Chord Electronics Releases ULTIMA 5 and 6 Stereo Power Amps
Chord Electronics' 30th Anniversary ULTIMA flagship amps are now available in a newly released stereo version - ULTIMA 5 and ULTIMA 6.
First released to mark the company's 30th anniversary, ULTIMA features John Franks' latest circuit topology, the first all-new design in three decades. The ULTIMA mono amplifiers were released in November 2018 and sell for $63,500 each (you'll need two).
That same amplifier technology can now be had in two-channel flavour with the introduction of the ULTIMA 5 ($19,600 RRP) and ULTIMA 6 ($12,700 RRP) stereo power amplifiers. The new amps will also get their world debut at The Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2020, on February 21st.
The ULTIMA 5 and 6 share the same DNA as the flagship monos and still benefit from John Franks' ground-breaking dual-feed-forward amplifier topology. The 300 watt ULTIMA 5 replaces the SPM 1200 MK II whereas the 180 watt ULTIMA 6 takes the place of the SPM 1050 MK II.
Chord Electronics says that the ULTIMA 5 sports 64 (32 in ULTIMA 6) proprietary MOSFET power devices which demand the most advanced and refined drive circuitry, suitably devoid of sound-degrading components. The drive circuitry features an ultra-low-distortion, high-voltage amplifier operating at very high speed: 300 volts per microsecond and benefits from advanced feed-forward and feedback compensation techniques.
Additionally, Chord Electronics' 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.
The hand-built amplifiers also feature a CNC-machined 28 mm thick fascia made from aircraft-grade aluminium enhanced by a recessed spherical polycarbonate power button. There is also a discreet, hidden front panel switch, located in the vertical split line, enables dimmable lighting.
The casework is complemented by the stackable Integra Leg system, available in Jett Black, Argent Silver or Nickel finishes. The system enables you to stack the amp with various other full-size Chord Electronics products, as well as the Choral range units, such as the DAVE DAC/preamp and BLU MKII CD/digital transport. The amplifiers can also be specified with a highly polished black acrylic side block option.
The amplifiers' rear panels contain both balanced and unbalanced connections, high-quality loudspeaker terminals, a 12 V trigger and a C-19-type IEC.
For more information, go to Chord Electronics.
David Price
David started his career in 1993 writing for Hi-Fi World and went on to edit the magazine for nearly a decade. He was then made Editor of Hi-Fi Choice and continued to freelance for it and Hi-Fi News until becoming StereoNET’s Editor-in-Chief.
Posted in: Hi-Fi
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