Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Visually stunning with a sleek Italian design and curved surfaces
- Excels at detail retrieval, reproducing textures and dynamics of instruments and voices with high fidelity
- Provides a very dynamic sound with excellent extension in both high and low frequencies
- Ultra-low noise floor, allowing for better perception of instrument placement and sonic colors
- Offers extensive control flexibility, allowing maximum impedance tuning and circuit attachment of any phono cartridge
Product Considerations
- Controls located on the rear panel may make adjustments awkward depending on system setup
- Can be unforgiving; flaws in recordings are not hidden
- The soundstage is broad, which can come at the expense of less precise placement of instruments
- Might not be ideal for chamber music, where a more intimate soundstage is desired
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to McIntosh C1100 (preamplifier's phono stage), the Andros Deluxe II brought the reviewer closer to the real thing
- Compared to Merrill Audio’s Jens phono stage, the Andros Deluxe II was similarly involving if slightly less resolving, but at less than half the price
Takeaway: The Andros Deluxe II is a well-built, detailed, and dynamic phono stage that brings out the best in good recordings. Its versatility in cartridge loading and quiet operation make it a great addition to any serious vinyl enthusiast's system.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Andros II
reviews
[{"title":"Zesto Audio Andros Deluxe II Phono Stage","link":"https://www.soundstageultra.com/index.php/equipment-menu/1021-zesto-audio-andros-deluxe-ii-phono-stage","source":"soundstageultra.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Zesto Andros Deluxe II Phonostage","link":"https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/zesto-andros-deluxe-ii-phonostage","source":"theabsolutesound.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Zesto Andros Deluxe II Phono Preamplifier","link":"https://www.hifinews.com/content/zesto-andros-deluxe-ii-phono-preamplifier","source":"hifinews.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Zesto Audio Andros Deluxe II Phonostage","link":"https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/zesto-audio-andros-deluxe-ii-phonostage","source":"positive-feedback.com","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Inputs: Separate MM and MC inputs
- MM impedance: 47K or 15K Ohms
- MM capacitance: 200pf
- Output impedance: 10K ohms
- Max output level: +8.5V
- Power consumption: 24W
- Gain MM input: 47dB
- Gain MC input: 67dB
- Noise: -80dBv below max output level
- Dimensions: 17" W x 12" D x 5" H
- Weight: 20 lbs
- Tubes: Four (4) Gold pin JJ ECC83S/12AX7 vacuum tubes
Description
For true audiophiles, nothing equals the warmth, dynamic range and fidelity of vinyl records. A critical component of every music lovers Vinyl playback system is the Phonostage or Phono preamp. When a vinyl record is made the volume of the bass is reduced and the treble is increased. Otherwise, the bass would cut a groove too big for a stylus to read or for the music to fit the record. The phonostage reverses the process by taking the delicate signal from your cartridge and adjusting it so that the bass and treble are restored to their original volume. This common standard is known as the RIAA curve.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Zesto Audio's products are hand-built in the USA and undergo a 50-hour factory burn-in to ensure optimal performance right out of the box.
- The brand prioritizes all-tube designs, believing tubes offer inherently superior musicality and speed compared to solid-state devices.
- Zesto Audio's phonostages uniquely offer independent ground lift switches for each channel, providing enhanced noise reduction capabilities.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Andros Deluxe II Phonostage
- Positioning: A lower-priced option focused on essential vinyl playback.
- Description: Offers clear vinyl reproduction with a straightforward analog circuit and precise calibration features that bring out natural record details. Compared to the Tessera Reference, its simpler design suits smaller rooms and tighter budgets.
Andros Tessera Reference Phonostage
- Positioning: A premium phono stage that targets users seeking enhanced vinyl performance.
- Description: Delivers improved analog-to-digital conversion and refined signal processing that highlights fine record details and dynamic performance. In contrast to the Deluxe II, its advanced circuitry and extended adjustment options provide greater technical sophistication and versatility.
Leto Ultra II Preamplifier
- Positioning: A versatile source management unit designed for precise signal handling and integration.
- Description: Features a low-noise design and unique signal routing that help maintain clarity and an expansive soundstage across multiple inputs. When compared with the phono stages, it offers more connectivity and control options.
Bia 200 Select
- Positioning: A high-end integrated amplifier that combines robust amplification with refined control.
- Description: Uses a carefully balanced circuit design and precise thermal management to provide reliable dynamic output and clear audio delivery. Compared to the preamplifier, its focus on powerful amplification adds technical features and control options.
Eros 500 Select Power Amp
- Positioning: The flagship power amplifier offering maximum output and controlled dynamics for demanding setups.
- Description: Uses top-grade power components and advanced damping control to deliver groundbreaking, crisp and high-energy performance with exceptional stability. In contrast to the Bia 200 Select, its elevated wattage and refined design provide superior technical precision.
See All Products
Avg. Product Price
$5,001-$10,000
Used For Sale
0
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
693
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
8
Founding Year
2010
Our take on the brand
Zesto Audio specializes in tube amplifiers that uniquely operate with no negative feedback, including their flagship Eros 500 Select monoblocks that offer pure Class A push-pull operation at high power levels. Their products stand out for their flexibility in tube selection and unique features like the Presence Control in their preamps, which manages high-frequency noise and acts as a loudness control at low volumes.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
From our interview with
.
Brand Page
Used
Zesto Audiox
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
Gold Note
PH-1000
11999
11999
/
7
Reviews
Gold Note is an Italian hifi brand that manufactures all components in-house, with their DS-10 DAC offering 192 setup options to adapt to different music genres and listener preferences. Their products, including the IS-10 and IS-1000 integrated amplifiers, combine multiple functions like streaming, DAC, and phono stages in single units, delivering a rich, tube-like sound signature.
Expand Details
.svg)
Product Strengths
- Unparalleled cartridge matching capabilities with adjustable gain levels and load options
- Features a multitude of equalization options, including preset EQ options alongside the option to set up custom curves
- Exceptional build quality with a chassis precision-machined from solid aluminum, offering superior electromagnetic shielding and aesthetic elegance
- Intuitive operation is ensured by the clear display and the Single Knob Control (SKC) system, despite the unit's complexity
- Class A circuitry throughout delivers a warmth and naturalness that brings vinyl playback to life, while maintaining exceptional detail and clarity
Product Considerations
- Premium price point makes it a high-end investment
- Complex feature set may require a learning curve for full usage
- Large form factor requires adequate rack space
- The remote control has a mute function that requires two clicks to unmute, which can be slightly annoying
- The Owners' Manual could be improved and is not very informative
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Gold Note PH-10: PH-1000 has more cartridge loading possibilities
- Vs Gold Note PSU-1250 & TUBE-1012: PH-1000 lacks a warm tube sound, but if you add the PSU-1250 & TUBE-1012, details are brought out with added sharpness and the music becomes more cohesive—reaching a new level of harmonic wholeness
Takeaway: The Gold Note PH-1000 is a sophisticated phono preamplifier with a wide range of features and exceptional sound quality, perfect for vinyl enthusiasts seeking to get the best out of their collections. Its flexibility and upgradeability make it a worthwhile investment for those serious about analog audio.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Gold Note is an Italian hifi brand that manufactures all components in-house, with their DS-10 DAC offering 192 setup options to adapt to different music genres and listener preferences. Their products, including the IS-10 and IS-1000 integrated amplifiers, combine multiple functions like streaming, DAC, and phono stages in single units, delivering a rich, tube-like sound signature.
Product Page
Product Page
Pass Labs
XP-27
12075
12075
/
6
Reviews
Pass Labs Class A amplifiers are celebrated for their distinctive sonic character, delivering a rich, full-bodied sound with a notably lush midrange. They imbue a unique sense of "plumpness" and warmth to the music, an intentional coloration that many enthusiasts find highly engaging. The pure Class A design ensures smooth, beautiful sound but comes with the trade-off of generating significant heat, which can warm up a room.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Separate chassis for the power supply and signal circuitry minimizes noise, improving low-level detail retrieval
- Front panel controls for gain, resistive loading, and capacitive loading, provide flexibility for cartridge matching
- Two RCA inputs accommodate two turntables or tonearms, simplifying analog setups
- Superb detail, clarity, and a clean sound, leads to a musically involving experience
- A high-pass filter reduces low-frequency noise, helpful for systems with subwoofers
Product Considerations
- The two-chassis design may be problematic for audiophiles with limited space, as the power supply is ideally placed separate from the main unit
- No remote control is included, requiring manual adjustments at the unit itself
- Settings are not automatically remembered when switching between tonearm inputs, requiring manual readjustment
- Some reviewers would have liked to see larger LED indicators and labels for easier visibility
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The XP-27 offers a host of useful features and operates with a great deal of attention paid to lower distortion, even RIAA performance is accomplished at much lower distortion levels than previous versions in the same price class
- Vs Pass Labs XP-25, the XP-27 offers incremental improvements including lower noise and better bass performance due to dual transformers—vs single in the XP-25—lower noise resistors, upgraded rectifiers and improved power filtering and regulation
- Vs Pass Labs XP-17, the XP-27 offers superior dynamics, clarity, imaging and musicality
- Vs Pass Labs XP-22, the XP-27 is the star of the two-component show: XP-22-line preamplifier and XP-27 phono preamplifier
Takeaway: The Pass Labs XP-27 is a versatile and high-performing phono preamplifier that extracts remarkable detail and clarity from vinyl recordings. Its flexible loading options and dual inputs make it a great choice for vinyl enthusiasts seeking exceptional sound quality.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Pass Labs Class A amplifiers are celebrated for their distinctive sonic character, delivering a rich, full-bodied sound with a notably lush midrange. They imbue a unique sense of "plumpness" and warmth to the music, an intentional coloration that many enthusiasts find highly engaging. The pure Class A design ensures smooth, beautiful sound but comes with the trade-off of generating significant heat, which can warm up a room.
Product Page
Product Page
CANOR
Hyperion P1
14055
14055
/
4
Reviews
Canor Audio is a hifi brand that uses proprietary CMT circuit board technology to match the performance of point-to-point wiring while maintaining consistency in manufacturing. Their tube-based designs include unique features like a tube output stage in their DACs and custom-made output transformers with Permalloy cores in their amplifiers, setting them apart in the high-end audio market.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a natural, spacious, and clean sound
- Attenuator is located in a special aluminum box (10 mm thick walls) which provides perfect shielding and absorbs the vibrations
- Is a Class-A preamplifier and was designed to avoid ANY global feedback
- Analogue part is separated from the power part by a solid aluminium wall (10 mm thick) which contributes to the elimination of interference
Product Considerations
- The tubes require a lengthy break-in period of several hundred hours
- The system remote control could be bigger
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Hyperion and Virtus combo's sovereignty brings the acoustic events to 'life' more convincingly
Takeaway: The Hyperion P1 is made to provide high signal quality sound. It has excellent workmanship to ensure amazing sound quality.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Canor Audio is a hifi brand that uses proprietary CMT circuit board technology to match the performance of point-to-point wiring while maintaining consistency in manufacturing. Their tube-based designs include unique features like a tube output stage in their DACs and custom-made output transformers with Permalloy cores in their amplifiers, setting them apart in the high-end audio market.
Product Page
Product Page
Pass Labs
XP-32
18375
18375
/
4
Reviews
Pass Labs Class A amplifiers are celebrated for their distinctive sonic character, delivering a rich, full-bodied sound with a notably lush midrange. They imbue a unique sense of "plumpness" and warmth to the music, an intentional coloration that many enthusiasts find highly engaging. The pure Class A design ensures smooth, beautiful sound but comes with the trade-off of generating significant heat, which can warm up a room.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Tonally, the XP-32 is a more beautiful, engaging preamplifier with a beautiful class A sound that presents fatigue-free
- Exceptional build quality
- Supreme clarity of sound lends a feeling of speed, precision, and vivacity in music across various genres, from jazz to opera, symphonic to rock
- Brings forth a feeling of speed, precision, and vivacity in various genres of music, from jazz to opera, symphonic to rock
- The metaphor of the veil being lifted—or ripped away—is applicable here
Product Considerations
- Not the most neutral or transparent unit
- Needed a lot of volume for it to get a Griffin amplifier moving
- Takes up a lot of space, especially if not stacked
- Missing was a touch of body to Netrebko's voice and a sense of air around it
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to PASLabs XB30, the XP-32 is a better line stage
- Compared to the XS preamplifier, the XP-32 uses a single-stage volume control as used in the XS preamplifier and has more range, with 0.5dB steps; it is quieter and more accurate
- Compared to the XP-30, the XP-32's inputs are DC-coupled and a servo is used after trimming
- Compared to the XP-22, it was just slightly more explicit
Takeaway: The XP-32 is a well-built preamplifier that gives a clean and clear sound, bringing more excitement to music. If you want to hear everything in music, the XP-32 might be what you are looking for.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Pass Labs Class A amplifiers are celebrated for their distinctive sonic character, delivering a rich, full-bodied sound with a notably lush midrange. They imbue a unique sense of "plumpness" and warmth to the music, an intentional coloration that many enthusiasts find highly engaging. The pure Class A design ensures smooth, beautiful sound but comes with the trade-off of generating significant heat, which can warm up a room.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
NAD
M66
5499
/
Released
2023
The Masters M66 BluOS Streaming DAC-Preamplifier is a revolutionary hi-fi component that combines an audiophile-grade DAC with a high-resolution multi-room music streamer. Featuring Dirac Live Room Correction and Dirac Live Bass Control, its elegant design and vibrant 7″ touchscreen exudes quality and class.
NAD Electronics pioneered affordable hifi equipment by focusing on essential features for good sound, with their classic NAD 3020 becoming the best-selling hifi amplifier in history. Their Masters Series features DirectDigital technology, the world's first closed-loop digital amplification that corrects output every 10 nanoseconds.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers a wide range of features rarely seen in a component of this type, including a high-performance DAC, analog preamplifier, BluOS streaming, Dirac Live room correction, and a high-quality phono stage
- Includes Dirac Live Bass Control for up to four independent subwoofers, allowing for optimized bass performance and integration, and Dirac Live improves clarity and bass definition
- Uses ESS Sabre DAC chips, known for wide dynamic range and low noise/distortion
- Features a modular design that lets one expand its capabilities, helping to ensure product longevity and up-to-date functionality
- Offers versatile connectivity with a comprehensive array of inputs and outputs, including balanced XLR, AES/XLR, and HDMI eARC
Product Considerations
- BluOS is limited to a maximum resolution of 24-bit/192kHz
- Does not offer home-theater bypass, though it could be implemented in a future upgrade
- Dirac Live iPhone app not always successful at recognizing microphone
- Touchscreen does not behave in the same way as an EverSolo or a FiiO, because one cannot browse music libraries with it, it is really just for input and settings and just the kind of nitty-gritty of daily use, but not music playback
- Some found the styling a bit overdone, while others appreciated the display
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Is considered better overall than the Anthem STR due to a more sophisticated room correction system and a fully featured multiroom streaming platform with wireless capability
- Sounds more lit up top to bottom with greater avidity than PS Audio, and it better exposes surface textures, and layer separation is more easily seen
- The MC input quite clearly resolves more finer detail and it better inks tonal colors compared to the MC phono stage built into the Cambridge Audio Alva TT 2 turntable
Takeaway: The NAD M66 is a sophisticated and feature-rich streaming preamplifier, offering a versatile set of tools for audiophiles seeking precise sound reproduction and optimized bass performance. With its modular design and future-proofing capabilities, the M66 is a great choice for anyone building a high-end hifi system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
NAD Electronics pioneered affordable hifi equipment by focusing on essential features for good sound, with their classic NAD 3020 becoming the best-selling hifi amplifier in history. Their Masters Series features DirectDigital technology, the world's first closed-loop digital amplification that corrects output every 10 nanoseconds.
Product Page
Product Page
Mola Mola
Lupe
9850
/
Released
2023
The standalone version of our well-known archival grade Phono stage features three single-ended inputs and one balanced input. It has a balanced output as well as a single-ended output. The Lupe with its dedicated power supply, k and the added "subsonic filter" provides the discerning record aficionado with the most accurate set-up for recreating the magic of the turntable as it was intended.
Mola Mola is recognized for bringing innovative Class D amplification to hifi through the work of renowned engineer Bruno Putzeys. Their products deliver clean and efficient performance with extremely low distortion, and their DAC is considered among the best.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Incredibly saturated sound packed with information, resulting in a deep and detailed presentation
- Separate gain paths for MM and MC cartridges, optimizing performance for each
- Extremely silent and powerful signal transmission capabilities
- Offers a wide range of settings to optimize performance for any cartridge, including extensive gain and loading options, and dozens of equalization curves
- Parameters can be adjusted on the fly using a custom Mola Mola app
- Design allows it to get out of the way of the music, allowing the music to swell and breathe majestically
Product Considerations
- The new review sample took some 300 hours to stabilize
- A slight faltering of absolute pitch definition and texture below about 40-45 Hz
- Some may find the sound too neutral and challenging—preferring a more lush sound
- With so many parameters to adjust, people may use the unit's abilities as a tone control and stray away from the intended EQ curve
- There are so many options, that it may be changed too far
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Versus GrandiNote Celio mk IV phono preamplifier, Lupe reminded the reviewer more of their Class A GrandiNote Celio mk IV phono preamplifier than the other of my references—ESE Lab Nibiru MC
- Versus ESE Lab Nibiru MC, each of those features could be pointed out as Lupe's advantages, although they were not as prominent as with Nibiru MC
Takeaway: The Mola Mola Lupe is a versatile and high-performing phono stage that delivers a sophisticated and musical sound. Its extensive features and convenient app control make it a great choice for vinyl enthusiasts who want to optimize their listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Mola Mola is recognized for bringing innovative Class D amplification to hifi through the work of renowned engineer Bruno Putzeys. Their products deliver clean and efficient performance with extremely low distortion, and their DAC is considered among the best.
Product Page
Product Page
Lumin
P1
10000
/
Released
2021
Our most flexible player yet, LUMIN P1 is designed to sit right in the heart of your audio system. Use as a streamer, a DAC, a pre-amplifier or all three!
Lumin Music, known for launching the world's first DSD-capable streamer, develops all hardware and software in-house to ensure seamless integration across their product line. Their digital sources are praised for delivering warm, analog-like sound quality, with features like upsampling to DSD 256 and dual-drive music servers that require zero setup configuration.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Combines a network streamer, DAC, and preamplifier with digital and analog inputs, offering versatility
- Features Leedh Processing lossless volume control, which minimizes distortion and loss of resolution, maintaining sound quality even at high attenuation levels
- High-quality build with an aluminum chassis and a well-designed internal layout, including dual toroidal transformers and a Femto Clock System
- Has three HDMI inputs with 4k passthrough and ARC (Audio Return Channel), making it work as part of a multimedia system
Product Considerations
- Analog input signals are digitized because the P1's volume control operates in the digital domain
- The Lumin app is not as graphically compelling as Roon, nor is it as easy to navigate and manage a music library
- When the volume is set at '100' or the output level is set to 'fixed,' both Leedh and the conventional volume controls are bypassed
- It appears to have no discernible colorations of its own and delivers extremely high resolution, probably more than most systems will be able to realize
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the AURALiC Aries G1.1, the P1 delivers a considerably more realistic, musical, and engaging sound
- Compared to the Copland CSA 100 amplifier, the P1 is a more musical and competent sounding player with greater resolution, extension, dynamics, and ease
Takeaway: The Lumin P1 is a versatile network player, DAC, and preamplifier offering high-quality sound and a wide range of features. It delivers a powerful and immersive listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Lumin Music, known for launching the world's first DSD-capable streamer, develops all hardware and software in-house to ensure seamless integration across their product line. Their digital sources are praised for delivering warm, analog-like sound quality, with features like upsampling to DSD 256 and dual-drive music servers that require zero setup configuration.
Product Page
Product Page
Hegel
P30A
8995
/
Released
2022
The P30A is our reference preamplifier. We have nicknamed it The Conductor because its job is to control the power amplifier with a signal that is as true to the music as possible. In our view, the preamplifier is the most critical component in a great sounding system, and it is also the hardest to get right.
Known for producing all-in-one integrated amplifiers, Hegel has become a favorite among hi-fi enthusiasts and dealers worldwide. Their amplifiers are particularly praised for their exceptional bass control, attributed to their high damping factor, which ensures precise management of even difficult-to-drive speakers like planar magnetics and dipoles. With competitive pricing and high performance, Hegel integrateds stand out as some of the best options available for audiophiles seeking simplicity and excellence in a single component.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Allows the music to play as intended, with transparency being a key attribute
- Offers excellent control, grip, and dynamic headroom
- Fully balanced design from input to output, maximizing performance with balanced sources
- Provides a very quiet background, improving separation and detail
- Very low noise floor, revealing a lot of detail without sounding analytical
Product Considerations
- The volume control lacks a digital readout
- Minimalist design with a basic remote that some may find lacking
- There are only two XLR inputs
- The simple lines may not appeal to those seeking a visually flashy product
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Hegel H390, the P30A/H30A surpasses it, making the H390 sound inferior
- Compared to the Luxman M900U, the Hegel H30A exhibits greater soundstage depth
- Compared to the Constellation Revelation Series, the P30A/H30A revealed plenty of sonic information but didn't sound stilted or forced, though Constellation had "peer into the recording" transparency that the Hegel combo probably can't match
- Compared to older Hegel models, the newer models sound more extended and focused in the upper frequencies and are slightly warmer than neutral compared to the older versions' more apparent tilt toward warmth
Takeaway: The Hegel P30A is an excellent preamplifier that prioritizes transparency and control, letting the music shine through with exceptional detail and soundstage depth, and minimal coloration of its own. It ensures a clean, powerful, and natural presentation.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Known for producing all-in-one integrated amplifiers, Hegel has become a favorite among hi-fi enthusiasts and dealers worldwide. Their amplifiers are particularly praised for their exceptional bass control, attributed to their high damping factor, which ensures precise management of even difficult-to-drive speakers like planar magnetics and dipoles. With competitive pricing and high performance, Hegel integrateds stand out as some of the best options available for audiophiles seeking simplicity and excellence in a single component.
Product Page
Product Page
Chord Electronics
Ultima Pre 3
8825
/
Released
2022
The ULTIMA PRE 3 is an all-new ground-up-design preamplifier containing the very latest proprietary power supply technology and the latest circuit design.
Chord Electronics designs and manufactures all their products in Great Britain, setting themselves apart by using proprietary FPGA technology instead of off-the-shelf DAC chips found in most competitors' products. Their DACs and portable audio devices, featuring distinctive color-changing buttons and portholes, deliver studio-grade performance through unique technologies like the Watts Transient Aligned filter, which provides more natural and detailed sound reproduction.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exemplary build quality with a solid aluminum chassis and striking design, making it visually distinctive
- Offers a very neutral sound signature that allows the connected components and music to shine through without adding its own coloration
- Delivers excellent timing, detail retrieval, and dynamics, contributing to a lively and engaging listening experience
- Provides a smooth and open sound while retaining detail and dynamics
- Offers input flexibility with balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, as well as a USB charging port for devices like DACs or smartphones
Product Considerations
- Has a lower output level compared to some other preamplifiers, requiring higher volume settings to achieve the same listening levels
- The source selection method via the volume knob can be a little over-engineered and less user-friendly than dedicated buttons or a rotary dial
- The balance control lacks a tactile center notch, which some users might find inconvenient
- The AV bypass mode can be easily engaged, potentially causing damage to speakers if the connected AV amp has a high volume setting
- A phono stage and headphone output are lacking
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Naim NAC 82: Ultima Pre 3 offers additional warmth and a marginally smoother presentation, but is less incisive
- Vs The Bespoke Audio Company Passive Preamplifier: The Ultima Pre 3 extracts more clarity from the power amplifier and pushes dynamics more exceptionally—but with a small loss of treble resolution
- Vs NAD M23: The Ultima Pre 3 (paired with the Ultima 6) brings out the scale, dynamics, and energy of the music to a higher degree
Takeaway: The Chord Electronics Ultima Pre 3 is a well-built and visually striking preamplifier that allows the music to shine through. It's a great fit for a hifi system if a neutral sound, a lively and dynamic sound, and flexibility for different listening experiences are desired.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Chord Electronics designs and manufactures all their products in Great Britain, setting themselves apart by using proprietary FPGA technology instead of off-the-shelf DAC chips found in most competitors' products. Their DACs and portable audio devices, featuring distinctive color-changing buttons and portholes, deliver studio-grade performance through unique technologies like the Watts Transient Aligned filter, which provides more natural and detailed sound reproduction.
Product Page
Product Page
How to buy
Preamplifiers
Search all hifi products
Explore our database of 10,000+ new and 25,000+ used hifi products.
