Chord Electronics debuts stereo ULTIMA amplifiers at Bristol Hi-Fi Show

More affordable, more practical, more stereo

by Andy Bassett

Chord Electronics’s reference range of ULTIMA mono power amps has now been adapted into two new, affordable and practical stereo power amplifiers - the  ULTIMA 5 and ULTIMA 6.

Both the ULTIMA 5 and 6 will debut globally at the The Bristol Hi-Fi Show which starts on February 21st.

These two newcomers progress the next generation ULTIMA technology by adding stereo for the first time to Chord’s 30-years-in-the-making reference amplifier topology, which was first introduced in the Etude power amp, the flagship ULTIMA mono power amplifier and subsequent ULTIMA 2 and ULTIMA 3 monoblock power amps. 

ULTIMA 5 and 6 share the same DNA as the flagship and reference-level monos, yet benefit from greater practicality and affordability, due to differing power outputs. The ULTIMA 5 (300 watts) will replace the SPM 1200 MK II with the ULTIMA 6 (180 watts) replacing the SPM 1050 MK II. 

Chord Electronics debuts stereo ULTIMA amplifiers at Bristol Hi-Fi Show
Chord Electronics ULTIMA 5 stereo power amplifier

Chord’s ULTIMA amplifier topology draws upon three decades of British research, design and engineering, which started with a University of Essex technical paper that was subsequently refined by Bell Labs before John Franks, the CEO of Chord Electronics, developed it to a much higher level.

The result was an all-new, state-of-the-art circuit design that delivers extremely high peak output current (the speed at which dynamic peaks can be delivered). The high-performance ultra-fast range of ULTIMA amplifiers have been engineered for the most demanding and difficult-to-drive speakers, to bring better dynamics and timing accuracy and, therefore, improved musicality. 

The ULTIMA 5 features 64 proprietary TO3-style dual-die lateral-matched MOSFET (metal oxide silicon field effect transistor) power devices which use advanced circuitry and high quality components to create an ultra low distortion, high voltage amplifier which operates at a speedy 300 volts per microsecond. The ULTIMA 6 uses 32 MOSFET devices and both the power amplifiers benefit from advanced feed-forward and feedback compensation techniques. 

These MOSFETs are continuously monitored using output stage error-correction circuitry and the amplifier’s fully balanced input circuitry features DC-tracking servos and full temperature compensation.  

Chord Electronics debuts stereo ULTIMA amplifiers at Bristol Hi-Fi Show
Chord Electronics ULTIMA 5 stereo power amplifier - top down view

All ULTIMA amplifiers benefit from a redesigned, precision, CNC-machined fascia made from aircraft-grade aluminium that provides a non-resonant enclosure for the electronics. The case features a solid 28-mm thick front panel, enhanced by a recessed spherical polycarbonate power button that illuminates for standby and operation modes. A discreet front panel switch, located in the vertical split line, enables dimmable lighting.

The amplifiers’ rear panels contain both balanced and unbalanced connections, high-quality loudspeaker terminals, a 12 V trigger and a C-19-type IEC. 

Chord Electronics debuts stereo ULTIMA amplifiers at Bristol Hi-Fi Show
Chord Electronics ULTIMA 5 stereo power amplifier - rear view

ULTIMA amplifiers all feature the unique and stackable Integra Leg system (in Jett Black, Argent Silver or Nickel finishes) which offers the ability to stack with various other full-size Chord Electronics products, as well as the Choral range units, such as the DAVE DAC/preamp and BLU MKII CD/digital transport, when using the dedicated Choral Ensemble stand. 

The handbuilt amplifiers can also be specified with a highly polished black acrylic side block option. 

The ULTIMA 5 has an RRP of £9,250 and the ULTIMA 6, £5,995 and both are available now and will be on show at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show, 21st - 23rd Feb.

Source: Press release
Image Source: Chord Electronics

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