Description ⌄
Reference stereo power amplifier — high power, Ultima range. The Chord Electronics ULTIMA 3 is a high-power monoblock amplifier delivering 480W into 8Ω and 1,000W into 4Ω using Chord's dual-feed-forward error-correction topology. It shares the ULTIMA chassis form factor with the ULTIMA 5/6 but with a deeper body to accommodate its larger power supply. Inverted and non-inverted balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs feed bi-wireable gold-plated speaker terminals.
Technical background
Chord's ULTIMA amplifier topology, developed by company founder John Franks, applies dual feed-forward error-correction ahead of the output stage. Rather than relying solely on negative feedback to correct distortion after the fact, ULTIMA continuously monitors and corrects the signal before it reaches the power transistors. The result is vanishingly low measured distortion with none of the sonic side-effects associated with high global feedback. Custom-specified proprietary MOSFETs, high-frequency switch-mode power supplies, and aircraft-grade aluminium casework complete the engineering picture.
Design story
Chord Electronics was founded in Maidstone, Kent in 1989 by John Franks, whose background in aerospace electronics shaped every design decision. Products are hand-built in the UK using precision CNC-machined aircraft-grade aluminium, giving each unit the tactile solidity of a precision instrument rather than a consumer product. The illuminated polycarbonate sphere controls — a Chord signature — serve as intuitive interfaces that complement the industrial-minimal aesthetic. The philosophy is uncompromising: every component, topology, and material choice is driven by sonic performance, not cost reduction.
Best for
Demanding high-power loudspeaker loads; reference-tier listening rooms requiring significant current delivery Serious reference audiophile, large listening room, most-demanding loudspeakers Reference stereo system, large-room listening, ultimate loudspeaker control
Awards & press
⭐ StereoNET Applause Award; Hi-Fi+ featured review "A sound that is hard — and expensive — to better." — Hi-Fi+ "The Ultima 3 delivers more transparency and dynamic authority than anything near its price — a reference monoblock." — Hi-Fi+ "An exceptional monoblock power amplifier — the Ultima 3 stands as a reference at any price point." — Hi-Fi News
Features ⌄
- ULTIMA dual-feed-forward monoblock — ultimate power and precision
- Proprietary lateral MOSFET technology — beyond conventional amplifier performance
- Fully balanced monoblock architecture — maximum channel separation
- Handmade in England — Chord Electronics' finest power amplification
- CNC-machined 28mm aircraft-grade aluminium fascia — built like no other
- Replaces the legendary SPM 1400 MkII in the Chord amplifier lineage