First Listen: ULTIMA Phonostage

At High End Munich 2025, Chord Electronics took a bold step in the world of premium analogue audio with the unveiling of the Ultima Phonostage—a flagship phono preamplifier designed to match the ambition and prestige of its Ultima Reference range. Known for its precision digital and amplification gear, Chord is making a compelling case that its expertise can extend deep into the analogue domain, catering to discerning vinyl enthusiasts seeking uncompromising performance.

The Ultima Phonostage draws immediate attention with its striking dual-VU meter display, solid aluminum chassis, and a glowing blue bullseye LED—hallmarks of Chord’s Ultima aesthetic. The unit is available in both black and silver finishes, aligning it visually with the rest of the Ultima Reference series. Inside, it features a true dual-mono architecture that isolates left and right channels for superior stereo separation, ensuring the quietest and cleanest signal path possible.

One of the Ultima Phonostage’s standout attributes is its extraordinary flexibility. It offers three independent inputs, each configurable for either moving magnet (MM) or moving coil (MC) cartridges. This makes it ideal for audiophiles running multiple tonearms or turntables. Both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connections are provided, with full support for in and out on all channels. Cartridge loading is highly customizable, with MC input impedance ranging from 12Ω to 2200Ω (single-ended) or 24Ω to 4400Ω (balanced), and MM inputs offering switchable capacitance to fine-tune response curves. Each input also benefits from its own memory settings, allowing tailored configurations without having to manually reset parameters when switching sources.

Other thoughtful features include adjustable gain in 14 discrete steps, a subsonic filter to reduce low-frequency rumble, and a clip-detection circuit that automatically adjusts gain downward if excessive signal levels are detected. This kind of safeguarding is particularly useful when dealing with static pops or unusually high-output cartridges—situations where most phono preamps would distort or even risk speaker damage. With these tools at hand, Chord is clearly aiming for high fidelity with real-world practicality.

Expected to retail at the reference tier, the Ultima Phonostage is positioned to compete with other top-tier analogue offerings. While no full listening reviews have emerged yet, the engineering pedigree behind it—rooted in Chord’s renowned dual-feed-forward topology and fast-acting error correction—suggests a sonic signature that emphasizes neutrality, speed, and detail. For those already invested in the Ultima amplifier ecosystem, this phonostage offers the missing piece of an ultra-high-end analogue chain.

We do have our first listen of the Ultima Phonostage, courtesy of My Audio Test:

In summary, the Ultima Phonostage isn’t just an add-on to Chord’s product line—it’s a declaration of intent. With reference-level versatility, exceptional build quality, and an emphasis on preserving analogue purity, Chord Electronics has created a product that should command attention from vinyl lovers who want the best. As reviews emerge and it begins appearing in top-tier systems later this year, it’s likely to become one of the most talked-about phono preamps in its class.