Audio T Verdict
ULTIMA is Chord Electronics' flagship reference power amplifier and, with 780W into 8 ohms from each monoblock, is intended for systems where loudspeaker control and available current are absolutely critical.
Its specifications are formidable: 64 proprietary MOSFET output devices, peak current exceeding 500A, fully balanced Class AB circuitry and Chord Electronics' dual-feed-forward error-correction technology. Into 4 ohms, output rises to 1,405W.
A stereo system requires two, normally partnered with the matching ULTIMA PRE. This is very much demonstration territory, particularly given the amplifier's size, weight and the calibre of loudspeakers it is likely to be driving.
Chord Electronics ULTIMA Reference
ULTIMA sits at the very top of Chord Electronics' amplification range as its flagship reference monoblock.
Each amplifier powers a single loudspeaker channel and combines:
- 780W RMS into 8 ohms
- 1,405W RMS into 4 ohms
- Published capability of 2,500W into 2 ohms
- Peak output current exceeding 500A
- 64 proprietary MOSFET power devices
- Dual-feed-forward error correction
- Fully balanced circuitry
- Class AB sliding-bias operation
- High-frequency switch-mode power-supply technology
ULTIMA Reference Amplifier Technology
ULTIMA introduced Chord Electronics' dual-feed-forward error-correction topology, developed alongside the company's long-established high-frequency power-supply technology.
The output stage uses 64 proprietary MOSFET power devices driven by an ultra-low-distortion, high-voltage amplifier capable of extremely high operating speed.
Power Delivery
780W into 8 ohms and 1,405W into 4 ohms, with peak current capability exceeding 500A.
Performance
0.005% THD, 30dB gain, 0.04-ohm output impedance and frequency response extending to 200kHz at -3dB.
Balanced, Unbalanced and Bi-Wire Connections
ULTIMA provides inverted and non-inverted input options for both balanced and unbalanced systems:
- 1 x balanced XLR non-inverted input
- 1 x balanced XLR inverted input
- 1 x gold-plated RCA non-inverted input
- 1 x gold-plated RCA inverted input
- 1 x 12V trigger input
- 2 x pairs of high-current gold-plated loudspeaker terminals
The two speaker-terminal pairs make bi-wiring straightforward where required.
ULTIMA PRE and System Matching
The matching ULTIMA PRE is Chord Electronics' flagship reference preamplifier and the natural control partner for a pair of ULTIMA monoblocks.
DAVE can also form part of the system as the digital source, DAC and, where appropriate, variable-output digital preamplifier.
View Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE
View Chord Electronics DAVE
One Amplifier Per Channel
ULTIMA is a monoblock. A conventional stereo system therefore requires two amplifiers, giving the left and right loudspeakers their own dedicated amplifier chassis and power supply.
Reference-Scale Construction
ULTIMA is substantial even by high-end power-amplifier standards. With the supplied Integra Legs fitted, each unit measures:
- Width: 480mm
- Height: 305mm
- Depth: 750mm
- Weight: 66.7kg
Optional side blocks reduce the overall width and height to 420mm and 285mm respectively, while retaining the 750mm depth.
Plan the Installation Carefully
Each ULTIMA weighs 66.7kg and is convection cooled. Before installation, check rack load capacity, available depth, ventilation, mains provision and safe access around both amplifiers.
Key Features
- Flagship reference monoblock
- ULTIMA Reference range
- 780W RMS into 8 ohms
- 1,405W RMS into 4 ohms
- Published 2,500W into 2 ohms
- Peak current exceeding 500A
- 64 proprietary MOSFET devices
- Dual-feed-forward error correction
- Class AB sliding bias
- Fully balanced circuitry
- High-frequency switch-mode power supply
- 0.005% THD
- 30dB gain
- 100k-ohm input impedance
- 0.04-ohm output impedance
- Balanced XLR inputs
- Unbalanced RCA inputs
- Inverted and non-inverted inputs
- Bi-wireable loudspeaker outputs
- 12V trigger input
- Convection cooled
- Dimmable feature lighting
- Solid aluminium chassis
- Integra Legs included
- Black or Silver finish
- Five-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ULTIMA the flagship Chord Electronics power amplifier?
Yes. It sits in the separate ULTIMA Reference range above ULTIMA 2 and ULTIMA 3.
Is ULTIMA a stereo amplifier?
No. It is a monoblock, so two amplifiers are required for a conventional stereo system.
How much power does it produce?
Chord Electronics currently specifies 780W RMS into 8 ohms and 1,405W RMS into 4 ohms.
What does Chord Electronics specify into 2 ohms?
The current manufacturer description states up to 2,500W into 2 ohms.
How many MOSFET power devices are used?
Each ULTIMA contains 64 proprietary Chord Electronics MOSFET power devices.
Does ULTIMA have balanced inputs?
Yes. Inverted and non-inverted balanced XLR inputs are provided alongside RCA connections.
Which preamplifier is designed to partner ULTIMA?
Chord Electronics ULTIMA PRE is its matching flagship reference preamplifier.
Can the loudspeakers be bi-wired?
Yes. Two pairs of high-current loudspeaker terminals are provided.
How large and heavy is each amplifier?
With the supplied Integra Legs it measures 480mm wide, 305mm high and 750mm deep, and weighs 66.7kg.
What warranty does ULTIMA have?
Chord Electronics provides a five-year manufacturer warranty.
Related Chord Electronics Products
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Reference system demonstrations
- Loudspeaker and amplifier matching advice
- ULTIMA PRE and DAVE system guidance
- Balanced and unbalanced connection advice
- Rack, ventilation and installation planning
- In-store demonstrations where appropriate
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like to discuss or arrange a demonstration of a Chord Electronics ULTIMA Reference system.