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Chord Electronics

Ultima 5 Stereo Amp

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ULTIMA 5 is a progression of Chord's most famous stereo power amplifier, the legendary SPM 1200 MK II (widely considered to be the definitive Chord Electronics amplifier).

Now incorporating Chord's latest-generation ULTIMA circuit topology, the new ULTIMA 5 is set to become a future classic. Considered to offer the ideal balance between performance and price, the ULTIMA 5 offers an impressively affordable 300 watts – enough to drive all but the most demanding loudspeakers.

The ULTIMA 5 has built upon the inherent strengths of the SPM 1200 MK II and taken performance to the next level. By implementing Chord's advanced dual-feed-forward error-correction, topology incorporating Chord's own advanced concepts in ultra-high-frequency power supplies, Chord have been able to deliver supremely fast and powerful performance, with an extraordinarily high peak output current (the speed at which dynamic peaks can be delivered), bringing astonishing dynamics, timing accuracy and, as a result, unrivaled musicality.

The silver ULTIMA 5 head-on: the 28 mm fascia with the CHORD badge and the recessed cyan power sphere, the lit vent ovals above and the blue underglow below

Add to that Chord's low-distortion amplifier circuitry with Chord's own proprietary lateral-structure dual-die MOSFETs and the ULTIMA 5 is able to drive loudspeaker loads effortlessly, with clarity and precision. The ULTIMA 5 has an incredible 32 proprietary MOSFET power devices which demand the most advanced and refined drive circuitry, suitably devoid of sound-degrading components.

ULTIMA is a truly unprecedented amplifier topology with exceptional performance and is one of the most advanced amplifier technologies in the world.

The silver ULTIMA 5 in three-quarter view: the CHORD badge and cyan sphere on the fascia, the cylindrical Integra pillars at the flank and the lit vents on the top panel

Benefiting from a redesigned fascia featuring John Franks' latest aesthetic, the precision CNC-machined fascia is made from aircraft-grade aluminium and features a reassuringly solid 28-mm thick front panel, enhanced by a recessed spherical polycarbonate power button that illuminates for standby and operation modes; a discreet, hidden front panel switch, located in the vertical split line, enables dimmable lighting.

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

More photographs

The silver ULTIMA 5 from above: the blue-lit circle and arc vent pattern, the four ball-topped Integra legs and the four gold binding posts along the rear edge
Rear of the silver ULTIMA 5: the finned flanks around the terminal plate with four binding posts, balanced and unbalanced inputs and the C-19 mains inlet

The story on this page is Chord Electronics's own, reprinted by Joenit, its official distributor.