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Chord Electronics ULTIMA 5
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 300 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.
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 Stereo Pair of Gold Plated Balanced XLR Inputs
1x Stereo Pair of Gold Plated Unbalanced RCA Inputs
1x 12v Trigger Input – Chord Electronics Auto Start
Output:
1x Pair of High Quality, High Current, Gold Plated Type Speaker Terminals
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 Inputs
Unbalanced RCA Inputs
12v Trigger On/Off Input
Dimmable feature lighting
Included Top Light Ring
Solid Aluminium Chassis
Included Accessories
ULTIMA 5 Quickstart guide
Safety instructions
15A Mains IEC cable
WATT RECOMMENDS
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Professional Reviews 92/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
92/100
Build Quality
95/100
Value for Money
89/100
The clarity and transparency of Chord Electronics’ ULTIMA 5 make it a standout high-end power amp, with What Hi-Fi? praising its detail resolution and Audiophilepure calling it monumentally capable. It stays composed, spacious, and natural, yet still reveals the finest low-level textures with impressive control and authority.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Class-leading clarity and detail resolution, with exceptional transparency into the recording.
Huge, open soundstage with crisp layering and strong focus across complex mixes.
Powerful and composed under pressure, handling demanding music without sonic stress.
Excellent build quality and striking industrial design reinforce its premium feel.
&
Cons
Not as muscular or low-end punchy as some rival amplifiers.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 92/100
Reviewers praise the Ultima 5 for exceptional clarity, insight, and transparency, with one calling it class leading for detail resolution. It also keeps a cohesive, musical flow rather than sounding merely forensic, while several comments note strong warmth and body alongside its analytical precision.
Transparency Resolution
96/100
This is the amplifier’s calling card in the reviews: it is described as "impressively transparent" and capable of the "last word in clarity and insight." Reviewers repeatedly highlight its ability to resolve low-level information with unusual skill and take apart recordings cleanly.
Tonal Balance Musicality
89/100
The Ultima 5 is not described as lush or rich, but it also avoids sounding cold or clinical. Reviewers specifically mention convincing natural warmth and body, and say it organizes its detail into a cohesive and musical whole.
Dynamics
91/100
Dynamics are a strong point, with reviewers saying it responds effortlessly to bombastic music and sounds composed and controlled even at high volume. It is also described as not quite as muscular as some rivals, which keeps it from feeling completely unrestrained.
Soundstage Imaging
92/100
The amplifier is praised for a huge, open stereo image with impressively layered and crisply focused sounds. Reviewers also note that it lets them hear deep into the mix and track low-level strands with real precision.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
95/100
Build quality is widely celebrated, with reviewers calling it truly excellent and saying the heavy aluminium front panel, cylindrical legs, and heatsink-style rear panel all ooze quality. The engineering presentation and connectivity are also described as straightforward and well executed, with both RCA and balanced XLR inputs plus robust speaker posts.
Value for Money
89/100
At this price, reviewers still feel the performance makes the asking price look reasonable rather than outrageous. The value case rests on the amplifier’s unusually high level of execution and its ability to compete credibly with expensive high-end rivals, though one review hints that some alternatives may sound a touch livelier.
Reviews
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Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Chord Electronics ULTIMA 5
- Absoulute Audio plus Video — in-store — Aiken, South Carolina, United States (website)
- In Living Stereo — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- 110Hz — online and in-store — Kielce, Województwo świętokrzyskie, Poland (website)
- Accent On Music — in-store — Mount Kisco, New York, United States (website)
- Acoustic Designs Inc. — in-store — Scottsdale, Arizona, United States (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Acoustic Streams — in-store — Lower Drift, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Acoustica — online and in-store — Chester, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Ajasom — in-store — Amadora, Lisboa, Portugal (website)
and 200 more verified dealers