Chord Electronics Ultima 5

The Chord Electronics Ultima 5 is a 350-watt stereo power amplifier, the most powerful stereo configuration in the ULTIMA range. Thirty-two proprietary MOSFET output transistors (double the Ultima 6's sixteen) and a 2kW switch-mode power supply operating at 70 kHz give it the current delivery to drive demanding loudspeakers that smaller amplifiers cannot control. Fully balanced from input to output, it pairs with the Ultima Pre 3 or Ultima Pre 2 for a complete ULTIMA system.

Key Features

• 350W per channel into 8 ohms in stereo configuration
• ULTIMA dual feed-forward error correction topology
• 32 proprietary MOSFET output transistors with close channel matching
• Fully balanced circuitry from input through output stage
• XLR balanced and RCA single-ended inputs
• 2kW high-frequency switch-mode power supply operating at 70 kHz
• Designed and built in Kent, England

Why We Carry Chord Electronics

Chord Electronics has been doing digital conversion differently since 1989. While every other manufacturer buys off-the-shelf DAC chips, Rob Watts designs custom FPGA algorithms with tap lengths that dwarf anything from ESS or AKM. Their proprietary Pulse Array technology, MOSFET amplification stages, and high-frequency switch-mode power supplies are all designed and built in Kent, England. From the portable Mojo 2 to the flagship DAVE, every product runs code that Chord wrote themselves.

350 Watts and 32 MOSFETs

The Ultima 5 doubles the output device count from the Ultima 6, going from 16 to 32 proprietary MOSFETs. More output devices means more current sharing under load: each transistor works less hard, runs cooler, and stays in its most linear operating region for longer. The practical effect is an amplifier that maintains its composure with difficult speakers, particularly those with low impedance dips, high-mass woofers, or complex crossover networks that present reactive loads. At 350 watts into 8 ohms, the Ultima 5 is Chord's most powerful stereo amplifier. If you need more than this in stereo, the next step is a pair of Ultima 3 mono blocks.

ULTIMA Dual Feed-Forward Error Correction

The same topology that runs through every ULTIMA power amplifier: dual feed-forward correction monitoring the signal at two points in the circuit. At 350 watts, maintaining low distortion is harder than at lower power levels because the output devices are working closer to their limits. The error correction circuit compensates for this, keeping distortion figures consistent whether the amplifier is idling or delivering full power into a 4-ohm load. This is the engineering reason the ULTIMA amplifiers scale so well. The topology does not degrade as power increases because the correction tracks the output in real time.

Chord Electronics Ultima 5 Power Supply

The 2kW custom SMPS charges capacitors up to 70,000 times per second, delivering current on demand faster than any toroidal transformer design. At 350 watts per channel, the amplifier's peak current demands during dynamic passages are substantial. A conventional power supply would sag on transient peaks, momentarily limiting the amplifier's grip on the loudspeaker. Chord's high-frequency design responds quickly enough that the capacitor banks stay charged through demanding dynamic passages, maintaining bass control and transient speed even at high sustained output levels.

The ULTIMA Range

The Ultima 5 sits between the Ultima 6 (180W stereo) and the Ultima 3 (480W mono) in Chord's power amplifier hierarchy. For systems where stereo amplification provides enough power, the Ultima 5 is the highest-performing stereo option. For loudspeakers that need dedicated mono amplification, a pair of Ultima 3 blocks provides 480W per channel with even greater current reserves. All ULTIMA amplifiers use the same circuit topology and proprietary MOSFET output devices. Available in black or silver finish.

The Listening Room Difference

We're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on exceptional service and relentless passion for hifi. At this level, every detail matters, and we're here to make sure you get it right. Whether you need help with system matching, setup guidance, or just want to talk through your options before pulling the trigger, owner Mike Hoaston is a phone call away. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, and our support lasts well beyond the sale. Call or text 410-239-2020.

Chord Electronics Ultima 5 Specifications