ULTIMA technology in an integrated amplifier
Chord ULTIMA INTEGRATED is a full-width stereo integrated amplifier rated at 125 W into 8 Ω, with four analogue inputs. Five years after the ULTIMA series was introduced, founder John Franks has brought its technology into a full-size integrated model for the first time.
Chord Electronics points out that this is its first new integrated amplifier for seven years and the only full-width integrated model in the range. The design, described as all-new, combines in a single chassis a remote-controlled preamplifier section and a power stage built on proprietary MOSFETs.
Circuit, power supply and inputs
The circuit is the dual feed-forward error-correction topology designed by John Franks, the company's founder, owner and chief engineer: it monitors the audio signal and corrects it immediately, before the output stage. Power comes from the ultra-high-frequency switch-mode supplies developed in-house by Chord, and the circuitry is fully balanced.
There are four inputs, one balanced XLR and three unbalanced RCA: each has its own buffer stage and is selectively filtered against radio-frequency interference. Switching is handled by sealed relays under microprocessor control. A balanced XLR AV bypass input, a stereo XLR output and a 12 V trigger socket usable as input or output complete the connections.
Symmetrical fascia and aluminium chassis
All metalwork is precision-machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminium, Integra legs included. The 28 mm thick front panel has a symmetrical layout: in the centre the power sphere with polychromatic lighting, on either side the illuminated volume and balance controls. The top light ring is included.
The Integra side legs are included and give a footprint of 480 × 130 × 380 mm (W × H × D). Gloss black acrylic side blocks are available as an option, changing the size to 430 × 110 × 380 mm, although the unit can then no longer be stacked; among the options the manufacturer also lists Integra legs in Jett Black or Argent Silver. Weight is 14.75 kg.
Technical data
- Output power: 125 W into 8 Ω.
- Inputs: 1 stereo balanced XLR, 3 stereo unbalanced RCA, 1 stereo balanced XLR AV bypass.
- Outputs listed by the manufacturer: 1 stereo XLR.
- Trigger: 1 × 12 V socket, input/output.
- Frequency response: 10 Hz - 200 kHz, ±3 dB.
- Total harmonic distortion: 0.01 % from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 90 dB on all inputs.
- Channel separation: 100 dB.
- Input impedance: 100 kΩ.
- Maximum voltage: 3 V RMS input, 35 V RMS output.
- Gain: 21 dB.
- Power supply: 80-250 V AC, auto-switching; consumption 200 W.
- Dimensions with the included Integra legs: 480 × 130 × 380 mm (W × H × D).
- Dimensions with the optional side blocks (not stackable): 430 × 110 × 380 mm.
- Weight: 14.75 kg.
- Finishes: black or silver.
- Included: 10 A IEC mains cable, IR system remote control, 2 AAA batteries.
