480 W mono power amplifier
Chord ULTIMA 3 is a monophonic power amplifier delivering 480 W RMS into 8 Ω and 1,000 W RMS into 4 Ω. Sold as a single unit: a stereo system needs two amplifiers. In the Chord Electronics range it takes the place of the SPM 1400 MKII and belongs to the Full Size line.
The model was created as part of the company's thirtieth-anniversary celebrations, when the ULTIMA amplifier topology, the manufacturer's flagship design, was carried over into a new mono power amplifier. The manufacturer calls it a modern amplifier, designed for the high-resolution age.
Circuit and connections
The manufacturer's page lists the cornerstones of the design: class AB with sliding bias, dual feed-forward error correction, a high-frequency switch-mode power supply, proprietary Chord MOSFETs and fully balanced circuitry. Heat is dissipated by convection.
The inputs are doubled in both balanced and unbalanced form: for each format, XLR and RCA, there is one inverting and one non-inverting socket. The outputs are two pairs of gold-plated, high-current terminals, ready for bi-wiring. A 12 V trigger input allows remote switch-on and the mains inlet is a C-19 type IEC.
Fascia, finishes and supports
The fascia, CNC-machined from aircraft-grade aluminium, is 28 mm thick and frames the recessed spherical polycarbonate power button. A switch hidden in the vertical split line of the panel dims the lighting; the top light ring is included.
There are two finishes, black (Jett Black) and silver (Argent Silver). The stackable Integra side legs are included (480 × 180 × 360 mm, W × H × D) and the manufacturer offers them in Jett Black, Argent Silver or Nickel. Gloss black acrylic side blocks are available as an option, reducing the size to 420 × 150 × 360 mm, although the amplifier can then no longer be stacked.
Technical data
- Type: mono power amplifier. Sold as a single unit: a stereo system needs two amplifiers.
- Output power: 480 W RMS into 8 Ω; 1,000 W RMS into 4 Ω.
- Inputs: balanced XLR inverting and non-inverting; unbalanced RCA inverting and non-inverting, gold plated.
- Trigger: 1 × 12 V input (Chord Electronics auto start).
- Outputs: 2 pairs of gold-plated, high-current loudspeaker terminals (bi-wireable).
- Operating class: AB with sliding bias.
- Frequency response: 0.2 Hz - 46 kHz (−1 dB); 0.1 Hz - 200 kHz (−3 dB).
- Total harmonic distortion: 0.005 %.
- Signal-to-noise ratio: better than −84 dB.
- Input impedance: 100 kΩ (unbalanced and balanced); output impedance: 0.04 Ω.
- Gain: 30 dB.
- Power consumption: 2,500 W at full power; 10 W in standby.
- Dimensions with the included Integra legs: 480 × 180 × 360 mm (W × H × D).
- Dimensions with the optional side blocks (not stackable): 420 × 150 × 360 mm.
- Weight: 22.4 kg.
- Finishes: black (Jett Black) or silver (Argent Silver).
- Included: 15 A IEC mains cable.
