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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
WATT RECOMMENDS
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Professional Reviews 92/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
93/100
Build Quality
96/100
Features Connectivity
93/100
Value for Money
87/100
With ultra-low noise and serious flexibility, the ULTIMA PRE 2 is built as a transparent control hub for elite balanced systems. The Ear Editor highlights its spacious chassis, refined power supply, and extensive input, gain, and loop options, while the aircraft-grade casework reinforces its no-compromise feel. It’s a preamp that aims to disappear sonically and impress structurally.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptionally quiet, transparent presentation with ultra-low-noise circuitry and a claimed noise floor below -130dB.
Highly flexible connectivity with four balanced inputs, four unbalanced inputs, two record loops, and balanced A/V bypass.
Premium build quality, including a bolt-less fascia and thick aircraft-grade aluminium front panel.
Individually selectable gain per input helps prevent big volume jumps when switching sources.
&
Cons
Its £12,500 positioning makes it a clearly luxury purchase rather than an all-round value play.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 93/100
Reviews point to a very low-noise, highly resolving presentation, helped by Chord’s proprietary power supply and ultra-low-noise circuitry. The available evidence suggests a clean, open preamp that aims to get out of the way while maintaining grip and clarity, with no serious sonic caveats raised in the review excerpt.
Transparency Resolution
95/100
The review highlights ultra-low-noise circuitry and a claimed noise floor below -130dB, which strongly supports a transparent, quiet presentation. The language suggests a preamp designed to preserve detail and reduce electronic haze.
Tonal Balance Musicality
92/100
The review does not describe warmth or richness in detail, but the emphasis on low noise and careful engineering points to a clean, controlled tonal character. Nothing in the excerpt suggests hardness or coloration.
Dynamics
93/100
The larger chassis, proprietary power supply, and low-noise design imply strong dynamic headroom and stable performance, and the review presents these as part of the product’s appeal. The excerpt does not give direct track-based commentary, but it supports a lively, unconstrained presentation.
Soundstage Imaging
93/100
A very quiet preamp with balanced architecture and careful circuitry typically supports precise imaging, and the review’s focus on low noise and high-end design points in that direction. However, the excerpt does not give explicit comments on depth or width, so this remains more inferred than directly stated.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
96/100
The review is explicit about the bolt-less fascia, 28mm-thick aircraft-grade aluminium front panel, and reassuringly high-end casework. Chord’s larger chassis and premium enclosure language make the construction sound substantial and carefully executed, with little ambiguity about the quality on show.
Features Connectivity
93/100
This is a very well-equipped preamp: four balanced inputs, four unbalanced inputs, two independent record loops, two headphone outputs, fully balanced A/V bypass, 12V trigger outputs, and individually selectable gain for each input. The review presents it as highly flexible, and the only reason it does not land even higher is that there is no mention of phono or DAC facilities.
Value for Money
87/100
At £12,500, it is clearly a luxury component aimed at matching Chord’s own Ultima 2 and Ultima 3 monoblocks, so the price is substantial. The review frames it as a serious partnering piece rather than a bargain, but the feature set and engineering ambition make the asking price look justified within its class.
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Authorized dealers for Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 2
- Absoulute Audio plus Video — in-store — Aiken, South Carolina, United States (website)
- In Living Stereo — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- 110Hz — online and in-store — Kielce, Województwo świętokrzyskie, Poland (website)
- Accent On Music — in-store — Mount Kisco, New York, United States (website)
- Acoustic Designs Inc. — in-store — Scottsdale, Arizona, United States (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Acoustic Streams — in-store — Lower Drift, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Acoustica — online and in-store — Chester, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Ajasom — in-store — Amadora, Lisboa, Portugal (website)
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