{"product_id":"chord-electronics-ultima-6","title":"Chord Electronics Ultima 6","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Chord Electronics Ultima 6 is a 180-watt stereo power amplifier and the entry point to ULTIMA-level power amplification. It uses the same dual feed-forward error correction topology found in Chord's reference mono blocks, delivered through 16 proprietary MOSFET output transistors and a 2kW switch-mode power supply operating at 70 kHz. Fully balanced from input to output, the Ultima 6 pairs with the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chord-electronics-ultima-pre-3\"\u003eUltima Pre 3\u003c\/a\u003e or any preamplifier with balanced outputs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e180W per channel into 8 ohms\u003c\/strong\u003e in stereo configuration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eULTIMA dual feed-forward error correction\u003c\/strong\u003e derived from reference amplifier topology\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e16 proprietary MOSFET output transistors\u003c\/strong\u003e with close channel matching\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFully balanced circuitry\u003c\/strong\u003e from input through output stage\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eXLR balanced and RCA single-ended inputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2kW high-frequency switch-mode power supply\u003c\/strong\u003e operating at 70 kHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDesigned and built in Kent, England\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eWhy We Carry Chord Electronics\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChord 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 \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chord-electronics-mojo-2\"\u003eMojo 2\u003c\/a\u003e to the flagship \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chord-electronics-dave\"\u003eDAVE\u003c\/a\u003e, every product runs code that Chord wrote themselves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eULTIMA Dual Feed-Forward Error Correction\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery ULTIMA amplifier uses Chord's dual feed-forward error correction circuit, a topology that applies correction at two separate points in the signal path rather than the single global feedback loop found in conventional amplifier designs. The error correction amplifier runs in parallel with the main signal amplifier, comparing the output against the input and correcting deviations in real time. The result is measurably lower distortion across the full power range, not just at low output levels where most amplifiers test well. At 180 watts, the Ultima 6 maintains this correction under real-world loads where speakers present complex impedance curves, not just on a resistive test bench.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/chord-ultima6-side.jpg\" alt=\"Chord Electronics Ultima 6 stereo power amplifier side view\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eChord Electronics Ultima 6 Power Supply\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2kW custom switch-mode power supply charges its capacitor banks up to 70,000 times per second. A conventional toroidal transformer operating at 50-60 Hz delivers energy in slow, massive pulses. Chord's SMPS delivers smaller, faster charges that track the music's demand more closely. When a bass transient hits and the amplifier needs current immediately, the power supply responds in microseconds rather than waiting for the next AC cycle. Operating at 70 kHz also means the switching frequency sits well above the audio band, so its activity cannot interfere with the musical signal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eProprietary MOSFET Output Stage\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSixteen proprietary MOSFET output transistors are closely matched between left and right channels. Off-the-shelf MOSFETs vary in their electrical characteristics from unit to unit, which means the left channel and right channel of a conventional amplifier never behave identically under load. Chord specifies and matches their own devices to eliminate this asymmetry. The result is consistent stereo imaging that holds together even when the amplifier is working hard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eFully Balanced Architecture\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Ultima 6 is fully balanced from its XLR input through the amplification stages to the speaker binding posts. Balanced operation rejects common-mode noise, which matters most on long cable runs between a preamplifier and power amplifier. If your source and preamp are across the room from your speakers, the Ultima 6 can sit next to the speakers with a long XLR run back to the preamp, keeping speaker cables short and noise out of the signal. RCA single-ended inputs are also provided for systems where balanced cabling is not available, though XLR is recommended for best performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThe ULTIMA Range\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Ultima 6 is the most accessible stereo power amplifier in the ULTIMA lineup. For more power, the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chord-electronics-ultima-5\"\u003eUltima 5\u003c\/a\u003e delivers 350W per channel with 32 MOSFET output devices. For systems that need a combined preamp and power amp, the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/chord-electronics-ultima-integrated\"\u003eUltima Integrated\u003c\/a\u003e puts 125W and a five-input preamp section in one chassis. All ULTIMA amplifiers share the same dual feed-forward topology and proprietary MOSFET output stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/chord-ultima6-rear.jpg\" alt=\"Chord Electronics Ultima 6 stereo power amplifier rear panel\" style=\"max-width: 100%;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eThe Listening Room Difference\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe'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. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eChord Electronics Ultima 6 Specifications\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"100%\" style=\"border-collapse: collapse;\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #f3f3f3;\"\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221); width: 34%;\"\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"text-align: left; padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221); width: 66%;\"\u003eDetail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Type\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eStereo Power Amplifier\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmplifier Topology\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eULTIMA dual feed-forward error correction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower Output\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e180W per channel into 8 ohms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOutput Devices\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e16 proprietary MOSFET transistors (matched pairs)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInputs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e1x XLR balanced, 1x RCA single-ended\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCircuitry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eFully balanced\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePower Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e2kW high-frequency SMPS (70 kHz)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eBlack or Silver\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRange\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eULTIMA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDesigned \u0026amp; Built\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid rgb(221,221,221);\"\u003eKent, England\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n","brand":"Chord Electronics","offers":[{"title":"Black","offer_id":42641572298848,"sku":"CHORDULT6BLK","price":11260.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Silver","offer_id":42641572331616,"sku":"CHORDULT6SIL","price":11260.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/5073\/8528\/files\/ULTIMA-6-Front.jpg?v=1773255045","url":"https:\/\/listenroom.com\/products\/chord-electronics-ultima-6","provider":"The Listening Room","version":"1.0","type":"link"}