Audio T Verdict
ULTIMA Integrated brings Chord Electronics' full-size amplifier technology into a single box. You get 125W per channel, four analogue inputs, AV bypass and a balanced preamp output without needing a separate pre and power amplifier.
Inside is the company's dual-feed-forward ULTIMA topology, 16 proprietary MOSFET output devices and high-frequency switch-mode power supplies. It's unapologetically analogue too, leaving DAC, streaming and phono duties to whichever sources you choose.
For anyone wanting the scale and technology of Chord's larger amplification in a simpler system, ULTIMA Integrated is a very compelling place to start.
Chord Electronics ULTIMA Integrated
ULTIMA Integrated is a full-width 125W analogue integrated amplifier and the first Chord Electronics integrated design to use the company's ULTIMA amplifier topology.
Its core specification includes:
- 125W per channel into 8 ohms
- Dual-feed-forward error correction
- Fully balanced circuitry
- 16 proprietary MOSFET output devices
- High-frequency switch-mode power supplies
- 1 x stereo balanced XLR input
- 3 x stereo RCA inputs
- AV bypass
- Balanced stereo XLR preamp output
- Remote-controlled volume and input selection
ULTIMA Amplifier Technology
Chord Electronics' ULTIMA topology uses advanced dual-feed-forward error correction to monitor and correct the signal ahead of the output stage.
The amplifier also uses four separate high-power line-input phase-corrected power supplies and 16 closely matched proprietary MOSFET output devices, with left and right channels engineered to behave consistently.
Power
125W into 8 ohms, with a maximum output voltage of 35V RMS.
Performance
Frequency response extends from 10Hz to 200kHz, with 0.01% THD and 100dB channel separation.
Four Analogue Inputs and AV Bypass
ULTIMA Integrated is a pure analogue amplifier with four stereo inputs:
- 1 x balanced XLR input
- 3 x unbalanced RCA inputs
Each input is individually buffered and filtered against potential radio-frequency interference, with switching handled by microprocessor-controlled sealed relays.
AV bypass allows the amplifier's power stage to be incorporated into a compatible home-cinema system, bypassing the normal volume control when the dedicated AV input is selected.
No Built-In DAC or Phono Stage
ULTIMA Integrated is deliberately analogue-only. Digital sources require a separate DAC, while a turntable requires a suitable external phono stage unless one is already built into the source.
Balanced Preamp Output
A stereo balanced XLR preamp output allows the system to be expanded with an additional compatible power amplifier.
This also gives the ULTIMA Integrated useful flexibility if the system grows in the future, rather than locking the owner permanently into a single-box configuration.
Controls and Construction
The 28mm-thick aluminium front panel uses Chord Electronics' illuminated spherical power control alongside dedicated volume/input and balance/AV-bypass controls.
A full IR system remote is supplied, while the top panel incorporates Chord's dimmable illuminated light ring.
With the supplied Integra Legs fitted, dimensions are:
- Width: 480mm
- Height: 130mm
- Depth: 380mm
- Weight: 14.75kg
Optional gloss-black acrylic side blocks reduce the overall width to 430mm and height to 110mm, although this configuration cannot be stacked.
Key Features
- 125W integrated amplifier
- Chord Electronics ULTIMA range
- Pure analogue design
- Dual-feed-forward error correction
- Fully balanced circuitry
- 16 proprietary MOSFET devices
- High-frequency switch-mode power supplies
- 1 x stereo balanced XLR input
- 3 x stereo RCA inputs
- AV bypass
- Balanced XLR preamp output
- 125W into 8 ohms
- 0.01% THD
- 21dB gain
- 100k-ohm input impedance
- 35V RMS maximum output
- 100dB channel separation
- IR system remote included
- Dimmable top light ring
- Solid aircraft-grade aluminium casework
- Integra Legs included
- Black or Silver finish
- Handmade in England
- Five-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
How powerful is ULTIMA Integrated?
Chord Electronics specifies 125W per channel into 8 ohms.
Does it have balanced inputs?
Yes. One stereo balanced XLR input is provided alongside three stereo RCA inputs.
Does ULTIMA Integrated have a DAC?
No. It is a pure analogue amplifier, so digital sources require a separate DAC.
Does it have a phono stage?
No. A separate phono stage such as Chord Electronics Huei or Symphonic is required for turntables without their own phono amplification.
What is AV bypass?
AV bypass allows a compatible AV processor or receiver to control volume for the relevant channel connection while using ULTIMA Integrated's power-amplifier stage.
Does it have a preamp output?
Yes. A stereo balanced XLR preamp output allows an additional compatible power amplifier to be connected.
Is the amplifier fully balanced?
Yes. Chord Electronics specifies fully balanced circuitry.
How many MOSFET output devices are used?
Chord Electronics specifies 16 proprietary MOSFET devices.
What are its dimensions?
With the supplied Integra Legs it measures 480mm wide, 130mm high and 380mm deep.
What warranty does it have?
Chord Electronics provides a five-year manufacturer warranty.
Related Chord Electronics Products
Why Buy From Audio T?
- ULTIMA Integrated demonstrations
- Loudspeaker matching advice
- DAC and phono-stage system guidance
- Balanced XLR and RCA connection advice
- AV bypass setup 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 Integrated or discuss matching it with your loudspeakers and source components.