Check Out Chord’s New ULTIMA Power Amplifiers
Joining Chord’s lineup of power amplifiers, the new ULTIMA 5 and 6 models aim to deliver a stereo power amplifier which incorporates only the very latest state-of-the-art technology and design as far as power amplifier are concerned. Both the ULTIMA 5 and 6 share numerous commonalities with Chord’s flagship and reference-level mono amplifiers, but offer a more practical product overall.
What’s perhaps most intriguing about these new ULTIMA amplifiers is that they both feature all-new circuitry designed by John Franks. In fact, it’s so new that it’s the first design which he created from the ground up in three decades. It’s built around a class AB sliding bias topology and sports a completely balanced circuitry design.
ULTIMA 5 and 6 specifications
The UTLIMA 5 is capable of producing up to 300W of RMS power whilst still achieving an ultra-low THD measurement of 0.005% into an 8Ω load. The frequency response is equally impressive as it’s rated to hit as low as 0.5Hz and carry through to 100kHz whilst deviating by only a mere -1dB. It is a rather hefty item as it weighs in at 22.4kg (49.4lb)
Despite the product’s name being one number higher, the output power of the ULTIMA 6 is actually less than that of the 5. Like the ULTIMA 5, the ULTIMA 6 also has a rated THD of just 0.005% into an 8Ω load, but it has to make do with a power figure of only up to 180W RMS.
Likewise, there are other similarities again such as the frequency response which extends from as low as 0.5hZ all the way to 100kHz with a maximum fluctuation of just -1dB. It too tips the scale at 22.4kg (49.4lb).
Both models are now officially available and will set you back a fair chunk of change. Essentially all of Chord’s products are well within the ‘premium’ category, and as such the ULTIMA 5 and 6 comes with a price-tag of £5,995 ($7,355) and £9,250 ($11,350) respectively.
