CHORD Ultima 6 180W Stereo Power Amplifier User Manual
- June 6, 2024
- chord
Table of Contents
ULTIMA 6
Manual
V.1.1
Made
in BRITAIN
Safety instructions
1.1 Introduction
ULTIMA 6 is an
incredibly reliable and technologically advanced stereo power amplifier.
It represents the entry into Chord Electronics Full-Size amplification
ownership with a dual-feedforward error-correction topology.
Before the operation, we strongly advise that you read this user manual
thoroughly, store it in a safe place along with your original receipt of
purchase, in case you should require
assistance in the future.
1.2 Protection against liquids & heat
The ULTIMA 6 is not protected against liquids of any kind. Never place
containers of liquid on ULTIMA 6.
Never allow ULTIMA 6 to come into contact with moisture or liquids; doing so
could result in electrocution or damage to the ULTIMA 6 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
oxidization and short-circuiting.
If the ULTIMA 6 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 6 has internal thermal protection that will cut the power supply is
reached.
Never operate the ULTIMA 6 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 6 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 6 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.
1.3 Dismantling & radio **frequency interference**
There are no user-serviceable components within the ULTIMA 6 or its power
supply. Dangerous voltages/currents exist within the ULTIMA 6 and its power
supply, posing a severe risk of electrocution and/or fire.
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 6 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 aluminum chassis, the ULTIMA 6’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 6 away from wireless routers.
- Separate the ULTIMA 6 from amplifiers using toroidal transformers.
- Operate mobile phones at a distance to avoid interference.
Although the ULTIMA 6 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.
1.4 Connecting your equipment
Before connecting the ULTIMA 6 to any equipment, consult the manufacturer’s
user guide to confirm compatibility.
When connecting the ULTIMA 6 to any equipment, make sure that all devices are
off, including the ULTIMA 6.
Once connected, switch all equipment on starting with the source and ending
with the amplification.
Initially, operate 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 6 at excessive sound levels;
permanent hearing damage and loss can occur.
The included 15 amp IEC mains lead plugs into the ULTIMA 6.
If the power supply is prematurely disconnected ULTIMA 6 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 6 is off. If the power cable is disconnected during
operation, there is a
risk of damage to connected equipment.
Warranty
2.1 Warranty period & registering your purchase
At the point of sale, Chord Electronics Ltd. provides ULTIMA 6 with a
comprehensive five-year warranty which covers defects in materials and
workmanship through fair wear and tears. 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/
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2.2 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 within30 days and
provide a reasonable solution.
All warranty repairs must be carried out by Chord Electronics or an approved
service center 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 f 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 nonauthorized third-party vendor.
Getting to know ULTIMA 6
3.1 Getting to know ULTIMA 6
Before the operation, we strongly advise you to 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.
3.2 The front panel
With only two buttons, the everyday operation of ULTIMA 6 is simple and you
can tailor the brightness of the feature lighting to suit the ambiance of your
listening room.
Please view page 23 to learn how to do this.
WARNING: You must keep all vents clear.
3.3 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.
3.4 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 securely click into
place, especially optical.
WARNING: You must keep all vents clear.
Setting up ULTIMA 6
4.1 Placement
Whilst ULTIMA 6 will operate normally within a typical Chord Electronics
configuration, stacked via the Integra legs, it is recommended that ULTIMA 6
is allowed to ‘breathe’ with 10cm of space around it to convection cool during
operation.
4.2 Connecting ULTIMA 6 to ancillary equipment
When connecting the ULTIMA 6 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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4.3 Audio inputs
ULTIMA 6 is equipped with both balanced XLR inputs as well as unbalanced RCA
inputs.
ULTIMA 6 has no ability to switch between the inputs therefore, only one must
be used.
WARNING: ULTIMA 6 must be connected to a dedicated preamplifier, or a
device capable of attenuating its output. Failure to attenuate the volume
before it enters
ULTIMA 6 could result in irreversible hearing damage,
speaker damage and could void the warranty.
4.4 Audio outputs
As ULTIMA 6 is a stereo amplifier, it supports 2 speaker outputs.
In order to connect ULTIMA 6 to loudspeakers, use a 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 6 to the negative terminal
on your loudspeaker and the red (positive) terminal from ULTIMA 6 to the red
positive terminal on your loudspeaker. Please pay careful attention to the
diagram below when plugging in your speakers.
WARNING: Please pay attention to the polarity of your speakers and the
layout of the Ultima 5outputs. Ensure that all wires are correctly placed.
4.5 Power-on sequence and 12V trigger
POWER-ON SEQUENCE:
During normal operation, when ULTIMA 6 is in standby mode the large power
button on the front panel will illuminate a red color. To power-on ULTIMA 6
press the
large power button once until you feel a click. ULTIMA 6’s power button will
now change to a green color 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 color.
12V Trigger: A 12V trigger can be used to remotely turn ULTIMA 6 on or off.
Please refer to the below diagram to correctly wire your 12V trigger.
When a 12V trigger is sensed by ULTIMA 6 the colors displayed on the power
button will be different.
During standby, the large power button on the front panel will illuminate an
orange color, however just like the power sequence without the 12V trigger a
green color 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
continuous purple glow.
WARNING: In the rare event that a fault is detected the amplifier will
switch itself off. If this occurs discontinue use immediately and seek help
from your Chord Electronics retailer.
4.6 Earthing issues in Europe
In some European countries, humor 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 be implemented.
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.
Chord Electronics
Product Communication
The Pumphouse, Farleigh Lane, East Farleigh, Kent, ME16 9NB. Great Britain.
+44 (0) 1622 721 444
info@chordelectronics.co.uk
chordelectronics.co.uk