Chord Electronics will be demonstrating its new Ultima 3 mono power amplifiers for the first time in the UK at The UK Hi-Fi Show Live 2019. “Ultima-technology amplifiers distil 30 years of UK amplifier design, engineering and manufacturing into a range boasting unprecedented resolution, transparency and dynamics” it says here.
First unveiled in October 2018, Ultima amplifier topology (which originally was exclusive to the range-topping £30,000 Ultima power amp), has trickled down into the new Ultima 3 mono power amps (£11,000 each).The new 480-watt Ultima 3 is a direct replacement for the company’s SPM 1400 MKII and sits in the Full Size range. The precision-machined fascia is made from aircraft-grade aluminium and features a recessed power button which illuminates for both operation and standby modes. A hidden switch, located in the vertical split line, enables the lighting to be dimmed if required.
Ultima technology is Chord Electronics’ most accomplished amplifier design and one that draws on the company’s 30 years of research, design and engineering in Great Britain. The Ultima mono power amplifiers have been engineered for the very finest hi-fi systems, those which by their very nature, have the most demanding and difficult-to-drive speakers.
Technical specifications
Output Power: 480W RMS per channel @ 0.05% distortion into 8Ω;
Frequency Response: 1dB @ 0.2Hz to 46kHz and -3dB 0.1Hz to 200kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio: Better than -84dB
Channel Separation: Better than 90dB
Input Impedance: 100kΩ Unbalanced/Balanced
Output Impedance: 0.04Ω
Dimensions with included integra legs: 481mm x 176mm x 377mm