Analog Elevated: Chord’s Ultima Phonostage Sets a New Standard
Posted by The Sound Organisation on Jul 18th 2025
Chord Electronics has once again raised the bar for analog audio with the release of the Ultima Phonostage, a new flagship addition to the Ultima Reference range. Designed by founder John Franks, this exquisitely built phonostage pairs seamlessly with the Ultima Pre and Ultima Mono amps, offering a world-class analog front end for vinyl enthusiasts.
Tailored for serious hi-fi setups, the Ultima Phonostage supports moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges with impressively flexible impedance and capacitance options. It accommodates up to three tonearms or turntables and includes thoughtful features like a rumble filter, clip detection, gain boost, and RIAA equalization. Input and output options include XLR, RCA, USB charging, and 12V trigger connections—all housed in Chord’s iconic brushed aluminum chassis with bold dials and glowing blue accents.
When paired with premium components from Rega, Peak Consult, and Chord’s own DAVE DAC, the Ultima Phonostage revealed its stunning capabilities. Vinyl playback was richly layered, immersive, and strikingly dynamic—from the lush, deep tones of Tosca’s Zuri to the rhythmic energy of Ricardo Villalobos’s Alcachofa.
The Ultima Phonostage is a no-compromise component for those who demand uncompromising musical performance. It's not just an upgrade—it's a statement in analog excellence.