ULTIMA 5

Reference stereo power amplifier from the Ultima range. The Chord Electronics ULTIMA 5 is a monoblock power amplifier delivering 300W into 8Ω and 500W into 4Ω from Chord's dual-feed-forward error-correction circuit with proprietary MOSFET devices. Sharing the ULTIMA chassis with the ULTIMA 6 but configured for single-channel mono operation, it offers both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs and high-current bi-wireable speaker terminals. Sold as a pair for stereo configurations.

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

Serious high-end systems; audiophiles stepping up from Ultima 6 wanting more power and lower noise floor Reference audiophile, owner of power-hungry or low-efficiency loudspeakers Reference stereo system with demanding loudspeakers, large listening room

Awards & press

⭐ What Hi-Fi? 5 Stars; Hi-Fi+ featured review "A strikingly capable power amplifier." — What Hi-Fi? "The Ultima 5 brings the extraordinary performance of the Ultima range to a significantly wider audience." — Hi-Fi+ "Chord's Ultima 5 is a formidable stereo amplifier with extraordinary reserves of power and complete composure." — Hi-Fi News