Audio T Verdict
ULTIMA 5 is the more powerful of Chord Electronics' two full-width ULTIMA stereo power amplifiers, delivering 300W per channel into 8 ohms and 500W into 4 ohms.
Underneath the imposing aluminium casework is Chord Electronics' dual-feed-forward error-correction topology, fully balanced circuitry, proprietary MOSFET output devices and a high-frequency switch-mode power supply.
It makes a particularly neat partner for ULTIMA PRE 3, giving you serious power without moving to separate monoblocks. For a system at this level, we'd recommend hearing the amplifier with the loudspeakers you intend to use wherever possible.
Chord Electronics ULTIMA 5
ULTIMA 5 is a 300W-per-channel stereo power amplifier and the modern successor to Chord Electronics' long-running SPM 1200 MK II.
Its core specification includes:
- 300W RMS per channel into 8 ohms
- 500W RMS per channel into 4 ohms
- Dual-feed-forward error correction
- Class AB sliding-bias operation
- Fully balanced circuitry
- 32 proprietary Chord Electronics MOSFET power devices
- High-frequency switch-mode power supply
- Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs
- 12V trigger input
ULTIMA Technology and Power
Chord Electronics' ULTIMA topology combines its proprietary dual-feed-forward error-correction system with low-distortion amplifier circuitry and custom lateral-structure dual-die MOSFETs.
8 Ohms
300W RMS per channel with 0.005% THD.
4 Ohms
500W RMS per channel for loudspeakers requiring greater current delivery.
Frequency response extends from 0.5Hz to 100kHz at -1dB, with amplifier gain specified at 30dB.
Balanced and Unbalanced Connections
ULTIMA 5 keeps the signal path straightforward, with one stereo input of each type:
- 1 x stereo pair of gold-plated balanced XLR inputs
- 1 x stereo pair of gold-plated unbalanced RCA inputs
- 1 x 12V trigger input for compatible Chord Electronics auto-start
- 1 x stereo pair of high-current gold-plated loudspeaker terminals
The amplifier can therefore be partnered with a wide range of suitable balanced or unbalanced preamplifiers.
ULTIMA PRE 3 System Partner
ULTIMA PRE 3 is particularly well suited to ULTIMA 5, providing five analogue inputs, balanced and unbalanced outputs, AV bypass and remote-controlled system operation.
Our Swansea team has used this exact pre/power combination extensively, including demonstrations with Monitor Audio and Dynaudio loudspeakers.
View Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE 3
Read: Welcome to the Extraordinary - ULTIMA PRE 3 and ULTIMA 5
Full-Width ULTIMA Construction
ULTIMA 5 uses Chord Electronics' substantial aircraft-grade aluminium casework with a 28mm-thick CNC-machined front panel, illuminated spherical power control and dimmable feature lighting.
With the supplied Integra Legs fitted, dimensions are:
- Width: 480mm
- Height: 180mm
- Depth: 360mm
- Weight: 22.4kg
Optional gloss-black acrylic side blocks reduce the width to 420mm and height to 150mm. The amplifier is convection cooled, so suitable ventilation should be maintained.
Key Features
- 300W stereo power amplifier
- 500W per channel into 4 ohms
- Chord Electronics ULTIMA range
- Dual-feed-forward error correction
- Class AB sliding bias
- Fully balanced circuitry
- 32 proprietary Chord MOSFET devices
- High-frequency switch-mode power supply
- 0.005% THD
- 30dB gain
- Balanced XLR inputs
- Unbalanced RCA inputs
- 12V trigger input
- High-current speaker terminals
- Convection cooled
- Dimmable feature lighting
- Solid aluminium chassis
- Integra Legs included
- Jett Black or Argent Silver
- Five-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ULTIMA 5 a stereo power amplifier?
Yes. Unlike ULTIMA 2 and ULTIMA 3, which are monoblocks, one ULTIMA 5 provides both left and right channels.
How much power does ULTIMA 5 produce?
Chord Electronics specifies 300W RMS per channel into 8 ohms and 500W RMS per channel into 4 ohms.
Does ULTIMA 5 have balanced inputs?
Yes. A stereo pair of balanced XLR inputs is provided alongside RCA.
Is ULTIMA 5 fully balanced?
Yes. Chord Electronics specifies fully balanced internal circuitry.
How many MOSFET output devices does ULTIMA 5 use?
The current Chord Electronics specification states 32 proprietary MOSFET power devices.
Which preamplifier works well with ULTIMA 5?
ULTIMA PRE 3 is specifically designed to partner ULTIMA 5 and ULTIMA 6, although other suitably compatible preamplifiers can also be used.
Can DAVE be connected to ULTIMA 5?
Yes. DAVE provides variable analogue output and can act as a digital preamplifier in a suitably configured system.
Does ULTIMA 5 use cooling fans?
No. Chord Electronics specifies convection cooling.
How large is ULTIMA 5?
With the supplied Integra Legs it measures 480mm wide, 180mm high and 360mm deep.
What warranty does it have?
Chord Electronics provides a five-year manufacturer warranty.
Related Chord Electronics Products
Why Buy From Audio T?
- ULTIMA system demonstrations
- Loudspeaker and amplifier matching advice
- ULTIMA PRE 3 system guidance
- Balanced XLR and RCA connection advice
- Rack and ventilation guidance
- In-store demonstrations where appropriate
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like to demonstrate Chord Electronics ULTIMA 5 or discuss matching it with your loudspeakers and preamplifier.