Chord Electronics ULTIMA 6 Stereo Power Amplifier

Innovative clean-power technologies and custom components within Chord's stereo power amplifiers are what have propelled the Chord ULTIMA series to legendary status in and outside the recording studio. Their ability to instantaneously react and deliver sheer power, while maintaining transparency and incredibly low distortion, leaves you with nothing but a masterpiece.

Range: ULTIMA

The ULTIMA 6 currently offers the most affordable way into Chord's next-generation ULTIMA family of stereo power amplifiers. It builds upon its award-winning predecessor, the SPM 1050 MK II, adding Chord's 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 unrivalled fidelity.

30 years in the making, Chord's new dual-feed-forward topology offers breakthrough performance and is its first all-new circuit in three decades. ULTIMA amplifiers have been engineered for the very finest hi-fi 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.

Chord's 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.

Chord's renowned aircraft-grade solid aluminium casework offers a reassuringly high-end and entirely non-resonant enclosure for the electronics, and is presented with a redesigned 28mm-thick fascia featuring John Franks' latest aesthetic.

A recessed spherical polycarbonate 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 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 stereo pair of gold plated balanced XLR inputs, 1x stereo pair of gold plated unbalanced RCA inputs, 1x 12V trigger input (Chord Electronics Auto Start)
• Output: 1x pair of high quality, high current, gold plated type speaker terminals

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 Inputs
• Unbalanced RCA Inputs
• 12V Trigger On/Off Input
• Included Top Light Ring
• Solid Aluminium Chassis

Included Accessories

• ULTIMA 6 Quickstart guide
• Safety instructions
• 15A Mains IEC cable

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the output power of the ULTIMA 6?
A: The ULTIMA 6 delivers 180W RMS per channel into 8 ohms, or 350W RMS per channel into 4 ohms.

Q: What amplifier does the ULTIMA 6 replace or build on?
A: The ULTIMA 6 builds upon its award-winning predecessor, the SPM 1050 MK II, adding Chord's next-generation ULTIMA amplifier topology.

Q: Does the ULTIMA 6 support both balanced and unbalanced connections?
A: Yes. It has 1x stereo pair of gold plated balanced XLR inputs and 1x stereo pair of gold plated unbalanced RCA inputs.

Q: Does the ULTIMA 6 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 6?
A: It ships with a Quickstart guide, safety instructions, and a 15A Mains IEC cable.

Q: Can I customize the look of the ULTIMA 6?
A: Yes. Custom options include an argent silver Integra leg, a jett black Integra leg, and a gloss black acrylic side block (this option cannot be stacked).

Q: How much power does the ULTIMA 6 use at idle?
A: Standby power consumption is 10 W, while full power consumption is 1500 W.

Q: How much does the ULTIMA 6 weigh?
A: It weighs 22.4kg.