ULTIMA 6 Solid State Power Amplifier by Chord Electronics

The ULTIMA 6 currently offers the most affordable way into the Chord 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 unrivaled 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 HiFi 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. 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.

The renowned Chord aircraft-grade solid aluminum 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 poly-carbonate 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.

Features:

• Class AB Sliding Bias
• HF Switch Mode Power Supply
• Proprietary Chord MOSFETs
• Fully Balanced Circuitry
• Convection Cooled
• 12v Trigger On/Off Input
• Included Top Light Ring
• Solid Aluminum Chassis
• Inputs:
  • 1x Stereo Pair of Gold Plated Unbalanced RCA Inputs
  • 1x Stereo Pair of Gold Plated Balanced XLR Inputs
  • 1x 12v Trigger Input – Chord Electronics Auto Start
• Outputs:
  • 1x Pair of High Quality, High Current, Gold Plated Type Speaker Terminals

• Output Power:
  • 180w RMS per channel @ 0.005% distortion into 8Ω
• THD: 0.005% distortion
• Frequency Response: -1dB – 0.5Hz – 100kHz
• Dimensions With Included Integra Legs: 18cm (H) x 48cm (W) x 36cm (D)
• Dimensions with Optional Side Blocks: 15cm (H) x 42cm (W) x 36cm (D)
• Weight: 22.4kG

ULTIMA 6 User manual