Potato score: 90.3

90%

Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 2 #1
Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 2 variant 1
Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 2 variant 2
Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 2 variant 3
Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 2 variant 4
Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 2 variant 5
Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 2 variant 6
Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 2 variant 7

Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 2

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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.


Other accessories & custom options

Argent silver Integra leg option


Jett black Integra leg option


Gloss black acrylic side block option (can not be stacked)


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
  • 2x Stereo Outputs – RCA unattenuated for recording loop
  • 1x Stereo Balanced XLR AV Bypass Input

Key Features

HF Switch Mode Power Supply


Blue Velvet ALPS Potentiometer


Advanced Shielding Technology


Fully Balanced Circuitry


Analogue Signal Path


Input/Output Buffering


4x Stereo RCA Inputs


4x Stereo XLR Inputs


1x Stereo RCA Output


1x Stereo XLR Output


Convection Cooled


Included Top Light Ring


12v Trigger On/Off Input/Output


Solid Aluminium Chassis


Included Accessories

ULTIMA PRE 2 Quickstart guide


Safety instructions


10A Mains IEC cable


Metal IR system remote control


2x AAA batteries


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Overall Score 90/100

Rating for [object Object]

Deliciously Crispy

Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 2 — Reference-class preamplifier

The Ultima Pre 2 places precision and control at the forefront, pairing ultra-low-noise circuitry with a robust 18kg chassis to deliver a remarkably silent, detailed front end. Its wide 10Hz–200kHz frequency response, 0.002% THD and a quoted -116dB SNR underpin a transparent, highly resolving soundstage with exceptional 100dB channel separation, ideal for revealing micro- and macro-dynamics. The Ear highlights the substantial aircraft-grade aluminium, bolt-less 28mm fascia and the Integra Leg stackable system as evidence of showroom-grade build and finish. Practicality meets flexibility via four balanced and four unbalanced inputs, dual record loops, two low-noise 6.35mm headphone outputs and per-input six-step gain memory—making it suited for high-end racks and multi-component systems. For systems seeking surgical transparency and luxury craftsmanship, the Ultima Pre 2 is a strong reference contender.

The Ear

"The Ultima Pre 2 uses the company’s striking new aesthetic, with a bolt-less fascia and 28mm-thick aircraft-grade aluminium front panel."

Pros

  • Extremely low noise and high transparency supported by wide frequency response and low THD, delivering detailed, revealing playback.
  • Showroom-grade build: aircraft-grade 28mm bolt-less aluminium fascia, substantial 18kg chassis and stackable Integra Leg system for premium fit and finish.
  • Very flexible I/O and control: four balanced and four unbalanced inputs, two independent record loops, per-input six-step gain memory and dual low-noise headphone outputs.

Transparency

91/100

The review and specs point to very low-noise circuitry (review cites a claimed noise floor 'below -130dB'), but the product spec lists SNR -116dB; I reconciled these by giving high but not extreme marks. The unit's ultra-low-noise circuitry, wide frequency response and low THD (0.002%) support an 'invisible' front end, yet the conflicting noise-floor figures and absence of explicit 'black background' phrasing mean a conservative top-end score is appropriate.

Sound Quality

90/100

Dynamics

90/100

The review highlights the larger chassis and new PSU topology, and selectable gain stages per input (six gain settings) help preserve dynamic range and avoid level jumps between sources. These design choices and the high output capability (17V RMS max) indicate excellent micro- and macro-dynamic performance.

Soundstage Imaging

91/100

Technical channel-separation spec (100dB) and four pairs of fully balanced inputs plus balanced A/V bypass imply outstanding channel independence and precise imaging. Review copy and the spec sheet support a wide, well-defined soundstage and accurate imaging.

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Build Quality

91/100

Chord's aircraft-grade aluminium, bolt-less 28mm front panel and a substantial 18kg chassis are explicitly praised in the review, indicating very high mechanical and industrial quality. The large chassis and premium casework suggest robust shielding and thermal design, which supports the high score.

Features Connectivity

89/100

Very well featured: four pairs of fully balanced inputs, four unbalanced inputs, two independent record (tape) loops, selectable per-input gain (six steps, memory), two low-noise 6.35mm headphone outputs, fully balanced A/V bypass and 12V trigger outputs. Applying the feature-adjustment rules (balanced I/O, headphone outputs, tape loop, AV bypass, unity-gain option via gain settings) yields a strong well‑featured score in the high‑80s.

Value for Money

86/100

The review lists the price (£12,500) but offers no explicit value judgement; per the scoring rules this defaults to a neutral baseline. The Ultima Pre 2 is clearly aimed at high-end systems (designed to partner Ultima mono amps), so an 86 reflects neutrality relative to its intended premium segment.

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