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.

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

The ULTIMA PRE 3 harnesses more than 30 years of British amplifier-building expertise and takes advantage of the very latest developments in advanced low-distortion power supplies. These new devices offer exceptionally low noise and outstanding amplifier operation. Coupled with the company’s latest circuit design, the ULTIMA PRE 3 offers new levels of preamplifier performance.

Benefiting from five analogue inputs (two balanced and three unbalanced), plus a separate AV bypass input, all five of the ULTIMA PRE 3’s inputs enjoy individual buffering and are selectively filtered against potential ingress from radio frequency interference. Selection switching is performed via sealed relays, controlled by microprocessors.

Externally, the ULTIMA PRE 3 benefits from a completely redesigned front panel. The new fascia offers a perfectly symmetrical design, centered on a circular power on/off sphere, using the company’s familiar polychromatic indicator lighting, giving a clear and simple indication of the amplifier’s playing status. The power sphere is flanked by a newly designed volume and input selector control knob, plus a combined balance and AV bypass control.

All casework is precision CNC machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminium, including the Integra legs. A black acrylic side-block alternative to the Integra legs is also available as a no-cost option. The upper panel features a pleasing vented design, which is enhanced with a dimmable LED light.

In addition to its five inputs, the ULTIMA PRE 3’s rear panel features both balanced and unbalanced outputs, a 12 V trigger and IEC power inlet, plus a convenient 5 V/3 A USB Type-A output to power peripheral devices, including Chord Electronics’ DACs such as the Qutest and Hugo 2.

The new ULTIMA PRE 3 is perfectly suited to a wide range of power amps, including the ULTIMA 5 and ULTIMA 6 stereo power amplifiers. It can also be used with the ULTIMA 2 and ULTIMA 3 monos.
The hand-built ULTIMA PRE 3 is available now in either Jett black or Argent silver. It will make its European show debut at High End, Munich, 2022.

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 Aluminum Chassis

Included Accessories

ULTIMA PRE 3 Quickstart guide
Safety instructions
10A Mains IEC cable
IR system remote control
2x AAA batteries

Specifications
Frequency response 10 Hz-200 kHz +/- 3 dB
THD 0.002 % 20Hz-20 kHz
Signal to noise ratio -105 dB on all inputs
Input impedance 100 kΩ
Output impedance 560 Ω
Input maximum voltage 10 V RMS
Output maximum voltage 17 V RMS
Gain x1
Channel separation 100 dB
Operation voltage 80-250 V AC auto-switching
Power consumption 40 W
Dimensions with legs: 485 mm (w) x 355 mm (d) x 130 mm (h)
Weight: 12.7 kg