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.

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

Frequency response

10Hz – 200kHz +/- 3dB

THD

0.002% 20Hz – 20 kHz

Signal to noise ratio

-102dB on all inputs

Input Impedance

100 kΩ

Output impedance

100Ω

Input maximum voltage

10V RMS

Output maximum voltage

17V RMS

Selectable gain

x0.5, x1, x1.5, x2, x2.5, and x3 

Channel separation

100dB

Operation voltage

80-250V AC auto-switching 

Power consumption

30W

Dimensions Without Integra Legs:

420mm (w) x 355mm (d) x 133mm (h)

Dimensions With Included Integra Legs:

480mm (w) x 355mm (d) x 173mm (h)

Weight:

18kG