Potato score: 93.48

93%

Chord Electronics ULTIMA #1
Chord Electronics ULTIMA variant 1
Chord Electronics ULTIMA variant 2
Chord Electronics ULTIMA variant 3
Chord Electronics ULTIMA variant 4
Chord Electronics ULTIMA variant 5

Chord Electronics ULTIMA

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The ULTIMA mono power amplifiers have been conceived for the very finest high-end audio systems, those which by their very nature, tend to have the most demanding and most difficult-to-drive large loudspeakers. They deliver unsurpassed power and are capable of effortlessly driving any speaker.


ULTIMA is the company’s most accomplished amplifier in its 34-year history and one that draws on Chord Electronics’ three decades of proprietary-technology amplifier manufacturing. It features an all-new circuit topology, the first completely new design since the company’s inception. The new dual-feed forward error-correction amplifier technology is a progression of Dr Malcolm J Hawksford’s (emeritus professor at Essex University) technical paper, refined by Bob Cordell of Bell Labs.


ULTIMA contains Chord Electronics’ next-generation amplifier tech, a design which features Cordell’s advanced dual-feedforward error-correction topology, with the important addition of John Franks’ own advanced concepts in ultra-high-frequency power supplies.


The ULTIMA mono amplifier unit has an incredible 64 proprietary MOSFET power devices that 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 technologies with advanced feed-forward and feedback compensation techniques.


ULTIMA is incredibly powerful and offers 780 watts into 8 ohms, 1,400 watts into 4 ohms and 2,500 watts (!) into 2 ohms. ULTIMA’s peak output current exceeds 500 amps, an extremely high current differentiated by the speed at which the dynamic peaks can be delivered, bringing astonishing dynamics, timing accuracy and unrivalled musicality.


ULTIMA is truly an unprecedented amplifier design with exceptional performance and is one of the most advanced hi-fi amplifiers in the world.


Other accessories & custom options

Raw aluminium Integra leg option.


Black anodised aluminium Integra leg option.


Inputs:


1x Balanced XLR Inverted Input


1x Balanced XLR Non-inverted Input


1x Gold Plated Unbalanced RCA Inverted Input


1x Gold Plated Unbalanced RCA Non-inverted Input


1x 12v Trigger Input – Chord Electronics Auto Start


Output:


2x Pair of High Quality, High Current, Gold Plated Type Speaker Terminals (Bi-wireable)


Key Features

780w into 8Ω


Class AB Sliding Bias


Dual feed-forward error correction


HF Switch Mode Power Supply


Proprietary Chord MOSFETs


Fully Balanced Circuitry


Convection Cooled


Balanced XLR Inverted Input


Balanced XLR Non-inverted Input


Unbalanced RCA Inverted Input


Unbalanced RCA Non-inverted Input


12v Trigger On/Off Input


Dimmable feature lighting


Included Top Light Ring


Solid Aluminium Chassis


Included Accessories

ULTIMA Quickstart guide


Safety instructions


15A Mains IEC cable


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Overall Score 93/100

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Chord Electronics ULTIMA

Chord Electronics' ULTIMA is a reference-class amplifier system that pairs colossal power with surgical control. Built around true dual-mono topology and an array of 64 proprietary MOSFETs per mono, the ULTIMA delivers 780 W into 8 Ω (1,400 W into 4 Ω) and peak currents beyond 500 A, producing exceptional dynamics and grip. Reviewers from HiFi News and StereoLife Magazine highlight its spacious, well-defined soundstage, imaging stability and a combination of authority and finesse. The machined aircraft-grade aluminium chassis, substantial monoblock construction and heavy shielding underline top-tier build quality, while flexible I/O and per-channel EQ in the preamp make it adaptable to complex systems. Ideal for owners of demanding, hard-to-drive speakers, the ULTIMA is a no-compromise statement of performance and control.

StereoLife Magazine

"Ultima is the Ultimate expression of the finest high-performance, ultra-fast, ultra-high-power amplifier technology available today."

Pros

  • Immense power and headroom: 780 W/8 Ω (1,400 W/4 Ω) and >500 A peak output translate to effortless dynamics and speaker control.
  • Exceptional dynamics and transient speed—delivers slam, speed and subtlety across a wide range of material without losing composure.
  • Spacious, precise soundstage and imaging stability that renders instrument placement and recorded acoustics with clarity.
  • Rock-solid build and engineering: hand-built monoblocks, aircraft-grade milled aluminium casework, extensive shielding and advanced MOSFET topology.

&

Cons

  • Preamp layout and control set can be fussy—multiple tone controls, per-channel EQ and Bus A/B routing feel complicated and may frustrate users.
  • Very high price; positioned as a niche, flagship purchase best suited to owners seeking reference-class monos for demanding speakers.

Sound Quality

95/100

Dynamics

95/100

Reviewers repeatedly emphasise the Ultima's prodigious, effortless power and headroom (780 W/8Ω, 1,400 W/4Ω, 2,500 W/2Ω) and its ability to ‘bludgeon’ difficult speakers into submission while retaining speed and slam. HiFi News and StereoLife cite the huge peak-current capability and MOSFET array and describe vice-like control, authoritative bass and unflappable delivery even at demanding loads, supporting a top-tier dynamics rating.

Soundstage Imaging

95/100

Reviews describe a massive, room-filling sound with a superb sense of recorded acoustic and excellent imaging stability: a clear, expansive soundstage with precise placement and depth. StereoLife and HiFi News highlight an impressive sense of space and instrument roles, making the Ultima reference-level in spatial presentation for its class.

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Build Quality

94/100

Hand-built, heavy mono chassis with aircraft-grade milled aluminium, large multi-section power supplies and 64 proprietary MOSFETs per amp are repeatedly noted; dual-mono construction and extensive shielding are highlighted. The physical engineering, thermal/PSU design and premium construction support a very high build-quality score (monoblock architecture further bolsters this).

Value for Money

89/100

At ~£30,000 per Ultima mono (reviews list matching preamp and power amp pricing), reviewers acknowledge the high cost but argue the sheer power, control and engineering justify the premium for buyers seeking reference-class monos. Sentiment is that this is a premium, possibly niche purchase — expensive but defensible for its performance and build in its segment.

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