Интегральные усилители — Chord ULTIMA INTEGRATED

The ULTIMA INTEGRATED is a stereo integrated amplifier built in the UK by Chord Electronics and the only integrated model in its ULTIMA range, which otherwise consists of separate preamplifiers and stereo and mono power amplifiers. Chord describes it as its first new integrated amplifier for seven years. The case is precision-machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminium, and the UK price is GBP 8,500.

Key specs that matter

Rated output is 125 W per channel into 8 ohm, with a maximum output voltage of 35 V RMS. The input set comprises a balanced XLR pair and three single-ended RCA pairs, all at 100 kohm and accepting up to 3 V RMS, plus a separate balanced XLR AV bypass input. There is one stereo XLR preamp output and a 12 V trigger that works as input or output. Gain is 21 dB. Chord specifies a frequency response of 10 Hz to 200 kHz within 3 dB, THD of 0.01% from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 90 dB S/N on every input and channel separation of 100 dB. Power draw is 200 W. With the supplied Integra legs the case is 13 cm high, 48 cm wide and 38 cm deep, and with the optional side blocks it drops to 11 cm high and 43 cm wide. Weight is 14.75 kg, and black and silver finishes are offered.

Engineering and use context

The amplifier uses a dual feed-forward error correction topology that monitors the audio signal and corrects errors before the output stage. The output stage is Class AB, running in Class A most of the time and moving into Class B only under heavy demand. Instead of a large linear transformer, Chord fits switch-mode supplies running at 80 kHz, four phase-corrected supplies with small capacitors that are intended to react faster to current demand than a conventional linear design. Each of the four inputs is individually buffered and RF-filtered, and microprocessor-controlled sealed relays do the switching. The front panel is 28 mm thick, the volume knob also acts as the input selector, a separate knob sets balance, and a central ball glows red in standby and cyan when ready. Cooling fins at the rear form the heat sink, a remote handset is supplied, the display can be dimmed, and Chord guarantees the unit for five years.

Pairing

A single pair of speaker terminals accepts bare wire as well as spade and banana terminations. The AV bypass input lets a home cinema processor share the amplifier with the stereo system, and the XLR preamp output can feed an external power amplifier. There is no digital input, so streamers and CD transports need a separate converter such as a Chord DAC.

Alternatives

The Chord ANNI is a much smaller desktop integrated amplifier from the brand, sized to match the Qutest family.