One of the finest amplifiers we've heard.
Ultima Pre 3 and Ultima 5 power amp are the first pre/power from Chord Electronics we've stocked for a while. That's pretty significant because we're not light on good quality electronics. But when we heard this pairing we felt that it was something special. And we like things that are special.
Built from the ground up, the UTLIMA PRE 3 takes advantage of the very latest developments in advanced low-distortion power supplies. These advanced devices offer exceptionally low noise and outstanding amplifier operation. Coupled with our latest design developments, the PRE 3 offers new levels of preamplifier performance.
The UTLIMA PRE 3 is equipped with five analogue inputs (two balanced and three unbalanced) all of which benefit from individual buffering and are selectively filtered against potential ingress from radio frequency interference.
Externally, the PRE 3 benefits from a completely redesigned aesthetic with a central circular power sphere flanked by a new volume control and balance/AV bypass selector, both of which benefit from a new ergonomic knob design.
Additional features include an AV bypass, plus a 5 V charging USB Type-A port.
ULTIMA 5 is a progression of our most famous stereo power amplifier, the legendary SPM 1200 MK II (widely considered to be the definitive Chord Electronics amplifier).
Now incorporating our latest-generation ULTIMA circuit topology, the new ULTIMA 5 is set to become a future classic. Considered to offer the ideal balance between performance and price, the ULTIMA 5 offers an impressively affordable 350 watts – enough to drive all but the most demanding loudspeakers.
The ULTIMA 5 has built upon the inherent strengths of the SPM 1200 MK II and taken performance to the next level. By implementing our advanced dual-feed-forward error-correction, topology incorporating our own advanced concepts in ultra-high-frequency power supplies, we have been able to deliver supremely fast and powerful performance, with an extraordinarily high peak output current (the speed at which dynamic peaks can be delivered), bringing astonishing dynamics, timing accuracy and, as a result, unrivaled musicality.
Add to that our low-distortion amplifier circuitry with our own proprietary lateral-structure dual-die MOSFETs and the ULTIMA 5 is able to drive loudspeaker loads effortlessly, with clarity and precision. The ULTIMA 5 has an incredible 32 proprietary MOSFET power devices which demand the most advanced and refined drive circuitry, suitably devoid of sound-degrading components.
ULTIMA is a truly unprecedented amplifier topology with exceptional performance and is one of the most advanced amplifier technologies in the world.
Benefiting from a redesigned fascia featuring John Franks’ latest aesthetic, the precision CNC-machined fascia is made from aircraft-grade aluminium and features a reassuringly solid 28-mm thick front panel, enhanced by a recessed spherical polycarbonate power button that illuminates for standby and operation modes; a discreet, hidden front panel switch, located in the vertical split line, enables dimmable lighting.
The amplifier’s rear panels contain both balanced and unbalanced connections, high-quality loudspeaker terminals, a 12 V trigger and a C-19-type IEC.
The pair sound superb!
If you're in the market for such a high-end combination then we suggest having a listen. We think you'll share our excitement and musical involvement.
