Chord Electronics ULTIMA Integrated Amplifier at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The ULTIMA Integrated is a 125-watt stereo integrated amplifier from Chord Electronics (Maidstone, Kent, United Kingdom), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Designed by Chord Electronics founder, owner, and chief engineer John Franks, the ULTIMA Integrated is the first new full-width integrated amplifier from Chord Electronics in seven years and the sole full-width integrated model in the current range. Built around Chord Electronics' dual-feed-forward error-correction topology and advanced low-distortion ultra-high-frequency power supplies, the ULTIMA Integrated delivers 125 watts into 8 ohms, 0.01% THD across 20Hz to 20kHz, and a frequency response extending to 200 kHz in a single precision-machined aircraft-grade aluminium chassis. Awarded five stars by What Hi-Fi? and an Applause Award by StereoNET International, the ULTIMA Integrated brings the performance of Chord's ULTIMA pre/power separates into a single, uncompromising one-box solution.

Dual-Feed-Forward Error-Correction and Ultra-High-Frequency Power Supplies

The ULTIMA Integrated is built around the same dual-feed-forward error-correction topology deployed across Chord Electronics' full ULTIMA separates range, including the ULTIMA Pre 3 preamplifier and the ULTIMA 5 and ULTIMA 6 stereo power amplifiers. Unlike conventional negative feedback amplifier designs that correct distortion after it has occurred in the output stage, ULTIMA dual-feed-forward error-correction monitors signals and compensates for non-linearities before they reach the output devices, preventing errors from entering the signal path rather than correcting them retrospectively. This proactive correction approach contributes directly to the ULTIMA Integrated's measured THD of 0.01% across the full 20Hz to 20kHz audio band and its frequency response extending from 10Hz to 200kHz within 3dB, substantially beyond the audible range. The ULTIMA Integrated also incorporates Chord Electronics' latest generation of advanced low-distortion ultra-high-frequency power supplies, devices that provide an exceptionally clean and stable power foundation for the amplifier stage and contribute to the -90dB signal-to-noise ratio on all inputs and 100dB of channel separation. The universal auto-switching mains supply operates across 80 to 250V AC, ensuring full compatibility with Canadian and international mains standards.

Four Individually Buffered Inputs and Precision Aluminium Aesthetic

The ULTIMA Integrated provides four analogue inputs in a balanced and unbalanced configuration: one fully balanced XLR input and three unbalanced RCA inputs, each individually buffered and selectively filtered against radio frequency interference ingress. Input switching is handled by microprocessor-controlled sealed relays, ensuring the cleanest possible signal path transition between sources with no mechanical noise or transient artefacts. The maximum input voltage of 3V RMS and output voltage of 35V RMS, combined with a 21dB gain stage and 100k-ohm input impedance, ensures wide compatibility with sources from DACs and streaming preamplifiers to CD players and phono stages with a line-level output. The ULTIMA Integrated's chassis shares the same aesthetic language as the ULTIMA Pre 3 and ULTIMA power amplifier range: precision CNC-machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminium with a 28mm thick front panel, a centrally positioned spherical power on/off control with polychromatic lighting, and flanking illuminated volume and balance controls. Chord Electronics' iconic Integra Legs are included as standard, with optional Side Blocks available for a lower-profile installation, though Side Block configuration does not support stacking.

Key Features

• Dual-Feed-Forward Error-Correction Topology: Chord Electronics' ULTIMA amplifier architecture monitors and corrects signals before the output stage, achieving 0.01% THD across 20Hz to 20kHz without the sonic compromises of conventional negative feedback designs.
• 125W into 8 Ohms: Delivers 125 watts of stereo power with a maximum output voltage of 35V RMS, providing generous headroom for dynamic music reproduction with a wide range of loudspeakers.
• 200kHz Frequency Response: Extends from 10Hz to 200kHz within plus or minus 3dB, preserving phase accuracy and ultrasonic content well beyond the limits of the audible band.
• Advanced Low-Distortion Ultra-High-Frequency Power Supplies: Chord Electronics' latest generation of proprietary power supply technology delivers exceptionally low noise and stable operating conditions for the amplifier stage.
• Four Individually Buffered Inputs: One balanced XLR and three unbalanced RCA inputs, each with dedicated buffering and selective RFI filtering, provide complete electrical isolation between connected sources.
• Microprocessor-Controlled Sealed Relay Input Switching: Silent and precise relay-based switching ensures a clean signal path transition between inputs without mechanical noise or transient artefacts.
• 100dB Channel Separation: Complete electrical independence of left and right channels ensures precise stereo imaging and accurate soundstage reproduction.
• -90dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio on All Inputs: A consistent noise floor across every input ensures background noise remains inaudible regardless of the connected source.
• 28mm Aircraft-Grade Aluminium Front Panel: Precision CNC-machined from solid aluminium billet with a perfectly symmetrical aesthetic, centrally mounted polychromatic power sphere, and illuminated volume and balance controls.
• First New Full-Width Chord Integrated in Seven Years: The ULTIMA Integrated is the sole full-width integrated amplifier in Chord Electronics' current range, representing the culmination of seven years of ULTIMA topology development in a one-box design.
• Integra Legs Included, Optional Side Blocks Available: Two chassis orientation options are supported, with Integra legs for standard installation or optional Side Blocks for a lower-profile footprint.
• Universal Auto-Switching Power Supply: Operates across 80 to 250V AC automatically, with a rated power consumption of 200W and full compatibility with North American and international mains standards.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• 1 x balanced XLR analogue input (individually buffered, RFI filtered)
• 3 x unbalanced RCA analogue inputs (individually buffered, RFI filtered)
• 1 x pair high-quality loudspeaker binding post outputs
• Universal IEC mains inlet (80-250V AC auto-switching)

Awards and Critical Recognition

• 5 Stars, What Hi-Fi? (UK, 2024) - "Astonishing agility, precision and clarity" - "Much of the performance of Chord's pre/powers in a neat one-box solution"
• Applause Award, StereoNET International (2024)
• 5-Star Reference Award, The Speaker Shack (UK, 2024) - "A highly accomplished integrated amplifier"

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chord Electronics ULTIMA Integrated?

The Chord Electronics ULTIMA Integrated is a 125-watt stereo integrated amplifier from Chord Electronics, a British high-end audio manufacturer based in Maidstone, Kent, UK. It is the first new full-width integrated amplifier from Chord Electronics in seven years and the only full-width integrated model in the current range. It is built around Chord's ULTIMA dual-feed-forward error-correction topology and advanced low-distortion ultra-high-frequency power supplies, achieving 0.01% THD across 20Hz to 20kHz and a frequency response of 10Hz to 200kHz. It features four individually buffered analogue inputs across one balanced XLR and three unbalanced RCA connections, and was awarded five stars by What Hi-Fi? and an Applause Award by StereoNET International in 2024.

How does the Chord ULTIMA Integrated compare to the Naim Supernait 3 or Luxman L-509Z?

The Chord ULTIMA Integrated is deliberately minimalist compared to feature-rich integrated amplifiers such as the Naim Supernait 3 or Luxman L-509Z. The Naim Supernait 3 includes a built-in phono stage and headphone output, while the Luxman L-509Z adds tone controls and a headphone amplifier; the ULTIMA Integrated provides four line-level inputs and focuses exclusively on amplification performance. What distinguishes the ULTIMA Integrated is its dual-feed-forward error-correction topology, which is a more sophisticated approach to distortion management than the conventional negative feedback circuits used in both the Supernait 3 and L-509Z. What Hi-Fi? awarded the ULTIMA Integrated five stars in 2024, praising its astonishing precision and clarity, acknowledging that the trade-off in features is justified by the level of sonic performance delivered.

Can the Chord ULTIMA Integrated replace a separate preamplifier and power amplifier?

Yes, the Chord ULTIMA Integrated is specifically engineered to deliver the performance of Chord's ULTIMA pre/power separates in a single chassis. What Hi-Fi? described it as offering "much of the performance of Chord's pre/powers in a neat one-box solution," referencing the ULTIMA Pre 3 preamplifier and ULTIMA 6 power amplifier combination, both of which received five-star reviews. For listeners who want ULTIMA-topology performance without the cost and complexity of a full separates system, the ULTIMA Integrated represents the most direct path into the Chord ULTIMA range.

What is dual-feed-forward error-correction in the Chord ULTIMA Integrated?

Dual-feed-forward error-correction is Chord Electronics' proprietary distortion management technology, developed by founder John Franks and deployed across the full ULTIMA amplifier family. Rather than applying conventional negative feedback to correct distortion after it has occurred in the output stage, the dual-feed-forward approach uses two independent correction pathways that monitor signals at the output devices and compensate for non-linearities before they are amplified to the loudspeaker. This prevents distortion from entering the signal path rather than correcting it retrospectively, resulting in the ULTIMA Integrated's measured 0.01% THD across the full audio band and the characteristic precision and clarity that What Hi-Fi? described as astonishing in its five-star review.

What sources pair best with the Chord ULTIMA Integrated in Toronto?

The Chord ULTIMA Integrated accepts sources via one balanced XLR and three unbalanced RCA inputs, each buffered and RFI-filtered. Its 100k-ohm input impedance and 3V RMS maximum input voltage ensure compatibility with virtually all line-level sources. It pairs naturally with the Chord DAVE DAC or Chord Hugo TT 2 via the balanced XLR input, both of which function as digital preamplifiers with variable output, creating a complete digital-to-loudspeaker signal path within the Chord Electronics ecosystem. The ULTIMA Integrated is equally compatible with CD players, phono stages with a line-level output, and network streamers from any manufacturer. Vinyl Sound Toronto carries the full Chord Electronics range and can demonstrate the ULTIMA Integrated within complete system configurations in-store.

Does the Chord ULTIMA Integrated have a phono stage or headphone output?

No, the Chord ULTIMA Integrated is a pure line-level integrated amplifier with no built-in phono stage or headphone output. This reflects a deliberate design philosophy of focusing the entire circuit design and power supply budget on the amplification stage rather than adding ancillary functions that would compromise the core performance. Turntable users connecting a phono cartridge will require a separate phono stage such as the Chord Electronics Huei or a third-party equivalent. For headphone listening, the Chord DAVE DAC or Chord Hugo TT 2 both include high-performance headphone amplifier stages that can be used alongside the ULTIMA Integrated in a complete system.

Where can I buy the Chord Electronics ULTIMA Integrated in Toronto or Canada?

The Chord Electronics ULTIMA Integrated amplifier is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorised Chord Electronics dealer located in Toronto, Canada. Vinyl Sound offers expert in-store demonstrations of the ULTIMA Integrated within complete Chord Electronics systems, professional advice on source and loudspeaker matching, and full manufacturer warranty support for Canadian customers across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.