ULTIMA PRE

The ultimate reference preamplifier from Chord Electronics. The Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE is the flagship reference preamplifier, featuring a dual-mono eight-input design with selectable gain (×0.5 to ×3), three stereo outputs and an SNR of –120dB. Dual separate ultra-high-frequency power supplies, milled solid aluminium shielding and Chord's most advanced preamplifier circuit are housed in a 30kg chassis. Eight inputs include four balanced XLR and four unbalanced RCA pairs plus an AV bypass.

Technical background

Chord's ULTIMA amplifier topology, developed by company founder John Franks, applies dual feed-forward error-correction ahead of the output stage. Rather than relying solely on negative feedback to correct distortion after the fact, ULTIMA continuously monitors and corrects the signal before it reaches the power transistors. The result is vanishingly low measured distortion with none of the sonic side-effects associated with high global feedback. Custom-specified proprietary MOSFETs, high-frequency switch-mode power supplies, and aircraft-grade aluminium casework complete the engineering picture.

Design story

Chord Electronics was founded in Maidstone, Kent in 1989 by John Franks, whose background in aerospace electronics shaped every design decision. Products are hand-built in the UK using precision CNC-machined aircraft-grade aluminium, giving each unit the tactile solidity of a precision instrument rather than a consumer product. The illuminated polycarbonate sphere controls — a Chord signature — serve as intuitive interfaces that complement the industrial-minimal aesthetic. The philosophy is uncompromising: every component, topology, and material choice is driven by sonic performance, not cost reduction.

Best for

The pinnacle Chord preamplifier; cost-no-object reference systems, flagship dealer demonstrations Absolute reference audiophile, no-compromise Ultima system builder Reference hi-fi preamplifier, flagship Ultima system centrepiece

Awards & press

⭐ Hi-Fi News featured review "Undoubtedly impressive on so many levels." — Hi-Fi News "The Ultima PRE is a preamplifier without peer — a complete reference component that defines what is possible." — Hi-Fi+ "Chord's Ultima PRE delivers the purest signal path we have encountered in any reference preamplifier at any price." — Hi-Fi News