Chord Electronics ULTIMA 3 Mono Power Amplifier

Designed and handmade in the UK

Featuring Chord's all-new circuit topology, ULTIMA 3 is a thoroughly modern amplifier for the high-resolution age.

Range: ULTIMA

Chord's flagship ULTIMA amplifier topology has been integrated into a new mono power amplifier as part of the brand's ongoing 30th-anniversary celebrations, introducing ULTIMA 3.

The new ULTIMA amplifier topology, which to date has been exclusive to the range-topping ULTIMA power amp, is now more affordable than ever before, having trickled down into the new ULTIMA 3 mono power amp, which is every bit a Chord Electronics thoroughbred and shares the same winning formula as its range-topping cousin.

The new 480-watt ULTIMA 3 replaces the SPM 1400 MKII and sits in the Full Size range. The amp has been given a remodelled fascia featuring John Franks' latest design. The precision CNC-machined fascia is made from aircraft-grade aluminium and features a reassuringly solid 28mm thick front panel, enhanced by a recessed spherical polycarbonate power button that illuminates for standby and operation modes. A discreet and hidden front panel switch, neatly located in the vertical split line, enables the lighting to be dimmed.

Like all of Chord Electronics' full-size and Reference range amplifiers, the new ULTIMA 3 is available in a choice of Jett Black or Argent Silver finishes. The amplifier can also be specified with either the famous stackable Integra Leg system in Jett Black, Argent Silver or Nickel finishes, or the highly polished black acrylic side block option. The amplifier's rear panel contains both balanced and unbalanced connections, high-quality loudspeaker terminals, a 12V trigger, and a C-19-type IEC.

Other Accessories & Custom Options

• Argent silver Integra leg option
• Jett black Integra leg option
• Gloss black acrylic side block option (cannot be stacked)

Inputs & Outputs

• Inputs: 1x balanced XLR inverted input, 1x balanced XLR non-inverted input, 1x gold plated unbalanced RCA inverted input, 1x gold plated unbalanced RCA non-inverted input, 1x 12V trigger input (Chord Electronics Auto Start)
• Output: 2x pair of high quality, high current, gold plated type speaker terminals (bi-wireable)

Key Features

• Class AB Sliding Bias
• Dual feed-forward error correction
• HF Switch Mode Power Supply
• Proprietary Chord MOSFETs
• Fully Balanced Circuitry
• Convection Cooled
• Balanced XLR Inverted Input
• Balanced XLR Non-inverted Input
• Unbalanced RCA Inverted Input
• Unbalanced RCA Non-inverted Input
• 12V Trigger On/Off Input
• Dimmable Feature Lighting
• Included Top Light Ring
• Solid Aluminium Chassis

Included Accessories

• ULTIMA 3 Quickstart guide
• Safety instructions
• 15A Mains IEC cable

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the ULTIMA 3 a stereo or mono amplifier?
A: The ULTIMA 3 is a mono power amplifier, so a pair is needed to build a complete stereo system.

Q: What amplifier does the ULTIMA 3 replace?
A: The ULTIMA 3 replaces the SPM 1400 MKII and sits in Chord's Full Size range.

Q: What is the output power of the ULTIMA 3?
A: It delivers 480W RMS per channel into 8 ohms, or 1000W RMS per channel into 4 ohms.

Q: What input connections does the ULTIMA 3 offer?
A: It has a balanced XLR inverted input, a balanced XLR non-inverted input, a gold plated unbalanced RCA inverted input, and a gold plated unbalanced RCA non-inverted input.

Q: Can the ULTIMA 3 be bi-wired to speakers?
A: Yes. It has 2x pairs of high quality, high current, gold plated speaker terminals that are bi-wireable.

Q: What finish and stand options are available for the ULTIMA 3?
A: It's available in Jett Black or Argent Silver finishes, with an optional stackable Integra Leg system in Jett Black, Argent Silver, or Nickel, or a highly polished black acrylic side block (not stackable).

Q: Does the ULTIMA 3 have a 12V trigger for auto power on?
A: Yes. It includes a 12V trigger input for Chord Electronics Auto Start.

Q: What comes included with the ULTIMA 3?
A: It ships with a Quickstart guide, safety instructions, and a 15A Mains IEC cable.

Q: How much does the ULTIMA 3 weigh?
A: It weighs 22.4kg.