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Chord Electronics 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.
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
Dealers selling Chord Electronics near you
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.
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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