Chord Electronics Ultima 6 Stereo Power Amplifier

The ULTIMA 6 currently offers the most affordable way into our next-generation ULTIMA family of stereo power amplifiers. It builds upon its award-winning predecessor, the SPM 1050 MK II, adding our ground-breaking next-generation ULTIMA amplifier topology.

The new 180-watt model, which benefits from John Franks’ ground-breaking dual-feed-forward circuit delivers a lightning-fast response coupled with effortless power for astonishing dynamics and timing, delivering unrivalled fidelity.

30-years-in-the-making, our new dual-feed-forward topology offers breakthrough performance and is our first all-new circuit in three decades. ULTIMA amplifiers have been engineered for the very finest hi-fi systems; ULTIMA is the ultimate expression of the finest high-performance, ultra-fast, high-power amplifier technology available today.

The ULTIMA 6 has an incredible 32 proprietary MOSFET power devices which demand the most advanced and refined drive circuitry, featuring an ultra-low-distortion, high-voltage amplifier operating at very high speed: 300 volts per microsecond.

Our TO3-style dual-die lateral-matched MOSFETs are continuously monitored with output stage error-correction circuitry and feature fully balanced input circuitry with DC-tracking servos and full temperature compensation.

ULTIMA  6 shares the same DNA as the flagship and reference-level monos, yet benefits from greater practicality and affordability, due to a differing power output.

Our renowned aircraft-grade solid aluminium casework offers a reassuringly high-end and entirely non-resonant enclosure for the electronics and is presented with a redesigned 28-mm-thick fascia featuring John Franks’ latest aesthetic.

A recessed spherical polycarbonate power button illuminates for standby and operation modes and a discreet, hidden front panel switch, located in the vertical split line, enables dimmable lighting.

The amplifier’s rear panel contains 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:

• 180W RMS per channel @ 0.005% distortion into 8Ω

THD:

• 0.005% distortion

Frequency Response:

• -1dB – 0.5Hz – 100kHz