Description ⌄
The ultimate reference mono power amplifier — the pinnacle of Chord Electronics. The Chord Electronics ULTIMA is the reference flagship monoblock power amplifier, delivering 780W into 8Ω and 1,405W into 4Ω via a dual-feed-forward error-correction circuit with 64 proprietary MOSFET power devices. The 66.7kg chassis houses a high-frequency switch-mode power supply and a substantial capacitor bank. Both inverted and non-inverted balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs are provided alongside bi-wireable high-current 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
Cost-no-object Ultima power amplifier; reference listening rooms, ultimate pre-power pairing with Ultima PRE Collectors and connoisseurs of the absolute best; no-compromise reference system builders Statement reference monoblock system, the absolute pinnacle
Awards & press
⭐ Hi-Fi News featured review "Undoubtedly impressive on so many levels." — Hi-Fi News "An amplifier of extraordinary capability — nothing sounds quite like this." — Hi-Fi+ "The Ultima is Chord's definitive power amplifier statement — incomparable in every meaningful way." — Hi-Fi News
Features ⌄
- Chord's ultimate statement monoblock — pinnacle of ULTIMA engineering
- Full dual-feed-forward topology — absolute reference amplifier performance
- Proprietary lateral MOSFET output devices — unlimited power on demand
- Handmade in England — the definitive expression of Chord Electronics design
- Peak output current exceeding 500 amps — absolute grip on any loudspeaker
- 30.5cm (H) chassis — a statement presence in any listening room