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Chord Electronics ULTIMA INTEGRATED
The ULTIMA INTEGRATED is a class-leading 125-watt integrated amplifier benefitting from the latest dual-feed-forward error-correction topology, Chord Electronics’ legendary proprietary ultra-high-frequency power supplies, plus an unmistakable industrial aesthetic.
Designed by Chord Electronics’ founder, owner and chief engineer, John Franks, the advanced ULTIMA circuit monitors and immediately corrects audio signals before the output stage, for astonishing signal accuracy from a one-box integrated device.
The ULTIMA INTEGRATED also takes advantage of the very latest developments in advanced low-distortion power supplies – devices offering exceptionally low noise and outstanding amplifier operation – for even greater fidelity.
A four-input design, one fully balanced and three unbalanced, all enjoy individual buffering and are selectively filtered against potential ingress from radio frequency interference; selection switching is via microprocessor-controlled sealed relays.
The ULTIMA INTEGRATED is the first new Chord Electronics integrated amplifier for seven years and remains the sole full-width integrated model in the range.
All metalwork is precision-machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminium, including Chord Electronics’ iconic Integra Legs. The fascia sports a 28-mm-thick front panel with a perfectly symmetrical aesthetic, centered around a spherical power on/off control with polychromatic lighting, flanked by illuminated volume and balance controls.
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 balanced XLR inputs, 3x stereo unbalanced RCA
Outputs: 1x stereo XLR
1x stereo balanced XLR AV bypass input
1 x 12 V trigger output/input
Key Features
All-new design
Dual feed-forward error correction
AV bypass
Proprietary MOSFET
HF Switch mode power supply
Fully Balanced Circuitry
Included Top Light Ring
Solid Aluminium Chassis
Included Accessories
ULTIMA INTEGRATED Quickstart guide
Safety instructions
10A Mains IEC cable
IR system remote control
2x AAA batteries
WATT RECOMMENDS
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Professional Reviews 89/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
90/100
Build Quality
91/100
Features Connectivity
86/100
Value for Money
86/100
Combining precision, control, and a touch of warmth, the Ultima Integrated delivers a spacious, highly resolved sound that stays composed even on dense material. What Hi-Fi? praised its agility and uncluttered presentation, while The Ear highlighted its deep, holographic soundstage and effortless bass grip. Its sculpted aluminium build only adds to the appeal.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Delivers precise, detailed, and highly controlled sound with strong clarity and image separation.
Produces a spacious, layered soundstage with convincing depth and stable placement of instruments and voices.
Combines real bass grip and dynamic drive with enough power to handle demanding speakers confidently.
Offers exceptional build quality and a distinctive, premium chassis that reviewers found impressive straight out of the box.
&
Cons
Lacks onboard extras such as a DAC, phono stage, and headphone output, so it is intentionally limited versus better-equipped rivals.
Can sound a little thin or less forceful if paired poorly, and some rivals offer stronger dynamic contrasts.
The volume control has a short usable range, and the speaker terminals can be awkward with spade connectors.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 90/100
Reviewers consistently describe the Ultima Integrated as clear, detailed, and highly controlled, with a convincing sense of timing and musical flow. Several also praise its rich tonal color and smooth, sweet presentation, though one review notes it can sound thin with the wrong partnering. It is repeatedly admired for combining precision with warmth rather than sounding clinical.
Transparency Resolution
92/100
The amplifier is described as offering rich detail, low-level information, and a very clean, quiet backdrop. Reviewers mention clarity, definition, a black background, and the ability to reveal fine layers in complex recordings without sounding hard.
Tonal Balance Musicality
89/100
Reviewers often praise its natural tonal balance, warmth, and smoothness, with comments about sweet treble, lifelike vocals, and full-bodied mids. One review does caution that it can sound thin if paired poorly, and another notes that articulation is prioritized over sheer richness.
Dynamics
90/100
Dynamics are a major strength, with repeated references to punch, drive, control, and effortless power. Reviewers say it handles everything from delicate shifts to thunderous passages confidently, though one notes it does not quite deliver the heft of some more conventional rivals in big dynamic contrasts.
Soundstage Imaging
89/100
The soundstage is regularly described as expansive, layered, and accurate, with stable placement and good depth. One reviewer says it comes remarkably close to a much larger and costlier amplifier for image precision, while another notes the width stays within the speakers even as depth opens up well.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
91/100
Reviewers repeatedly praise the chassis, with comments about precision-machined aluminium casework, a thick front panel, and an overall sense of quality. There are also positive mentions of the power supply topology, ventilation, and the solid feel of the controls and remote. The reviews are strongly favorable, though they do not go so far as to call it class-defining construction.
Features Connectivity
86/100
This is a streamlined analogue integrated with four line inputs, balanced XLR connectivity, AV bypass, and pre-out capability, plus remote volume and input selection. Reviewers note the lack of onboard DAC, phono stage, and headphone output, so it is useful but intentionally limited compared with some rivals.
Value for Money
86/100
Reviewers generally regard the asking price as justified by the sound and construction, and several recommend putting it on a shortlist. At the same time, they also acknowledge that it is expensive and that some competing amps offer more features for the money, so the value case is positive but not emphatic.
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Authorized dealers for Chord Electronics ULTIMA INTEGRATED
- 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