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Chord Electronics ULTIMA 2
As part of our extended 30th-anniversary celebrations in 2019, we have implemented our flagship ULTIMA amplifier topology into a new mono power amplifier, Ultima 2.
First unveiled in October 2018, the new ULTIMA amplifier topology (which to date has been exclusive to the range-topping ULTIMA power amp), is now more affordable than ever having trickled down into the new ULTIMA 2 mono power amp, which shares the same Chord Electronics DNA as in its range-topping cousin.
The new 750-watt ULTIMA 2 is a direct replacement for the SPM 6000 MKII and forms part of our flagship Reference range. The amp has been given a remodelled fascia featuring John Franks’ latest design. 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 and hidden front panel switch neatly located in the vertical split line, enables the lighting to be dimmed.
Like all of Chord Electronics’ full-size and Reference range amplifiers, the new ULTIMA 2 is available in a choice of Jett Black or Argent Silver finishes. The amplifiers can also 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. The amplifier’s rear panel contains both balanced and unbalanced connections, high-quality loudspeaker terminals, a 12V trigger and a C-19-type IEC.
Other accessories & custom options
Argent silver Integra leg option
Jett black Integra leg option
Gloss black acrylic side block option (can not be stacked)
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
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 2 Quickstart guide
Safety instructions
15A Mains IEC cable
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Chord Electronics ULTIMA 2 Monoblock Amplifiers
The ULTIMA 2 is a flagship monoblock designed to combine enormous headroom with refined musical detail. Its 750 W/8Ω (1,305 W/4Ω) output and advanced MOS‑FET topology deliver exceptional dynamics and resolution, bringing taut, fleet‑footed bass and incisive transient attack without harshness, as noted by Edgar Kramer. The sound is characteristically quiet and revealing, unmasking low‑level textures and stable imaging across large orchestral crescendos and rock transients.
Built as much for engineering presence as sonic performance, the ULTIMA 2 sports a 28mm CNC front plate, heavy heatsinking and flexible connectivity (dual polarity XLR/RCA, bi‑wire posts). Suited to high‑end, large‑speaker systems and money‑no‑object rigs—see the demo mention by Marc Rushton—it rewards careful matching with authoritative, spacious sound.
Pros
- Massive, well‑controlled power and headroom that drives demanding speakers with authority and no smearing.
- Outstanding resolution and ultra‑quiet background that reveals low‑level detail and natural tonal textures.
- First‑rate construction and thoughtful engineering—robust chassis, CNC front plate and innovative power‑supply design.
- Flexible connectivity and practical features (dual polarity XLR/RCA, bi‑wire binding posts, 12V trigger) for integration into serious systems.
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Cons
- Extremely expensive—positioned as a money‑no‑object flagship rather than mainstream value.
- Very large and heavy units with specialized power requirements (15A IEC) and transport considerations.
Sound Quality
92/100
Dynamics
93/100
Monoblock design and huge quoted power (750 W/8 Ω, 1305 W/4 Ω) plus in-house MOSFET output stage gives exceptional headroom and current delivery; the reviewer repeatedly cites "boundless amounts of raw power," "grabbed and held in total control," and "dynamics are scary," supporting a top-tier dynamics score. Monoblock topology and the amplifier's ability to drive demanding speakers (Wilson Alexia 2s) without smearing or loss of slam yields an additional positive modifier.
Soundstage Imaging
90/100
Review notes describe superb separation, stable imaging and a rare mix of 'stunning resolution with inherent smoothness,' with specific imaging examples (Jeff Tweedy locked-in). The amp preserves channel separation under complex passages and large orchestral crescendos, supporting full-size soundstages and precise image placement.
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Build Quality
91/100
Heavily built monoblock chassis (41.15 kg), 28mm CNC-machined front plate, massive heatsink rear, and 32 in-house MOSFET output devices per amp indicate first-rate construction and a substantial power supply. The styling and execution are described as faultless and confident; monoblock architecture contributes positively to perceived engineering and thermal/power-supply robustness.
Value for Money
89/100
At the stated price (~US$61,000 for the pair of monoblocks) and with very high power (750 W/8 Ω, 1305 W/4 Ω) and flagship-level engineering, reviewers describe the Ultima 2s as 'technical bleeding edge' and 'money-no-object' choices. In the context of the high-end monoblock market (peer set including other flagship monoblocks from makers such as d'Agostino, Pass Labs, Vitus and similar high-end builders), the unit is framed as a justified premium — excellent performance for its tier — but it is a specialist, money-no-object proposition rather than a mainstream value buy.
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