Should you wish to go instead for the Ultima 2 Power monoblocs to match the Ultima Pre 2 then a further outlay of almost £15,000 is required but this is still a saving of £40k over the Reference amps. The review samples came in silver with the gloss black acrylic side cheeks and are a little more compact than those supplied with the Integra legs. Both the Pre and Power Amps are available with gloss black acrylic sides or the more commonly seen aluminium Integra legs and the aluminium cases come in silver or black finish. The Ultima Pre 2 reviewed here costs £12,500 and the Ultima 3 Monoblocs are £11,000 each making this three-box amplifier set a £34,500 investment, a serious outlay is therefore required to join the Chord Electronics club at this level. Above this sits the Reference Range comprising the Ultima Pre and Ultima Monobloc power amps (780w) that retail at £30,000 a piece (£90k for all three Reference products). The Ultima products are part of Chord’s ‘Full Size’ Range that comprise the Ultima 2 Monobloc power amps (750w), Ultima Pre 2 Preamp and Ultima 3 Monobloc power amps (480w) reviewed here, Ultima 5 Stereo power amp (300w) and the Ultima 6 stereo power amp (180w). External design solutions apart what also divides many audiophiles when musing over Chord Electronics products is their reputation for delivering a more ‘energetic’ sound than many of their competitors and some might dismiss their products for this reason alone and usually based on hearsay, but those that do are missing out big time. I happen to like their unique style although their Ultima Preamp might be stretching it a little too far, but there is a lot to be said for being different. They are also known for their superlative build quality and their somewhat quirky Marmite approach to aesthetic design. Introduction – It seems that Chord Electronics are better known today for their innovative Rob Watts designed DAC’s than their other products, but they have been making amplifiers since 1989, initially to the professional market and then for domestic users. Equipment Review 23 – Chord Electronics 4 Pack Comprising: Ultima Pre 2 and Ultima 3 Monoblocs joined by the Chord DAVE DAC
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