelity listening without needing a separate dedicated headphone amplifier.
Yes, the ULTIMA PRE 2 includes two stereo RCA outputs that function as an unattenuated recording loop. These are ideal for connecting to external recording devices or secondary systems that require a fixed-level signal.
While it is designed to pair seamlessly with Chord products like the Ultima 6, its clean line-level transmission and standard XLR/RCA outputs make it compatible with almost any high-quality power amplifier. Its neutral sonic profile ensures it will not negatively color the sound of your existing equipment.
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