CHORD Ultima Mono Block Amplifier User Manual
- June 6, 2024
- chord
Table of Contents
Ultima Mono Block Amplifier
Chord Electronics Product Communication | English
ULTIMA Manual –
The Pumphouse, Farleigh Lane, East Farleigh, Kent, ME16 9NB. Great Britain.
+44 (0) 1622 721 444 info@chordelectronics.co.uk chordelectronics.co.uk
V.1.1
Chord Electronics ULTIMA | Manual _
Contents
0.0
1.0 Safety instructions
1.1 Introduction 1.2 Protection against liquids & heat 1.3 Dismantling & Radio
frequency interference 1.4 Connecting your equipment
03
2.0 Warranty
08
04
2.1 Warranty period & registering
09
05
your purchase
06
2.2 Making a claim & warranty exclusions
10
07
3.0 Getting to know ULTIMA
3.1 Getting to know ULTIMA 3.2 The front panel 3.3 The top panel 3.4 The rear
panel
11
4.0 Setting up ULTIMA
16
12 13 14
4.1 Placement 4.2 Connecting ULTIMA to
ancillary equipment 4.3 Audio inputs
17 18
19
15
4.4 Audio outputs
20
4.5 Power-on sequence and 12V trigger
21
4.6 Earthing issues in Europe
22
4.7 Adjusting the brightness of the LED`s
23
0.0 Contents
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Chord Electronics ULTIMA | Manual _
Safety instructions
1.0
1.1 Introduction 1.2 Protection against liquids & heat 1.3 Dismantling & Radio Frequency interference 1.4 Connecting your equipment
1.0 Safety instructions
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Chord Electronics ULTIMA | Manual _
Introduction
1.1 Introduction 1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
1.1
ULTIMA is the cornerstone of Chord Electronics’ amplfication, standing as our
ultimate reference amplification beaten by none.
Before 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.
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Chord Electronics ULTIMA | Manual _
Protection against liquids & heat
1.1 Introduction 1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
1.2
The ULTIMA is not protected against liquids of any kind. Never place
containers of liquid on ULTIMA. Never allow ULTIMA to come into contact with
moisture or liquids; doing so could result in electrocution or damage to the
ULTIMA 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 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 has internal thermal protection that will cut the power supply if
reached.
Never operate the ULTIMA 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 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 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.
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Chord Electronics ULTIMA | Manual _
Dismantling & radio
1.3
frequency interference
1.1 Introduction 1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
There are no userserviceable components within the ULTIMA or its power supply.
Dangerous voltages/currents exist within the ULTIMA and its power supply,
posing a severe risk of electrocution and/or fire.
Never attempt to open, dismantle or apply internal thirdparty devices to it or
insert anything other than the listed interconnects or speaker cables within
this user manual.
If the ULTIMA 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’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:
1.Consider placing the ULTIMA away from wireless routers.
2.Separate the ULTIMA from amplifiers using toroidal transformers.
3. Operate mobile phones at a distance to avoid interference.
Although the ULTIMA 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.
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Chord Electronics ULTIMA | Manual _
1.1 Introduction 1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
Connecting your equipment
1.4
Before connecting the ULTIMA to any equipment, consult the manufacturer’s user
guide to confirm compatibility.
When connecting the ULTIMA to any equipment, make sure that all devices are
off, including the ULTIMA.
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 at excessive sound levels;
permanent hearing damage and loss can occur.
The included 15 amp IEC mains lead plugs into the ULTIMA.
If the power supply is prematurely disconnected ULTIMA 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 is off. If the power cable is disconnected during operation there is a risk of damage to connected equipment.
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Chord Electronics ULTIMA | Manual _
Warranty
2.0
2.1 Warranty period & registering your purchase 2.2 Making a claim & warranty
exclusions
2.0 Warranty
8 // 24
Chord Electronics ULTIMA | Manual _
Warranty period & registering
2.1
your purchase
2.1 Warranty period & registering 2.2 Making a claim & warranty
your purchase
exclusions
At point of sale, Chord Electronics Ltd. provides ULTIMA 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/
RETAILER: PURCHASE PRICE: UNIT COLOUR: DATE OF PURCHASE: TRANSACTION ID:
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Chord Electronics ULTIMA | Manual _
2.1 Warranty period & registering 2.2 Making a claim & warranty
your purchase
exclusions
Making a claim
2.2
& 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.
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Chord Electronics ULTIMA | Manual _
Getting to know ULTIMA
3.0
3.1 Getting to know ULTIMA 3.2 The front panel 3.3 The top panel 3.4 The rear
panel
3.0 Getting to know ULTIMA
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Chord Electronics ULTIMA | Manual _
3.1 Getting to know ULTIMA 3.2 The front panel
3.3 The top panel 3.4 The rear panel
Getting to know ULTIMA
3.1
ULTIMA 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.
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Chord Electronics ULTIMA | Manual _
The front panel
3.1 Getting to know ULTIMA 3.2 The front panel
3.3 The top panel 3.4 The rear panel
3.2
With only two buttons, everyday operation of ULTIMA 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.
On/Off
Feature lighting dimmer switch
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Chord Electronics ULTIMA | Manual _
The top panel
3.1 Getting to know ULTIMA 3.2 The front panel
3.3 The top panel 3.4 The rear panel
3.3
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.
Light ring
Stackable Integra legs
WARNING: You must keep all vents clear.
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Chord Electronics ULTIMA | Manual _
The rear panel
3.1 Getting to know ULTIMA 3.2 The front panel
3.3 The top panel 3.4 The rear panel
3.4
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.
Single channel positive speaker terminal
Single channel negative speaker terminal
Single channel bi-wired positive speaker terminal
Single channel bi-wired negative speaker terminal
12V Trigger input
15a IEC AC Inlet
Unbalanced RCA non-inverting input
Balanced XLR non-inverting input
Unbalanced RCA inverting input
Balanced XLR inverting input
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Chord Electronics ULTIMA | Manual _
Setting up ULTIMA
4.0
4.1 Placement 4.2 Connecting ULTIMA to ancillary equipment 4.3 Audio inputs
4.4 Audio outputs 4.5 Power-on sequence and 12V trigger 4.6 Earthing issues in
Europe
4.0 Setting up ULTIMA
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Chord Electronics ULTIMA | Manual _
Placement
4.1
4.1 Placement 4.2 Connecting ULTIMA to
ancillary equipment 4.3 Audio inputs 4.4 Audio outputs
4.5 Power-on sequence and 12V trigger
4.6 Earthing issues in Europe 4.7 Adjusting the brightness of the
LED`s
Whilst ULTIMA will operate normally within a Chord Electronics Reference configuration stacked via the Integra legs, it is recommended that ULTIMA is allowed to `breathe’ with 10cm of space around it to convection-cool during operation.
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Chord Electronics ULTIMA | Manual _
Connecting ULTIMA to ancillary 4.2 equipment
4.1 Placement 4.2 Connecting ULTIMA to
ancillary equipment 4.3 Audio inputs 4.4 Audio outputs
4.5 Power-on sequence and 12V trigger
4.6 Earthing issues in Europe 4.7 Adjusting the brightness of the
LED`s
When connecting the ULTIMA 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.
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Chord Electronics ULTIMA | Manual _
Audio inputs
4.3
4.1 Placement 4.2 Connecting ULTIMA to
ancillary equipment 4.3 Audio inputs 4.4 Audio outputs
4.5 Power-on sequence and 12V trigger
4.6 Earthing issues in Europe 4.7 Adjusting the brightness of the
LED`s
ULTIMA is equipped with both inverted and non-inverted balanced XLR inputs as
well as inverted and non-inverted unbalanced RCA inputs. ULTIMA 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 noninverting 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-ofphase configuration.
If using ULTIMA with older models of Chord Electronics monoblocks please note
the inputs will be reversed.
WARNING: ULTIMA must be connected to a dedicated preamplifier, or a device capable of attenuating its output. Failure to attenuate the volume before it enters ULTIMA could result in irreversible hearing damage, speaker damage and could void the warranty.
Balanced XLR non-inverting input
Unbalanced RCA non-inverting input
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Balanced XLR inverting input
Unbalanced RCA inverting input
Chord Electronics ULTIMA | Manual _
Audio outputs
4.4
4.1 Placement 4.2 Connecting ULTIMA to
ancillary equipment 4.3 Audio inputs 4.4 Audio outputs
4.5 Power-on sequence and 12V trigger
4.6 Earthing issues in Europe 4.7 Adjusting the brightness of the
LED`s
As ULTIMA 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 does the negative speaker terminals. Do use
the additional two postive and negative terminals if you wish to bi-wire your
speakers.
In order to connect ULTIMA 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 to the negative terminal on your loudspeaker and the red (positive) terminal from ULTIMA to the red positive terminal on your loudspeaker. Repeat if you wish to bi-wire the same speaker.
Single channel positive speaker terminal
Single channel negative speaker terminal
Single channel bi-wired positive speaker terminal
Single channel bi-wired negative speaker terminal
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Chord Electronics ULTIMA | Manual _
Power-on sequence and 12V
4.5
trigger
4.1 Placement 4.2 Connecting ULTIMA to
ancillary equipment 4.3 Audio inputs 4.4 Audio outputs
4.5 Power-on sequence and 12V trigger
4.6 Earthing issues in Europe 4.7 Adjusting the brightness of the
LED`s
POWER-ON SEQUENCE: During normal operation, when ULTIMA is in standby mode the
large power button on the front panel will illuminate an red colour. To power-
on ULTIMA press the large power button once until you feel a click. ULTIMA’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 on or off.
Please refer to the below diagram to correctly wire your 12V trigger.
When a 12V trigger is sensed by ULTIMA 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.
0V / Ground
+5V to +12V
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Chord Electronics ULTIMA | Manual _
Earthing issues in Europe
4.6
4.1 Placement 4.2 Connecting ULTIMA to
ancillary equipment 4.3 Audio inputs 4.4 Audio outputs
4.5 Power-on sequence and 12V trigger
4.6 Earthing issues in Europe 4.7 Adjusting the brightness of the
LED`s
In some European countries, a hum or buzz may occur if the amplifier is
connected to mains sockets that do not have an 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.
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Chord Electronics ULTIMA | Manual _
Adjusting the brightness of the 4.7 LED`s
4.1 Placement 4.2 Connecting ULTIMA to
ancillary equipment 4.3 Audio inputs 4.4 Audio outputs
4.5 Power-on sequence and 12V trigger
4.6 Earthing issues in Europe 4.7 Adjusting the brightness of the
LED`s
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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References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
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