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 350 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 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. 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 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. 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.
350 W into 8 Ω:
Our most powerful stereo amp with 350 W into 8 Ω
Dual feed-forward error correction:
Incredibly fast, dual feed-forward error correction developed by Chord Electronics which monitors and immediately corrects any signal errors before the output stage, resulting in astonishing signal accuracy.
Fully balanced XLR inputs and single-ended RCA inputs:
Can be sited away from input sources (e.g. DAVE) or ULTIMA preamps, with long cable runs using XLR with no signal loss or noise intrusion. This enables short cable runs between ULTIMA 5 and loudspeakers. RCA single-ended connectors can only be used for local placement.
Chord Electronics designed high-frequency switch mode power supply:
Operating at 70 kHz our 2 kW custom design SMPS does not interfere with the audio spectrum, unlike traditional toroidal transformers which are operating at 50-60 Hz impacting on audio performance. Delivers
clean and fast power to charge capacitors up to 70,000 times per second
Proprietary MOSFET output transistors:
Left and right channels behave identically. Close matching of our 32 proprietary MOSFET devices gives an overall better performance than ‘off the shelf’ solutions.
Fully balanced Circuitry:
From input through to output ensures ULTIMA delivers the musical signal with no accompanying residual amplification noise
