Chord Prima – High-End 5-Input Hi-Fi Preamplifier

The Chord Prima is a refined Hi-Fi preamplifier from Chord Electronics' prestigious Choral series, designed to deliver high-end performance in a compact and elegant chassis. Equipped with five analogue inputs, including four unbalanced RCA inputs and one balanced XLR input, Prima combines outstanding versatility, transparency and a fully balanced circuit design.

Despite its compact dimensions, the Chord Prima is a fully-fledged preamplifier designed according to the rigorous quality standards of Chord Electronics. Its architecture has been developed to ensure maximum purity of the analogue signal, with a carefully optimized signal path and extremely precise volume and gain management.

A True Chord Electronics Preamplifier

Prima belongs to the compact Choral range, characterized by electronics designed to deliver reference-level performance within a compact footprint. Its chassis is machined from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminium, manufactured with Chord Electronics' characteristic precision and featuring the distinctive viewing window that allows the internal circuitry to be seen.

The controls can be operated directly from the top panel or via the infrared remote control. The top panel allows input and Tape output selection, while dedicated controls provide quick adjustment of volume and balance. The integrated display clearly shows the selected source and volume level.

Fully Balanced Circuit

One of the distinguishing features of the Chord Prima is its fully balanced architecture. The analogue signal path has been designed to preserve signal purity and minimize interference, providing outstanding transparency and accurate reproduction of musical information.

The preamplifier features five stereo inputs: four unbalanced RCA inputs and one balanced XLR input. It also provides a balanced XLR output and a dedicated RCA Tape output for recording, making Prima particularly versatile for complex Hi-Fi systems.

High-Frequency Power Supply

The Chord Prima uses a high-frequency switching power supply, designed to deliver power to the circuits with exceptional efficiency and speed. This solution makes it possible to maintain a compact footprint without compromising the ability to supply the circuitry with the stability required for high-level audio performance.

The volume control section also uses an ALPS Blue Velvet potentiometer, renowned for its precision, smooth operation and build quality.

Versatility and System Integration

The Chord Prima has been designed to act as the control centre of a high-end Hi-Fi system. It is a natural partner for the Chord Etude power amplifier, while its analogue architecture also makes it particularly suitable for systems using high-quality digital and analogue reference sources.

Thanks to both RCA and XLR connections, Prima can be easily integrated into a variety of configurations while maintaining excellent signal quality. Its compact dimensions also allow it to be combined with other Choral series components and installed in high-end systems where available space is limited.

Key Features

• 5 stereo analogue inputs
• 1 balanced stereo XLR input
• 4 unbalanced stereo RCA inputs
• 1 balanced stereo XLR output
• 1 unbalanced stereo RCA Tape output
• Fully balanced audio circuit
• Analogue signal path
• Buffered inputs and outputs
• 6 independent gain adjustments for the five inputs and low-impedance outputs
• ALPS Blue Velvet volume potentiometer
• High-frequency switching power supply
• -93 dB signal-to-noise ratio
• Low-impedance output
• Volume and balance controls
• Input selection from the top panel
• IR remote control
• Top-panel display
• Distinctive Chord Electronics viewing window for the internal circuitry
• Chassis made from solid aircraft-grade aluminium
• Convection cooling
• Silver and Black finishes

Why Choose Chord Prima

The Chord Prima is an ideal solution for anyone looking for a high-end analogue preamplifier capable of combining transparency, precision, versatility and compact dimensions. The combination of RCA and XLR connections, fully balanced circuitry and high-frequency power supply makes it an exceptionally complete component for high-level Hi-Fi systems.

The aircraft-grade aluminium construction, distinctive Chord Electronics design and ability to pair it with other Choral series components also make it possible to create a system with a strong visual identity and genuinely high-end performance.

Technical Specifications

Warranty

2 years