We met the new ULTIMAs at High End Munich and can heartily recommend that you check them out at UK Hi-Fi Show Live which is being held this weekend at Ascot Racecourse.

Chord states that the ULTIMA-technology amplifiers distil 30 years of UK amplifier design, engineering and manufacturing and has so created a range that boasts unprecedented resolution, transparency and dynamics.

The Kent-based company is looking forward to showing off its new state-of-the-art dual-feed-forward power amp technology for the first time in the UK. The design incorporates MD John Franks’ own advanced concepts in ultra-high-frequency power supplies. 

Naturally, Chord Electronics’ show system needs to be seen as well as heard. In the new show venue at Ascot Racecourse, Chord Electronics will be using its BLU MKII digital/CD transport, DAVE, its reference-level DAC, plus the brand's CPA5000 preamp.

Keeping it Maidstone, Chord Electronics' neighbours, KEF, are supplying their Blade 2 loudspeakers. Additionally, the Chord Company’s flagship ChordMusic cables will tie everything together.

The rig definitely displays some of the best British audio engineering available.

ULTIMA 3 mono power amplifier

First unveiled in October 2018, the new ULTIMA amplifier topology was initially exclusive to the range-topping £30,000 ULTIMA power amp. It is (slightly) more affordable now that it has trickled down to the ULTIMA 3 mono power amps (£11,000 each).

Sharing the same Chord Electronics’ DNA as the flagship ULTIMA, the 480-watt ULTIMA 3 is a direct replacement for the company’s SPM 1400 MKII and sits in the Full Size series.

Naturally, the new amp has been redesigned and rocks a remodelled fascia to match the rest of the range.

That new precision-machined fascia is made from aircraft-grade aluminium. It features a 28 mm-thick front panel, enhanced by a recessed spherical illuminated power button. You can dim that light via a hidden front-panel switch, neatly located in the vertical split line.

The amp sports both balanced and unbalanced connections as well as high-quality loudspeaker terminals.

Like all Chord Electronics Full Size and Reference range amplifiers, the new ULTIMA 3 can be had in Jett Black, or Argent Silver finishes.

Also, the amplifier can be specified with either the famous stackable Integra Leg system in Jett Black, Argent Silver or Nickel finishes or the highly polished black acrylic side block option.

ULTIMA technology

The ULTIMA 3 mono amplifier sports 32 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.

Chord Electronics’ TO3-style dual die lateral matched MOSFETs are also on-board. These are continuously monitored with output stage error-correction circuitry and feature fully balanced input circuitry with DC-tracking servos and full temperature compensation. 

Experience ULTIMA

Find Chord Electronics at The UK HI-Fi Show Live 2019 in the Windsor Forest room.

Price and availability

ULTIMA 3 carries an £11,000 price tag per unit and is available now.

Tech spec

• Output Power: 480W RMS per channel @ 0.05% distortion into 8Ω; 
•  Frequency Response: 1dB @ 0.2Hz to 46kHz and -3dB 0.1Hz to 200kHz
•  Signal to Noise Ratio: Better than -84dB
•  Channel Separation: Better than 90dB
•  Input Impedance: 100kΩ Unbalanced/Balanced
•  Output Impedance: 0.04Ω
•  Dimensions with included integra legs: 481mm x 176mm x 377mm