Chord Electronics Ultima 5 Stereo Power Amplifier

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

Now incorporating our 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 our advanced dual-feed-forward error-correction, topology incorporating our own advanced concepts in ultra-high-frequency power supplies, we have been able to deliver a 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, unrivalled musicality.

Add to that our low-distortion amplifier circuitry with our 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 64 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.

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.

Specifications

Key Features:

• Class AB Sliding Bias
• HF Switch Mode Power Supply
• Proprietary Chord MOSFETs
• Fully Balanced Circuitry
• Convection Cooled
• Balanced XLR Inputs
• Unbalanced RCA Inputs
• 12v Trigger On/Off Input
• Included Top Light Ring
• Solid Aluminium Chassis

Inputs:

• 1x Stereo Pair of Gold Plated Balanced XLR Inputs
• 1x Stereo Pair of Gold Plated Unbalanced RCA Inputs
• 1x 12v Trigger Input – Chord Electronics Auto Start

Output:

• 1x Pair of High Quality, High Current, Gold Plated Type Speaker Terminals

Output Power:

• 300W RMS per channel @ 0.005% distortion into 8Ω

THD:

• 0.005% distortion

Frequency Response:

• -1dB – 0.5Hz – 100kHz