Chord Ultima Integrated Amplifier

Description

My Take: Frankly, the Chord Ultima range has been quite a surprise, and a very pleasant one. The integrted combines the qualities of the Pre 3 and Ultima 5 power amp into a compact package. Highly recommended! - Galen Carol

Five years since the introduction of ULTIMA, Chord Electronics’ most accomplished amplifier topology in its history, founder/owner John Franks has trickled the technology down into a full-width integrated amplifier for the first time, setting new performance standards for single-box amplification.

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.

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

REVIEWS:

WhatHiFi:

"This integrated amplifier succeeds in delivering a large dose of the pricier Ultima pre/power’s performance in a more convenient and affordable package. It is a refreshingly straightforward product to use, and when partnered with a similarly talented system is capable of weaving a wonderfully spellbinding sound. So, back to our original question – has Chord got it wrong? We don’t think so."

SCORES

Sound 5
Build 5

HiFiNews:

"Brandishing the futuristic looks and a front-panel light show you’ve come to expect from Chord Electronics, the attractive Ultima Integrated offers ample power, but it’s the combination of control, dynamic precision and a touch of warmth that makes this all-analogue amplifier an intriguing and distinct offering. There are more powerful and detailed sounding rivals out there, but few are as captivating." - Paul Miller
 

Outstanding Product Award

HiFi+:

"Whether it was delicate guitar work from Larry Carlton or Earl Klugh, scorching sax from Dave Koz or David Sanborn, heartfelt vocals from Linda Ronstadt, or hardcore rocking from ZZ Top, the Ultima handled it all with control, detail rendition, and dynamics while holding it all together as a musical whole. The integrated amp market has heated up in recent years, and buyers are spoilt for choice for good-sounding amps. Thanks to the Ultima, things just got even hotter.
If you are in the market at this price point, you should consider the Chord Electronics Ultima." - ChrisFrankland

Headmania:

Electrifying Euphony: My Journey from Whisper to Roar with the Game-Changing Chord Ultima Amp

"Yes, I’m absolutely thrilled! The Chord Ultima Integrated belongs to a rare and unforgettable category in my audiophile journey. Having tested numerous products, I reserve this special recognition for only a select few, and the Chord Ultima Integrated undoubtedly earns its place there. Its combination of powerful, detailed bass, a vibrant and lively midrange, and a smooth, natural treble, along with its dynamic, energetic presentation and astounding detail retrieval, truly sets it apart. This amplifier isn’t just about technical excellence; it’s about bringing music to life in a way that’s both electrifying and deeply engaging.

"A word of caution: if you’re keen on safeguarding your wallet, you might want to steer clear of this one. But if you’re up for an exhilarating, magical auditory journey, then you absolutely must give the Chord Ultima Integrated a listen. It’s not just an amplifier; it’s an invitation to a whole new world of sound that you won’t forget." - Dan Gheorghe

HiFi Statement:

"The joy of playing, dynamics and authenticity form the musical character of the Chord Ultima. It brings the instruments and voices into a fascinating three-dimensional order. Each voice, each instrument is presented on stage with its own individuality, in an impressively contoured and three-dimensional manner. The image doesn’t seem torn in any way, but rather organically connected, thus allowing the listener to listen into the recording room without strain. The fact that this phenomenon, this particular ability of the Chord Ultima, is revealed in the same way on both, yet so different loudspeakers, clearly shows that it’s the Chord Ultima and not the speakers themselves that is mastering this art. Classical music also confirms this beautifully. It’s a pleasure to listen to the wide-ranging strings with their delicate melodiousness and the orchestra's spacious performance in Hector Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique, performed by the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Sergiù Celibidache (Qobuz 24/96). The Ultima powerfully conveys the energy of the low strings, while subtly and vividly celebrating the woodwinds in the third movement or the menacing atmosphere towards the end. In "Nisa", taken from the album Sotho Blue by Abdullah Ibrahim & Ekaya, the wind instruments sound energetic and downright magnificent. The Chord Ultima seems to extract every last ounce of information from the music file - at any rate, I have never experienced such an abundance of tonal colours and fine dynamic evolvement here." - Wolfgang Kemper

Stereonet:

"The beautifully built and finished Chord Electronics Ultima Integrated amplifier is not inexpensive but still represents fine value for money. At this price, it is, of course, up against stiff competition, but I still came away quite beguiled by it. During my time reviewing it, I grew to like the Ultima Integrated a lot, and I can say with confidence that if you are in the market for a high-end integrated amplifier, you'd be foolish not to have it on your shortlist. It really is an essential audition." - Chris Freankland

The Speaker Shack:

"The Chord Electronics Ultima Integrated Amplifier proves it does not matter what type of music you put through it, it delivers it with exceptional musicality and rhythmic drive that it simply excels at, it is a purist amplifier and I have listened to and owned many solid state Integrated amplifiers in the past and this is one of the finest from this British brand up there with the best, the Ultima amplifier technology is far superior to anything that I have had in in the past and if you are looking for a one box solution then look no further and considering its price point I think it should be at the top of anyone’s list!"

The Speaker Shack awards the Chord Electronics Ultima Integrated Amplfiier with a 5 star Reference award for what is a highly accomplished Integrated amplifier !

HiFi Advice:

"The Chord Ultima Integrated is not just about a visually pleasing industrial aesthetic; it offers a unique blend of appealing virtues and is very much a music lover’s amplifier. The Ultima Integrated sounds beautifully clean and neutral but simultaneously smooth and unforced while offering a touch of warmth, culminating in a lyrical and emotionally engaging performance. While 9.995 euros is not pocket money, these days, it certainly is not asking too much for such a unique
and well-built European-made integrated amplifier. Now more than ever, I am curious to learn how the brand's more upscale models perform!" - Christian Punter

SPECIFICATIONS:

Frequency response: 10 Hz-200 kHz +/- 3 dB

THD: 0.01 % 20 Hz-20 kHz

Signal-to-noise ratio: 90 dB on all inputs

Input impedance: 100 kΩ

Input maximum voltage: 3 V RMS

Output maximum voltage: 35 V RMS

Gain: 21dB

Channel separation:100 dB

Operation voltage: 80-250 V AC auto-switching 

Power output: 125 W into 8Ω

Power consumption:  200 W

Dimensions with included Integra legs: 13 cm(H) x 48 cm(W) x 38 cm(D)

Dimensions with optional side blocks (can not be stacked): 11 cm(H) x 43 cm(W) x 38 cm (D)

Weight: 14.75 kg