CHORD Electronics ULTIMA 3 Mono Power Amplifier User Manual
- June 9, 2024
- chord
Table of Contents
CHORD Electronics ULTIMA 3 Mono Power Amplifier
Safety instructions
Introduction
- ULTIMA 3 is the cornerstone of Chord Electronics’ amplification, standing as our ultimate reference amplification – beaten by none.
- Before the operation, we strongly advise that you read this user manual thoroughly, storing it in a safe place along with your original receipt of purchase, in case you should require assistance in the future.
Protection against liquids & heat
- The ULTIMA 3 is not protected against liquids of any kind. Never place containers of liquid on ULTIMA 3.
- Never allow ULTIMA 3 to come into contact with moisture or liquids; doing so could result in electrocution or damage to the ULTIMA 3 internal circuitry.
- Be aware that liquids, including water that has dried, can leave minerals that can affect the PCB and other components, which could eventually lead to oxidisation and short-circuiting.
- If the ULTIMA 3 comes into contact with moisture or liquids, immediately disconnect from the mains power supply, and connected equipment, and contact Chord Electronics for further advice.
- The ULTIMA 3 has internal thermal protection that will cut the power supply if reached.
- Never operate the ULTIMA 3 near sources of heat or naked flames as this will decrease the lifespan of the internal components.
- It is advised that you do not operate the ULTIMA 3 in an area of direct sunlight or on top of significant heat-producing devices.
- Please be aware that it is entirely normal for the ULTIMA 3 to become warm during use, particularly within a stacked configuration.
- If you are concerned about the temperatures, please switch the device off and consider a different placement.
Dismantling & radio frequency interference
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There are no user-serviceable components within the ULTIMA 3 or its power supply. Dangerous voltages/currents exist within the ULTIMA 3 and its power supply, posing a severe risk of electrocution and/or fire.
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Never attempt to open, dismantle or apply internal third-party devices to it or insert anything other than the listed interconnects or speaker cables within this user manual.
If the ULTIMA 3 develops a fault or the casework becomes damaged, immediately disconnect from the mains power supply and connected equipment and contact Chord Electronics for further advice. -
With a thick, solid aluminium chassis, the ULTIMA 3’s casework largely protects the sensitive internal circuitry from radio frequency interference. However, for optimal performance, it is recommended that the following points are observed:
- Consider placing the ULTIMA 3 away from wireless routers.
- Separate the ULTIMA 3 from amplifiers using toroidal transformers.
- Operate mobile phones at a distance to avoid interference.
Although the ULTIMA 3 is largely shielded, it can generate radio frequency interference that may have an effect on radio and television reception. If this occurs, please reconsider your placement.
Connecting your equipment
- Before connecting the ULTIMA 3 to any equipment, consult the manufacturer’s user guide to confirm compatibility.
- When connecting the ULTIMA 3 to any equipment, make sure that all devices are off, including the ULTIMA 3.
- Once connected, switch all equipment on starting with the source and ending with the amplification.
- Initially, operate the any connected equipment on its lowest gain setting and lowest volume setting, gently increasing to a comfortable listening level.
- Never operate connected equipment to the ULTIMA 3 at excessive sound levels; permanent hearing damage and loss can occur.
- The included 15 amp IEC mains lead plugs into the ULTIMA 3.If the power supply is prematurely disconnected ULTIMA 3 may still remain active for up to 15 seconds, however, this may cause damage to connected equipment.
- If the power supply is prematurely disconnected ULTIMA 3 may still remain active for up to 15 seconds, however, this may cause damage to connected equipment.
- WARNING: Never disconnect the power cable during operation. Only disconnect when ULTIMA 3 is off. If the power cable is disconnected during operation there is a risk of damage to connected equipment.
Warranty
Warranty period & registering your purchase
- At point of sale, Chord Electronics Ltd. provides ULTIMA 3 with a comprehensive five-year warranty* which covers defects in materials and workmanship through fair wear and tear. The warranty will be void if any other PSU other than that supplied is used.
- The warranty is transferable with proof of purchase, however, warranty on ex-demonstration units begins from the retailer‘s date of purchase.
- Please use the form below to record the details of your purchase in the event that these are required at a later date, we further advise that all purchases are registered with Chord Electronics at: chordelectronics. co.uk/register-product/
5. FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY
- RETAILER: ————————————-
- PURCHASE PRICE:– ———————————
- UNIT COLOUR:- ——————————————
- DATE OF PURCHASE:- ——————————-
- TRANSACTION ID: ————————–
Making a claim & warranty exclusions
- In the unlikely event of a claim, you must provide Chord Electronics with the details of the claim, including your original proof of purchase and serial number in order to validate the nature of the repair.
- Upon receipt, Chord Electronics will make an assessment within 30 days and provide a reasonable solution.
- All warranty repairs must be carried out by Chord Electronics or an approved service centre to guarantee the quality and safety of the repair.
- WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS: The warranty does not cover connected equipment, personal injury or development natural patina of the metalwork and will be null and void if the following is applied: wilful neglect; modification or tampering of the product; improper use of the product; acts of God; damage caused by a connected device; mechanical shock; fire or application of excessive heat or repair/modification by a non-authorised third-party vendor.
Getting to know ULTIMA 3
ULTIMA 3 is our absolute reference amplifier which uses a brand new analogue
topology, Chord Electronics’ first all-new design since its inception. Before
operation, we strongly advise you read this user manual thoroughly, storing it
in a safe place along with your original receipt of purchase, should you
require assistance in the future.
The front panel
With only two buttons, everyday operation of ULTIMA 3 is simple and you can tailor the brightness of the feature lighting to suit the ambience of your listening room.
WARNING: You must keep all vents clear.
The top panel
The top panel has no user-configurable options. Instead, three teal feature light rings illuminate. If you find that these rings are too bright for your listening room you can control the brightness via the front panel.
WARNING: You must keep all vents clear.
The rear panel
The rear panel offers a comprehensive connectivity suite, featuring both
standard connections and those which are used with other Chord Electronics’
devices.
When installing any cable, you must make sure that they securly click into
place, especially optical.
WARNING: You must keep all vents clear.
Setting up ULTIMA 3
Placement
Whilst ULTIMA 3 will operate normally within a Chord Electronics Reference
configuration stacked via the Integra legs, it is recommended that ULTIMA 3 is
allowed to
‘breathe’ with 10cm of space around it to convection-cool during operation.
Connecting ULTIMA 3 to ancillary equipment
When connecting the ULTIMA 3 to equipment within the signal path, ensure all
devices are switched off. It is recommended that once all equipment is
properly connected, that the volume setting is operated to its lowest setting,
before slowly being raised to a comfortable listening level. Always observe
partnering manufacturers’ guidelines.
Audio inputs
- ULTIMA 3 is equipped with both inverted and non-inverted balanced XLR inputs as well as inverted and non-inverted unbalanced RCA inputs.
- ULTIMA 3 has no ability to switch between the inputs therefore, only one must be used.
- Invertion relates to the phase of the incoming signal.
- During normal operation for Chord Electronics products, the use of the inverted inputs is advised, however, you may select non-inverting if desired by removing the cap covering the XLR input.
- If you remove the cap please take great care to connect both amplifiers with the same invertion to avoid an out-of-phase configuration.
- If using ULTIMA 3 with older models of Chord Electronics monoblocks please note the inputs will be reversed.
- WARNING: ULTIMA 3 must be connected to a dedicated preamplifier, or a device capable of attenuating its output.
- Failure to attenuate the volume before it enters ULTIMA 3 could result in irreversible hearing damage, speaker damage and could void the warranty.
Audio outputs
- As ULTIMA 3 is a mono amplifier, it only supports a single speaker output, however, it has four speaker terminals.
- Both positive speaker terminals originate from the same source, as do
- the negative speaker terminals.
- Do use the additional two positive and negative terminals if you wish to bi-wire your speakers.
- In order to connect ULTIMA 3 to loudspeakers, use high-quality loudspeaker cable terminated with 4mm banana plugs or 6mm spades.
- Bare wire can be used, but it is not recommended.
- Connect the black (negative) terminal from ULTIMA 3 to the negative terminal on your loudspeaker and the red (positive) terminal from ULTIMA 3 to the red positive terminal on your loudspeaker. Repeat if you wish to bi-wire the same speaker.
Power-on sequence and 12V trigger
- POWER-ON SEQUENCE: During normal operation, when ULTIMA 3 is in standby mode the large power button on the front panel will illuminate an red colour.
- To power-on ULTIMA 3 press the large power button once until you feel a click. ULTIMA 3’s power button will now change to a green colour whilst it begins its initial safety checks.
- During this phase do not increase the gain on the input device as you cannot determine its final amplified volume which can damage the connected speakers.
- Once the amplifier has passed the safety check and is operational, after approximately ten seconds, the amplifier will display a teal colour.
- 12V Trigger: A 12V trigger can be used to remotely turn ULTIMA 3 on or off. Please refer to the below diagram to correctly wire your 12V trigger.
- When a 12V trigger is sensed by ULTIMA 3 the colours displayed on power button will be different.
- During standby the large power buton on the front panel will illuminate an orange colour, however just like the power sequence without the 12V trigger a green colour will be displayed once you switch the unit on and it performs its safety checks. You should still not increase the gain on the input device.
- Once the amplifier becomes operational the power button will display a continuious purple glow.
WARNING: In the rare event that a fault is detected the amplifier will switch itself off.
- If this occours discontinue use immediately and seek help from your Chord Electornics retailer.
Earthing issues in Europe
In some European countries, a hum or buzz may occur if the amplifier is
connected to main sockets that do not have earth or adequate earth. If this
occurs, please ensure that your equipment is connected via a good-quality
multi-way mains block which contains an earth point at every socket outlet.
We recommend that an earthing method for your building is implemented.
Adjusting the brightness of the LED
At any time, you can adjust the brightness of the LEDs to suit your listening
environment. Simply locate the hidden button in the middle of the faceplate
as indicated below, insert a thin object and push until you hear an audible
‘click’. The light ring and power button will cycle between low and high
brightness modes.
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The Pumphouse, Farleigh Lane, East Farleigh, Kent, ME16 9NB. Great Britain.
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+44 (0) 1622 721 444
Documents / Resources
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CHORD Electronics ULTIMA 3 Mono Power
Amplifier
[pdf] User Manual
Electronics ULTIMA 3 Mono Power Amplifier, Electronics ULTIMA 3, Mono Power
Amplifier, Power Amplifier, Amplifier
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References
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