Eight inputs for the hub of the system
Chord ULTIMA PRE 2 is an analogue stereo preamplifier with eight line inputs, four balanced XLR and four unbalanced RCA, plus a headphone output on the front panel. Chord Electronics offers it as the hub of the hi-fi system, relying on extensive connectivity and on minimal colouration of the incoming signal.
Each input can be selected individually and level-matched to the others: gain is adjustable in six steps, from ×0.5 to ×3. Volume is handled by an ALPS Blue Velvet potentiometer, and the signal path is analogue and fully balanced, with buffer stages at input and output.
Power supply and low-noise circuitry
The manufacturer attributes the performance of the PRE 2 to two elements: the latest developments of its switch-mode power supplies, derived from aerospace technologies, and proprietary ultra-low-noise solid-state circuitry. The latter is carefully shielded and built with selected components.
The chassis is solid aluminium, convection cooled, with the top light ring included. The power supply adapts automatically to mains voltages between 80 and 250 V and stated consumption is 30 W. The inputs accept up to 10 V RMS and the output reaches 17 V RMS, with an impedance of 100 Ω.
Outputs, headphones and triggers
The main output is a single stereo pair, available on XLR or RCA: Chord suggests it for one stereo power amplifier such as the ULTIMA 5 or for a pair of mono amplifiers such as the ULTIMA 3. Two unattenuated stereo RCA outputs serve the recording loop and a balanced XLR AV bypass input completes the connections. For personal and late-night listening there is a 6.35 mm headphone output on the front panel.
To start up the connected equipment together from a single button press the PRE 2 has three trigger outputs, which according to the manufacturer are enough for most systems. The Integra side legs are included: with the legs the preamplifier measures 480 × 173 × 355 mm (W × H × D), without them 420 × 133 × 355 mm. Weight is 18 kg and the metal IR remote control is supplied.
Technical data
- Inputs: 4 stereo balanced XLR (Line In 1-4); 4 stereo unbalanced RCA (Line In 5, Line In 6, Tape 1, Tape 2); 1 stereo balanced XLR AV bypass.
- Outputs: 1 stereo, on balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA; 2 unattenuated stereo RCA for the recording loop.
- Headphone output: 6.35 mm, on the front panel.
- Trigger: 12 V, input/output.
- Frequency response: 10 Hz - 200 kHz, ±3 dB.
- Total harmonic distortion: 0.002 % from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
- Signal-to-noise ratio: −116 dB on all inputs.
- Channel separation: 100 dB.
- Input impedance: 100 kΩ; output impedance: 100 Ω.
- Maximum voltage: 10 V RMS input, 17 V RMS output.
- Selectable gain: ×0.5, ×1, ×1.5, ×2, ×2.5 and ×3.
- Power supply: 80-250 V AC, auto-switching; consumption 30 W.
- Dimensions with the included Integra legs: 480 × 173 × 355 mm (W × H × D).
- Dimensions without Integra legs: 420 × 133 × 355 mm.
- Weight: 18 kg.
- Finishes: black or silver.
- Included: 10 A IEC mains cable, metal IR system remote control, 2 AAA batteries.
