News

There's been tons of activity down in Kent as Chord Electronics announces the release of a pair of new products – the Ultima Integrated 125W amplifier and its BerTTi power amp.

The Ultima Integrated features the latest dual-feed-forward error-correction topology, which monitors and immediately corrects signals before the output stage. Connections include four inputs – one fully balanced and three unbalanced – offering individual buffering and filtering against potential ingress from radio frequency interference. Selection switching is via microprocessor-controlled sealed relays. In addition, the amplifier benefits from an AV bypass input, plus a balanced preamp out for connection to additional power amps.

The new Ultima Integrated is the only full-width model in the company’s range (Anni – HFC 483 – from the Qutest range, is its only other integrated amp) and follows a line of full-width Ultima-technology power amplifiers, including the original flagship Ultima mono power amplifier (780W), the successive Ultima 2 (750W) and 3 (480W) mono power amplifiers, and Ultima 5 (350W) and 6 (180W) stereo power amplifiers.

It shares the same all-new 28mm-thick front panel seen in the recently introduced Ultima PRE 3 (HFC 503) preamp. The new frontage is centred around a spherical power on/off control, which uses the company’s distinctive (and dimmable) polychromatic lighting to indicate playing status. The power sphere is flanked by a newly designed combined volume and input selector, plus a combined balance and AV bypass control.

As has become the norm for Chord Electronics products, the metalwork is precision machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminium, including Integra Legs. The upper panel is a vented design, with a redesigned dimmable LED light ring.

The Ultima Integrated will be available in September at £8,500 in a choice of Jett Black or Argent Silver finishes. It can also be specified with a highly polished black acrylic side block option at no extra cost.

The BerTTi is a fully balanced 75W stereo power amplifier also benefitting from the latest dual-feed-forward error-correction topology. It offers both balanced and unbalanced inputs, high-quality gold-plated loudspeaker outs, plus a 10A IEC power inlet. Further features include two modified power supplies for increased performance, plus an additional auxiliary power rail for the front end, which provides extra voltage to drive the custom-made MOSFETs.

Similarly precision-machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminium, it will cost £4,000 when it becomes available in September and will also come in a choice of Jett Black or Argent Silver.

Available from September, you can find out more about the Ultima Integrated here and the BerTTi power amp here.