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Chord Electronics ULTIMA 6
The ULTIMA 6 currently offers the most affordable way into our next-generation ULTIMA family of stereo power amplifiers. It builds upon its award-winning predecessor, the SPM 1050 MK II, adding our ground-breaking next-generation ULTIMA amplifier topology.
The new 180-watt model, which benefits from John Franks’ ground-breaking dual-feed-forward circuit delivers a lightning-fast response coupled with effortless power for astonishing dynamics and timing, delivering unrivalled fidelity.
30-years-in-the-making, our new dual-feed-forward topology offers breakthrough performance and is our first all-new circuit in three decades. ULTIMA amplifiers have been engineered for the very finest hi-fi systems; ULTIMA is the ultimate expression of the finest high-performance, ultra-fast, high-power amplifier technology available today.
The ULTIMA 6 has an incredible 16 proprietary MOSFET power devices which demand the most advanced and refined drive circuitry, featuring an ultra-low-distortion, high-voltage amplifier operating at very high speed: 300 volts per microsecond.
Our 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.
ULTIMA 6 shares the same DNA as the flagship and reference-level monos, yet benefits from greater practicality and affordability, due to a differing power output.
Our renowned aircraft-grade solid aluminium casework offers a reassuringly high-end and entirely non-resonant enclosure for the electronics and is presented with a redesigned 28-mm-thick fascia featuring John Franks’ latest aesthetic.
A recessed spherical polycarbonate power button illuminates for standby and operation modes and a discreet, hidden front panel switch, located in the vertical split line, enables dimmable lighting.
The amplifier’s rear panel contains 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
Included Top Light Ring
Solid Aluminium Chassis
Included Accessories
ULTIMA 6 Quickstart guide
Safety instructions
15A Mains IEC cable
WATT RECOMMENDS
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Professional Reviews 94/100
Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
95/100
Build Quality
94/100
Value for Money
89/100
Power and silence define this amplifier: SoundStage Solo found it hugely controlled, with a vanishingly low noise floor, deep bass, and clean, natural timbre. It drives demanding speakers with ease, while its broad soundstage and precise transient snap keep complex music organized, detailed, and emotionally engaging.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Delivers huge, effortless power with strong grip and control over demanding loudspeakers.
Exceptionally low noise floor reveals fine detail, low-level nuance, and black backgrounds.
Produces a clean, natural presentation with well-rendered vocals, harmonies, and timbre.
Projects a wide, controlled soundstage with precise imaging and solid transient drive.
&
Cons
More refined than explosive; compared with the Naim NAP 250, it was less dramatic on climaxes and a little less exciting.
On some material, vocals and guitars were described as slightly less incisive than the reviewer was used to.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 95/100
Reviewers praise the Ultima 6 for its vanishingly low noise floor, which lets inner detail and low-level nuance come through cleanly. It is described as incredibly neutral and never fatiguing, with a natural presentation that preserves timbre and emotional expression while staying highly revealing across the band.
Transparency Resolution
97/100
The amplifier is repeatedly described as having a vanishingly low noise floor, with no hum or hiss, and as revealing inner nuances clearly. Reviewers also call out its detail retrieval and transparency as top-tier for the class.
Tonal Balance Musicality
94/100
Reviewers describe it as incredibly neutral, natural, and never fatiguing, while also saying it captures the emotional essence of music far better than earlier Chord designs. The timbre of voices and harmonies is praised as beautiful and well differentiated.
Dynamics
96/100
The Ultima 6 is portrayed as extremely powerful and able to drive a wide range of loudspeakers with ease. Reviewers note immediate power on the volume control and describe drum transients as physically impactful, with firm, effortless delivery at high levels.
Soundstage Imaging
93/100
The soundstage is described as broad and extending well beyond the speakers, with good clarity and control. Reviewers also note stable placement and clear differentiation of individual voices, though the comments are a bit less expansive than the praise for transparency and power.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
94/100
Reviewers are highly impressed by the chassis and engineering, describing the Ultima 6 as built like a bank vault and extremely rugged. They also note its imposing size and the sense of a beautifully engineered amplifier, though the comments stop short of the kind of repeated superlative language that would justify an even higher mark.
Value for Money
89/100
The lone value comment is positive, with the amplifier coming highly recommended as part of a very strong new lineup. The asking price is clearly premium, but the reviews frame its performance and execution as worthy of serious consideration in its class rather than hard to justify.
Reviews
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Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Chord Electronics ULTIMA 6
- 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