UPDATE 20/02/2024: Visitors to the Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2024 will be treated to the UK debut of Chord Electronics Ultima Integrated stereo amplifier, which was first launched at last year's High End Munich show.
The Ultima Integrated will be on demo throughout the show this coming weekend, and will be joined by the Qutest DAC and the M Scaler upscaler. Other Chord products on demo throughout the February 23th – 25th show weekend include the Award-winning Mojo 2 DAC/headphone amp and the Anni desktop integrated.
The Ultima Integrated amplifier is now in full production and available to buy worldwide across Chord Electronic's international retailer network. The amplifier was originally meant to start shipping in September of last year, but delays have meant the product will be globally available from February 2024. The price tag of £8500 in the UK remains the same as originally launched, and we can confirm additional pricing for other territories: €10,000, $11,250 and AU$18,500.
ORIGINAL STORY 18/05/2023: The new Ultima Integrated amplifier courtesy of audio specialist Chord Electronics has been unveiled at this year’s High End Munich show. The new 125-watt integrated amp comes equipped with ultra-high-frequency power supplies and advanced error-correction topology, a tech that monitors and corrects signals before the output stage for better signal accuracy and audio fidelity.
The new amp is the British company's first full-width integrated amplifier in years, and boasts an output power of 125W into 8 ohms. According to Chord Electronics, the Ultima also integrates the latest developments in low-distortion power supplies to deliver low noise and “outstanding amp operation”.
The Ultima features four inputs, one fully balanced and three unbalanced, each of which utilises individual buffering and selective filtering against radio frequency interference. Each input also features selection switching through microprocessor-controlled relays, with the amp itself using an AV bypass input and a balanced preamp output for connecting to additional power amps.
Design-wise, the new model mimics the Ultima Pre 3 preamp by sporting a 28mm-thick front panel, while the front panel central power on/off control uses multi-coloured dimmable lighting to indicate the amp’s playing status. The so-called “power sphere” is then surrounded by a combined volume and input selector and a combined balance and AV bypass control.
The metal case itself is aircraft-grade aluminium, with the lid featuring a vented design and a dimmable LED light ring. The Ultima Integrated is available in a choice of Jett Black or Argent Silver, and can also be spruced up with a polished black acrylic side block option for no additional cost.
According to Chord’s owner and chief designer John Franks: “The new Ultima Integrated offers levels of performance not yet seen in any integrated amplifier” and, thanks to its four line inputs, delivers "high energy power levels and fast transient power that Chord Electronics’ products are known for”.
After making its debut at the High End Munich Show this week, the Ultima Integrated is available to pre-order for £8,500 (US/AU$ pricing TBC) from Chord Electronics dealers now, with the product expected to be fully available and shipping in September.
MORE:
High End Munich 2023: what to expect at Europe’s high-end hi-fi show
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