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Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 3
Built from the ground up, the UTLIMA PRE 3 takes advantage of the very latest developments in advanced low-distortion power supplies. These advanced devices offer exceptionally low noise and outstanding amplifier operation. Coupled with our latest design developments, the PRE 3 offers new levels of preamplifier performance.
The UTLIMA PRE 3 is equipped with five analogue inputs (two balanced and three unbalanced) all of which benefit from individual buffering and are selectively filtered against potential ingress from radio frequency interference.
Externally, the PRE 3 benefits from a completely redesigned aesthetic with a central circular power sphere flanked by a new volume control and balance/AV bypass selector, both of which benefit from a new ergonomic knob design.
Additional features include an AV bypass, plus a 5 V charging USB Type-A port.
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: 2x stereo balanced XLR inputs, 3x stereo unbalanced RCA
Outputs: 1x stereo XLR, 1x stereo RCA and 1x 5 V charging USB Type-A port
1x stereo balanced XLR AV bypass input
1 x 12 V trigger output/input
Key Features
HF Switch Mode Power Supply
Blue Velvet ALPS Potentiometer
Advanced Shielding Technology
Fully Balanced Circuitry
Analogue Signal Path
Convection Cooled
Included Top Light Ring
Solid Aluminium Chassis
Included Accessories
ULTIMA PRE 3 Quickstart guide
Safety instructions
10A Mains IEC cable
IR system remote control
2x AAA batteries
WATT RECOMMENDS
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Professional Reviews 92/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
95/100
Build Quality
94/100
Features Connectivity
88/100
Value for Money
88/100
Exceptionally transparent and rhythmically assured, the Ultima Pre 3 lets recordings breathe with a wide, organized soundstage and an organic, non-clinical tone. David Price and Jay Garrett both praise its detail, timing, and control, while Audiophilepure highlights superb dynamics and timbre.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Highly transparent and revealing, with strong detail retrieval that lets the music, not the preamp, take center stage.
Excellent timing and dynamic expression, delivering light-and-shade contrasts and strain-free crescendos.
Preserves natural tone and instrument richness without sounding overly analytical or sterile.
Premium build quality and a well-judged analogue input set make it a serious line-stage.
&
Cons
Can expose weaknesses elsewhere in the system, so it rewards high-quality upstream and downstream components.
Output can feel limited with inefficient speakers in large rooms at very high levels.
Its controls are practical but not as silky as some conventional high-end preamps.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 95/100
Reviewers repeatedly describe the Ultima Pre 3 as highly transparent, self-effacing, and able to dissolve into the recording, with a black background and a very open presentation. It is also praised for keeping harmonic color and naturalness intact, while delivering strong timing, expressive scale, and a large, well-organized stage.
Transparency Resolution
96/100
Multiple reviewers call it highly resolving, transparent, focused, and able to 'dissolve into the original recording.' One also notes that it can shine a light on ancillaries, which points to very high retrieval of detail and a genuinely revealing nature.
Tonal Balance Musicality
93/100
The tonal presentation is described as organic rather than clinical, with rich piano tone, believable bass weight, and preserved instrument richness without artificial warmth. Reviewers also stress that it is detailed without becoming overly forensic or hi-fi in character.
Dynamics
96/100
Dynamics are a major strength in the reviews, with comments about excellent timing, clear light-and-shade expression, crescendos that go 'really loud' without strain, and music that feels expressive and free-flowing. The amp is repeatedly credited with letting rhythm and momentum come through naturally.
Soundstage Imaging
94/100
Reviewers report a large soundstage, impressive acuity, and strong separation of instruments, with orchestral music spread convincingly across the space. Imaging is described as focused and clear, though the remarks stop short of the most extravagant holographic claims.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
94/100
The chassis, machining, and aluminum casework are described as superb and reassuringly expensive, with controls that feel nicely weighted. Reviewers also point to the use of Chord’s own design choices and quality components, which supports the sense of a carefully executed product.
Features Connectivity
88/100
It offers five analogue inputs in total, with two balanced XLR and three RCA connections, plus an AV bypass input and balance control. That is a useful, well-rounded analogue feature set for a line-stage, though it remains a fairly purist preamp without built-in phono, DAC, or headphone facilities.
Value for Money
88/100
Reviewers acknowledge that it is expensive for a line-only preamp, but still argue that the performance justifies the outlay and call it great value for money. Given its price class, the consensus is not that it is cheap, but that it competes credibly on sound and build against other premium preamps.
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Authorized dealers for Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 3
- 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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