Chord Electronics ULTIMA 6 Stereo Power Amplifier
Description
The Chord Electronics ULTIMA 6 is a high-performance stereo power amplifier that brings Chord's advanced ULTIMA amplification technology to full-size reference audio systems. Delivering 180 watts per channel into 8Ω and 350 watts per channel into 4Ω, ULTIMA 6 combines substantial power with Chord's proprietary dual-feed-forward error-correction topology and fully balanced circuitry.
Designed as the entry point into Chord's full-size ULTIMA stereo power-amplifier family, ULTIMA 6 incorporates 16 proprietary MOSFET power devices, Class AB sliding-bias operation, a high-frequency switch-mode power supply, and both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connectivity.
Advanced ULTIMA Amplifier Technology
At the heart of ULTIMA 6 is Chord's dual-feed-forward error-correction topology, developed to monitor and correct errors in the output stage with exceptional speed.
The amplifier uses 16 proprietary TO3-style dual-die lateral-matched MOSFET power devices, supported by sophisticated drive circuitry and a high-voltage amplifier operating at up to 300 volts per microsecond. Output-stage error correction, DC-tracking servos, and full temperature compensation form part of the ULTIMA architecture.
180 W into 8Ω / 350 W into 4Ω
ULTIMA 6 delivers 180 W RMS per channel into 8Ω, increasing to 350 W RMS per channel into 4Ω.
This substantial output capability makes ULTIMA 6 suitable for demanding high-performance loudspeaker systems while maintaining the low-distortion characteristics central to Chord's ULTIMA amplifier design.
Fully Balanced Circuitry
ULTIMA 6 incorporates fully balanced input circuitry and provides both balanced and unbalanced analog connectivity.
A stereo pair of gold-plated balanced XLR inputs allows connection to compatible balanced preamplifiers, while a stereo pair of gold-plated RCA inputs supports unbalanced systems.
High-current gold-plated loudspeaker terminals provide the output connection to the speakers.
Designed for Reference Two-Channel Systems
As a dedicated power amplifier, ULTIMA 6 is designed to partner with a separate preamplifier or compatible variable-output source.
Within the Chord range, it can form a high-performance system with components such as the ULTIMA PRE 3, while Chord also identifies DAVE, Hugo TT 2, and Hugo M Scaler as compatible system partners.
A 12 V trigger input allows automatic power-on integration with compatible Chord components.
Precision-Machined ULTIMA Construction
ULTIMA 6 is housed in Chord's substantial aircraft-grade solid-aluminum chassis, designed to provide a rigid, non-resonant enclosure for the amplifier electronics.
The front incorporates a 28 mm-thick fascia and Chord's illuminated spherical power control. Feature lighting can be dimmed using a discreet front-panel control.
ULTIMA 6 includes Chord's Integra legs as standard, with optional gloss-black acrylic side blocks available for an alternative installation style.
Key Features
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180 W per channel into 8Ω / 350 W into 4Ω
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Chord ULTIMA dual-feed-forward amplifier technology
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16 proprietary Chord MOSFET power devices
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Fully balanced Class AB circuitry
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Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs
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High-current gold-plated speaker terminals
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High-frequency switch-mode power supply
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Solid aircraft-grade aluminum chassis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chord Electronics ULTIMA 6?
How much power does ULTIMA 6 deliver?
What is Chord's ULTIMA amplifier technology?
Does ULTIMA 6 have balanced inputs?
Is ULTIMA 6 an integrated amplifier?
Which Chord preamplifier can I use with ULTIMA 6?
Can ULTIMA 6 be used with Chord DAVE?
What is the difference between ULTIMA 6 and ULTIMA INTEGRATED?
Specifications
| TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS | |
| Product Type | Stereo Power Amplifier |
| Product Range | ULTIMA |
| Amplifier Class | Class AB Sliding Bias |
| Circuitry | Fully Balanced |
| Amplifier Technology | Dual-Feed-Forward Error Correction |
| Output Power |
180 W RMS per Channel into 8Ω 350 W RMS per Channel into 4Ω |
| THD | 0.005% |
| Frequency Response | 0.5 Hz–100 kHz (-1 dB) |
| Gain | 30 dB |
| Analog Inputs |
1 × Stereo Pair Gold-Plated Balanced XLR 1 × Stereo Pair Gold-Plated Unbalanced RCA |
| Speaker Outputs | 1 × Pair High-Current Gold-Plated Loudspeaker Terminals |
| Control | 1 × 12 V Trigger Input |
| Power Consumption |
Full Power — 1,500 W Standby — 10 W |
| Dimensions with Included Integra Legs | 18 × 48 × 36 cm (H × W × D) |
| Dimensions with Optional Side Blocks | 15 × 42 × 36 cm (H × W × D) |
| Weight | 22.4 kg |
| Cooling | Convection |
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