Designed by Chord Electronics’ founder and owner John Franks, Chord’s new flagship Ultima Phonostage expands the Ultima Reference range, joining the Ultima Pre preamplifier and Ultima Mono power amplifiers. The US price is TBA; the projected UK price is £18,000 (about $24,300).
Franks was available for demos and interviews, accompanied by Chord’s Dan George and Maurice Tryner.
The Ultima Phonostage offers 47k ohms impedance in moving-magnet mode with selectable capacitance. Moving-coil mode provides selectable impedance of 12–2200 ohms, also with selectable capacitance. Inputs are individually adjustable and allow for up to three separate tonearms or turntables. Other features include a rumble filter, clip detection, the RIAA equalization curve, classy blue VU meters, and gain boost.
Inputs include three XLR inputs, three RCA inputs, a 12V trigger input, and an IEC power inlet. Outputs include a 12V trigger out, XLR, RCA, and 5V USB charging.
The Ultima Phonostage resembles other Chord Electronics components in its brushed-aluminum casework, chunky dials, and bright-blue power button/roller.
The Chord demo system included a Rega Naia turntable ($16,995), a Rega Apheta 3 MC cartridge ($2245), an Ultima Phonostage, an Ultima Pre preamplifier ($56,500, all prices approximate when converted from Euros), a DAVE DAC/preamplifier/headphone amp ($15,500), Ultima Mono power amplifiers ($108,000/pair), an Ensemble stand for DAVE ($2300), and Peak Consult Sinfonia loudspeakers ($55,000/pair).
Tosca’s downtempo "Zuri" on vinyl was pure sonic luxury, its grooves unfolding in rich, sensuous layers. Every note was radiant, sweet, and the lower register oozed with enveloping, fat bass. When Dan George switched to Ricardo Villalobos’s Alcachofa, the electronica hit with an impressive punch. This system delivered exceptional detail and dynamics.
Inputs include three XLR inputs, three RCA inputs, a 12V trigger input, and an IEC power inlet. Outputs include a 12V trigger out, XLR, RCA, and 5V USB charging.
The Ultima Phonostage resembles other Chord Electronics components in its brushed-aluminum casework, chunky dials, and bright-blue power button/roller.
The Chord demo system included a Rega Naia turntable ($16,995), a Rega Apheta 3 MC cartridge ($2245), an Ultima Phonostage, an Ultima Pre preamplifier ($56,500, all prices approximate when converted from Euros), a DAVE DAC/preamplifier/headphone amp ($15,500), Ultima Mono power amplifiers ($108,000/pair), an Ensemble stand for DAVE ($2300), and Peak Consult Sinfonia loudspeakers ($55,000/pair).
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Tosca’s downtempo "Zuri" on vinyl was pure sonic luxury, its grooves unfolding in rich, sensuous layers. Every note was radiant, sweet, and the lower register oozed with enveloping, fat bass. When Dan George switched to Ricardo Villalobos’s Alcachofa, the electronica hit with an impressive punch. This system delivered exceptional detail and dynamics.
