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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
Dealers selling Chord Electronics near you
Chord Electronics ULTIMA 6 — power with forensic transparency
The ULTIMA 6 pairs bank‑vault build and serious wattage with a refined, transparent sound that excels on demanding material. Rated at 180W RMS per channel into 8Ω (350W into 4Ω), it delivers commanding dynamics and low‑noise resolution that reveal low‑level detail and wideband clarity. Jonathan Gorse highlighted its control and slam on drums, while Audiophilepure echoed its neutrality, bandwidth and natural, non‑fatiguing presentation. The machined aluminum chassis, heavy thermal infrastructure and bespoke power devices underpin both performance and longevity. Ideal for owners of low‑sensitivity speakers or those seeking forensic transparency without glare, the Ultima 6 is a top‑tier, highly recommended power amplifier for reference systems and critical listening.
Pros
- Exceptionally robust build and premium chassis construction that feels engineered for longevity.
- High output and authoritative dynamics — ample headroom to drive demanding loudspeakers with control and impact.
- Vanishingly low noise floor and outstanding detail retrieval that yield neutral, wideband transparency and a stable soundstage.
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Cons
- Large, heavy chassis and non‑standard mains connector; may not fit typical racks and requires the supplied heavy‑duty power cable.
- More refined and slightly less aggressively ‘excitable’ than some rivals (e.g., Naim NAP 250), which could feel less visceral to listeners who prefer a punchier presentation.
Sound Quality
90/100
Dynamics
91/100
Reviewers repeatedly noted the Ultima 6's authority and headroom: SoundStage Solo said it delivered large amounts of power even at modest preamp settings and that drum fills made the air physically jump, and Audiophilepure placed it 'up there with power amplifiers at the top of its price class.' The amp's 180W/8Ω (350W/4Ω) spec and low THD (0.005%) support the reviewers' impressions of effortless drive and strong transient response. Taken together this equates to class-leading dynamics for its power class without signs of strain.
Soundstage Imaging
89/100
Reviewers noted broad, stable soundstaging and excellent imaging: SoundStage described a soundstage that 'extended in a broad swath' with clarity and control, and Audiophilepure emphasised bandwidth, soundstage and stability among top amps in the price class. The amp preserves channel separation and spatial cues even at higher levels, supporting large-scale, well-focused presentation.
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Build Quality
94/100
Build quality is repeatedly praised and described in superlative terms: SoundStage called it 'built like a bank vault' and 'an imposing beast' that wouldn't fit a standard rack, while Audiophilepure referenced Chord's professional pedigree. The heavy 22.4 kg chassis and robust thermal/power infrastructure implied by the power specs support the reviewers' impression of a very substantial, well-engineered product.
Value for Money
86/100
Price is ~11,260 (single-channel stereo unit) and reviewers strongly recommend the product within its lineup and price class, but they stop short of explicit 'worth it' price statements. Given the amp's 180W/8Ω (350W/4Ω) capability and the reviewers' repeated 'top of its price class' and 'highly recommended' language, the unit appears to offer solid value relative to peers — a neutral-to-positive assessment consistent with premium-class expectations rather than a bargain.
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