{"product_id":"chord-electronics-prima","title":"Chord Electronics Prima","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Chord Electronics Prima is a five-input analog preamplifier built to the same standard as Chord's power amplifiers and DACs, with an ALPS Blue Velvet potentiometer, variable gain on every input, and both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA connections. It is the control center for a Choral-range system, sitting between the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chord-electronics-dave\"\u003eDAVE\u003c\/a\u003e (or any other source) and the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chord-electronics-etude\"\u003eEtude\u003c\/a\u003e power amplifier.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFive inputs:\u003c\/strong\u003e XLR balanced and RCA single-ended connections\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eALPS Blue Velvet potentiometer\u003c\/strong\u003e for analog volume control\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariable gain on all inputs\u003c\/strong\u003e for level-matching between different sources\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBalanced XLR and RCA outputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDisplay screen\u003c\/strong\u003e showing active input and volume level\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFull remote control\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHigh-frequency switch-mode power supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChoral form factor\u003c\/strong\u003e for stacking with DAVE, Etude, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chord-electronics-symphonic\"\u003eSymphonic\u003c\/a\u003e, and Ensemble Stand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eWhy We Carry Chord Electronics\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChord Electronics has been doing digital conversion differently since 1989. While every other manufacturer buys off-the-shelf DAC chips, Rob Watts designs custom FPGA algorithms with tap lengths that dwarf anything from ESS or AKM. Their proprietary Pulse Array technology, MOSFET amplification stages, and high-frequency switch-mode power supplies are all designed and built in Kent, England. From the portable \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chord-electronics-mojo-2\"\u003eMojo 2\u003c\/a\u003e to the flagship DAVE, every product runs code that Chord wrote themselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eWhy a Separate Preamp When DAVE Has Variable Output?\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe DAVE can drive a power amplifier directly using its digital volume control, and for many systems that is the simplest and shortest signal path. The Prima exists for systems with multiple analog sources that need switching and level-matching, or where the listener prefers an analog volume control stage. If you run a turntable through the Symphonic phono stage alongside the DAVE for digital, the Prima handles source selection and volume for both without touching the DAVE's digital domain. It also lets you add a CD transport, tape deck, or any line-level source to the system without routing everything through the DAVE.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eInput Gain Matching\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery input on the Prima has independent gain adjustment, so you can match the output levels of different source components. A phono stage, a DAC, and a CD player rarely output the same voltage. Without gain matching, switching between sources means reaching for the volume knob every time. The Prima eliminates that by letting you calibrate each input to the same perceived volume level. Once set, switching between sources requires no adjustment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/prima-rear-inline.jpg?v=1773253933\" alt=\"Chord Electronics Prima rear panel with XLR and RCA connections\" style=\"max-width: 100%; height: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eALPS Blue Velvet Volume Control\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Prima uses an ALPS Blue Velvet potentiometer for volume, a component that has been the reference standard in high-end preamps for decades. It provides smooth, precise control with excellent channel tracking (both channels attenuate equally at every position). The volume position is readable on the front display alongside the active input.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eChord Electronics Prima Power Supply\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike every component in the Choral range, the Prima uses Chord's proprietary high-frequency switch-mode power supply rather than a conventional toroidal transformer. The SMPS operates well above the audio band, delivering fast, clean energy to the preamp circuitry without the magnetic interference that low-frequency transformers can introduce. For a preamp handling microvolt-level signals, power supply noise rejection matters more than in almost any other component.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Choral Range\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Prima shares its form factor with the DAVE, Etude, Symphonic, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chord-electronics-choral-ensemble-stand\"\u003eChoral Ensemble Stand\u003c\/a\u003e. A complete Choral system stacks neatly on the Ensemble Stand. Available in black or silver finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/prima_lifestyle_inline.jpg?v=1773678251\" alt=\"Chord Electronics Prima preamplifier in a modern listening room\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; max-width: 938px; border-radius: 4px;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Listening Room Difference\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on exceptional service and relentless passion for hifi. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch5\u003eChord Electronics Prima Specifications\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse;\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f3f3f3;\"\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221); width: 34%;\"\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221); width: 66%;\"\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Type\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eAnalog Preamplifier\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e5 total (XLR balanced + RCA single-ended)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eXLR balanced + RCA single-ended\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVolume Control\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eALPS Blue Velvet potentiometer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGain\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eVariable per input\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisplay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eYes (input and volume)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRemote Control\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eHigh-frequency switch-mode\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eBlack or Silver\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRange\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eChoral\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDesigned \u0026amp; Built\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eKent, England\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n","brand":"Chord Electronics","offers":[{"title":"Black","offer_id":67848514208113,"sku":"CHORDPRIMABL","price":4166.3,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Silver","offer_id":67848514240881,"sku":"CHORDPRIMASIL","price":4166.3,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0923\/5215\/1921\/files\/prima_pos1_square.jpg?v=1792518431","url":"https:\/\/sliyden.store\/products\/chord-electronics-prima","provider":"sliyden.store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}