750 W monoblock from the Reference line
Chord ULTIMA 2 is a mono power amplifier rated at 750 W RMS into 8 Ω, which becomes 1,305 W RMS into 4 Ω. Sold as a single unit: a stereo system needs two amplifiers. It is the direct replacement for the SPM 6000 MKII and is part of the Reference line, the flagship range from Chord Electronics.
It was introduced in 2019, during the company's thirtieth-anniversary celebrations, when the ULTIMA amplifier topology, which Chord names as its flagship technology, was applied to a new mono power amplifier. The manufacturer speaks of a unit brought up to date, carrying its most recent amplifier technology.
A chassis 75 cm deep
The dimensions say a lot about the design: with the included Integra legs the ULTIMA 2 measures 480 × 180 × 750 mm (W × H × D) and weighs 41.15 kg, drawing 3,000 W at full power. The chassis is solid aluminium and cooling is by convection.
Inside are dual feed-forward error correction, a high-frequency switch-mode power supply and proprietary Chord MOSFETs, working in class AB with sliding bias on fully balanced circuitry. The stated output impedance is 0.04 Ω and the frequency response extends from 0.1 Hz to 200 kHz within 3 dB.
Panels, inputs and finishes
The 28 mm fascia is CNC-machined from aircraft-grade aluminium. The recessed spherical polycarbonate button lights up both in standby and in operation, and a switch hidden in the vertical split line allows the lighting to be dimmed. On the rear there are XLR and RCA inputs, each in inverting and non-inverting form, two pairs of terminals for bi-wiring, the 12 V trigger and a C-19 type IEC socket.
The available finishes are black (Jett Black) and silver (Argent Silver). The stackable Integra side legs are included and the manufacturer offers them in Jett Black, Argent Silver or Nickel; gloss black acrylic side blocks are available as an option, changing the dimensions to 420 × 150 × 750 mm.
Technical data
- Type: mono power amplifier. Sold as a single unit: a stereo system needs two amplifiers.
- Output power: 750 W RMS into 8 Ω; 1,305 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 −89 dB.
- Input impedance: 100 kΩ (unbalanced and balanced); output impedance: 0.04 Ω.
- Gain: 30 dB.
- Power consumption: 3,000 W at full power; 10 W in standby.
- Dimensions with the included Integra legs: 480 × 180 × 750 mm (W × H × D).
- Dimensions with the optional side blocks: 420 × 150 × 750 mm.
- Weight: 41.15 kg.
- Finishes: black (Jett Black) or silver (Argent Silver).
- Included: 15 A IEC mains cable.
