Chord Electronics The Pumphouse, Farleigh Lane, East Farleigh, Kent, ME16 9NB. Great Britain.
Product Communication | English
+44 (0) 1622 721 444
[email protected] chordelectronics.co.uk
ULTIMA 5 V.1.1
Manual
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Chord Electronics
ULTIMA 5 | Manual
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Contents 0.0
1.0 Safety instructions 03 2.0 Warranty 08
1.1 Introduction 04 2.1 Warranty period & registering 09
1.2 Protection against liquids & heat 05 your purchase
2.2 Making a claim & warranty exclusions 10
1.3 Dismantling & Radio 06
frequency interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment 07
3.0 Getting to know ULTIMA 5 11 4.0 Setting up ULTIMA 5 16
4.1 Placement 17
3.1 Getting to know ULTIMA 5 12
4.2 Connecting ULTIMA 5 to 18
3.2 The front panel 13
ancillary equipment
3.3 The top panel 14
4.3 Audio inputs 19
3.4 The rear panel 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 5 | 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 1.1 Introduction 1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency
ULTIMA 5 | Manual 1.2 Protection against interference
_ liquids & heat 1.4 Connecting your equipment
Introduction 1.1
ULTIMA 5 is an
incredibly reliable
and technologically
advanced stereo power amplifier.
It is our most powerful stereo
amplification offering within the
Full Size range.
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 1.1 Introduction 1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency
ULTIMA 5 | Manual 1.2 Protection against interference
_ liquids & heat 1.4 Connecting your equipment
Protection against 1.2
liquids & heat
The ULTIMA 5 is not The ULTIMA 5 has
protected against liquids internal thermal
of any kind. Never place protection that will cut
containers of liquid on ULTIMA the power supply if reached.
5. Never allow ULTIMA 5 to come
into contact with moisture or Never operate the ULTIMA 5 near
liquids; doing so could result in sources of heat or naked flames
electrocution or damage to the as this will decrease the lifespan
ULTIMA 5 internal circuitry. of the internal components. It is
advised that you do not operate
Be aware that liquids, including the ULTIMA 5 in an area of direct
water that has dried, can leave sunlight or on top of significant
minerals that can affect the heat- producing devices.
PCB and other components,
which could eventually lead to Please be aware that it is
oxidisation and short-circuiting. entirely normal for the ULTIMA
5 to become warm during
If the ULTIMA 5 comes into use, particularly within a
contact with moisture or liquids, stacked configuration. If you
immediately disconnect from are concerned about the
the mains power supply, and temperatures, please switch
connected equipment, and the device off and consider a
contact Chord Electronics for different placement.
further advice.
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Chord Electronics 1.1 Introduction 1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency
ULTIMA 5 | Manual 1.2 Protection against interference
_ liquids & heat 1.4 Connecting your equipment
Dismantling & radio 1.3
frequency interference
There are no user- With a thick, solid aluminium Although the ULTIMA
serviceable components chassis, the ULTIMA 5’s casework 5 is largely shielded,
within the ULTIMA 5 largely protects the sensitive it can generate radio
or its power supply. Dangerous internal circuitry from radio frequency interference that
voltages/currents exist within frequency interference. However, may have an effect on radio
the ULTIMA 5 and its power for optimal performance, it is and television reception. If this
supply, posing a severe risk of recommended that the following occurs, please reconsider your
electrocution and/or fire. points are observed: placement.
Never attempt to
open, dismantle or 1.Consider placing the
apply internal third- ULTIMA 5 away from
party devices to it or insert wireless routers.
anything other than the listed
interconnects or speaker cables 2.Separate the
within this user manual. ULTIMA 5 from
amplifiers using
If the ULTIMA 5 develops a toroidal transformers.
fault or the casework becomes
damaged, immediately 3.Operate mobile
disconnect from the mains power phones at a distance
supply and connected equipment to avoid interference.
and contact Chord Electronics
for further advice.
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Chord Electronics 1.1 Introduction 1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency
ULTIMA 5 | Manual 1.2 Protection against interference
_ liquids & heat 1.4 Connecting your equipment
Connecting your equipment 1.4
Before connecting the ULTIMA If the power supply is WARNING: Never
disconnect the
5 to any equipment, consult the prematurely disconnected power cable during
operation. Only disconnect
manufacturer’s user guide to ULTIMA 5 may still remain active when ULTIMA 5 is off. If the
confirm compatibility. for up to 15 seconds, however, power cable is disconnected
during operation there is a
this may cause damage to risk of damage to connected
equipment.
When connecting the ULTIMA 5 connected equipment.
to any equipment, make sure that
all devices are off, including the
ULTIMA 5.
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
5 at excessive sound levels;
permanent hearing damage and
loss can occur.
The included 15 amp IEC mains
lead plugs into the ULTIMA 5.
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Chord Electronics
ULTIMA 5 | 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 2.1 Warranty period & registering 2.2 Making a claim & warranty
ULTIMA 5 | Manual your purchase exclusions
_
Warranty period & registering 2.1
your purchase
At point of sale, Chord Please use the form
Electronics Ltd. provides ULTIMA below to record the
5 with a comprehensive five-year details of your purchase
warranty* which covers defects in the event that these are
in materials and workmanship required at a later date, we
through fair wear and tear. The further advise that all purchases
warranty will be void if any other are registered with Chord
PSU other than that supplied is Electronics at: chordelectronics.
used. co.uk/register-product/
*The warranty is transferable
with proof of purchase, however,
warranty on ex-demonstration
units begins from the retailer‘s
date of purchase.
RETAILER:
PURCHASE PRICE:
UNIT COLOUR:
DATE OF PURCHASE:
TRANSACTION ID:
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Chord Electronics 2.1 Warranty period & registering 2.2 Making a claim & warranty
ULTIMA 5 | Manual your purchase exclusions
_
Making a claim 2.2
& warranty exclusions
In the unlikely event of a WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS: The
claim, you must provide Chord warranty does not cover connected
Electronics with the details of equipment, personal injury or
development natural patina of the
the claim, including your original metalwork and will be null and void
proof of purchase and serial if the following is applied: wilful
number in order to validate the neglect; modification or tampering
nature of the repair. of the product; improper use of the
product; acts of God; damage caused
Upon receipt, Chord Electronics by a connected device; mechanical
will make an assessment within shock; fire or application of excessive
heat or repair/modification by a non-
30 days and provide a reasonable
authorised third-party vendor.
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.
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Chord Electronics
ULTIMA 5 | Manual
_
Getting to know 3.0
ULTIMA 5
3.1 Getting to know ULTIMA 5
3.2 The front panel
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear panel
3.0
Getting to know
ULTIMA 5
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Chord Electronics 3.1 Getting to know ULTIMA 5 3.3 The top panel
ULTIMA 5 | Manual 3.2 The front panel 3.4 The rear panel
_
Getting to know ULTIMA 5 3.1
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.
12 // 24
Chord Electronics 3.1 Getting to know ULTIMA 5 3.3 The top panel
ULTIMA 5 | Manual 3.2 The front panel 3.4 The rear panel
_
The front panel 3.2
With only two buttons, everyday WARNING: You must
keep all vents clear.
operation of ULTIMA 5 is simple
and you can tailor the brightness
of the feature lighting to suit the
ambience of your listening room.
Please view page 23 to learn how
to do this.
Feature lighting dimmer switch
On/Off
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Chord Electronics 3.1 Getting to know ULTIMA 5 3.3 The top panel
ULTIMA 5 | Manual 3.2 The front panel 3.4 The rear panel
_
The top panel 3.3
The top panel has no user WARNING: You must
keep all vents clear.
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.
Stackable Integra legs
Light ring
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Chord Electronics 3.1 Getting to know ULTIMA 5 3.3 The top panel
ULTIMA 5 | Manual 3.2 The front panel 3.4 The rear panel
_
The rear panel 3.4
The rear panel offers a WARNING: You must
keep all vents clear.
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.
Right channel Left channel
positive speaker terminal positive speaker terminal
Right channel Left channel
negative speaker terminal negative speaker terminal
12V Trigger input 15a IEC AC Inlet
Unbalanced RCA Right Unbalanced RCA Left
input input
Balanced XLR Right Balanced XLR Left
input input
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Chord Electronics
ULTIMA 5 | Manual
_
Setting up 4.0
ULTIMA 5
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting ULTIMA 5 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 5
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Chord Electronics 4.1 Placement 4.5 Power-on sequence and 12V
ULTIMA 5 | Manual 4.2 Connecting ULTIMA 5 to trigger
_ ancillary equipment 4.6 Earthing issues in Europe
4.3 Audio inputs 4.7 Adjusting the brightness of the
4.4 Audio outputs LED‘s
Placement 4.1
Whilst ULTIMA 5 will operate
normally within a typical Chord
Electronics configuration,
stacked via the Integra legs, it is
recommended that ULTIMA 5 is
allowed to ‘breathe’ with 10cm of
space around it to convection-
cool during operation.
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Chord Electronics 4.1 Placement 4.5 Power-on sequence and 12V
ULTIMA 5 | Manual 4.2 Connecting ULTIMA 5 to trigger
_ ancillary equipment 4.6 Earthing issues in Europe
4.3 Audio inputs 4.7 Adjusting the brightness of the
4.4 Audio outputs LED‘s
Connecting ULTIMA 5 to 4.2
ancillary equipment
When connecting the ULTIMA 5
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 4.1 Placement 4.5 Power-on sequence and 12V
ULTIMA 5 | Manual 4.2 Connecting ULTIMA 5 to trigger
_ ancillary equipment 4.6 Earthing issues in Europe
4.3 Audio inputs 4.7 Adjusting the brightness of the
4.4 Audio outputs LED‘s
Audio inputs 4.3
ULTIMA 5 is equipped with WARNING: ULTIMA 5 must
be connected to a dedicated
both balanced XLR inputs as preamplifier, or a device
capable of attenuating its
well as unbalanced RCA inputs. output. Failure to attenuate
ULTIMA 5 has no ability to switch the volume before it enters
ULTIMA 5 could result in
between the inputs therefore, irreversible hearing damage,
speaker damage and could
only one must be used. void the warranty.
Balanced XLR Right Balanced XLR Left
input input
Unbalanced RCA Right Unbalanced RCA Left
input input
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Chord Electronics 4.1 Placement 4.5 Power-on sequence and 12V
ULTIMA 5 | Manual 4.2 Connecting ULTIMA 5 to trigger
_ ancillary equipment 4.6 Earthing issues in Europe
4.3 Audio inputs 4.7 Adjusting the brightness of the
4.4 Audio outputs LED‘s
Audio outputs 4.4
As ULTIMA 5 is a stereo amplifier, Connect the black (negative) WARNING: Please
pay attention to
it supports 2 speaker outputs. terminal from ULTIMA 5 to
the polarity on
the negative terminal on your your speakers and the
In order to connect ULTIMA 5 to loudspeaker and the red layout of the Ultima 5
outputs. Ensure that
loudspeakers, use high-quality (positive) terminal from ULTIMA all wires are correctly
loudspeaker cable terminated 5 to the red positive terminal on placed.
with 4mm banana plugs or 6mm your loudspeaker. Please pay
spades. Bare wire can be used, careful attention to the diagram
but it is not recommended. below when plugging in your
speakers.
Right channel Left channel
positive speaker terminal positive speaker terminal
Right channel Left channel
negative speaker terminal negative speaker terminal
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Chord Electronics 4.1 Placement 4.5 Power-on sequence and 12V
ULTIMA 5 | Manual 4.2 Connecting ULTIMA 5 to trigger
_ ancillary equipment 4.6 Earthing issues in Europe
4.3 Audio inputs 4.7 Adjusting the brightness of the
4.4 Audio outputs LED‘s
Power-on sequence and 12V 4.5
trigger
POWER-ON SEQUENCE: 12V Trigger: A 12V trigger can be WARNING: In the
rare event that a
During normal used to remotely turn ULTIMA
fault is detected
operation, when ULTIMA 5 on or off. Please refer to the the amplifier will
5 is in standby mode the large below diagram to correctly wire switch itself off. If this
occours discontinue use
power button on the front panel your 12V trigger. immediately and seek
will illuminate an red colour. To help from your Chord
Electornics retailer.
power-on ULTIMA 5 press the When a 12V trigger is sensed by
large power button once until ULTIMA 5 the colours displayed
you feel a click. ULTIMA 5’s on power button will be different.
power button will now change to
a green colour whilst it begins its During standby the large power
initial safety checks. buton on the front panel will
illuminate an orange colour,
During this phase do not increase however just like the power
the gain on the input device as sequence without the 12V trigger
you cannot determine its final a green colour will be displayed
amplified volume which can once you switch the unit on and
damage the connected speakers. it performs its safety checks. You
should still not increase the gain
Once the amplifier has passed on the input device.
the safety check and is
operational, after approximately Once the amplifier becomes
ten seconds, the amplifier will operational the power button
display a teal colour. will display a continuious purple
glow.
0V / Ground +5V to +12V
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Chord Electronics 4.1 Placement 4.5 Power-on sequence and 12V
ULTIMA 5 | Manual 4.2 Connecting ULTIMA 5 to trigger
_ ancillary equipment 4.6 Earthing issues in Europe
4.3 Audio inputs 4.7 Adjusting the brightness of the
4.4 Audio outputs LED‘s
Earthing issues in Europe 4.6
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 4.1 Placement 4.5 Power-on sequence and 12V
ULTIMA 5 | Manual 4.2 Connecting ULTIMA 5 to trigger
_ ancillary equipment 4.6 Earthing issues in Europe
4.3 Audio inputs 4.7 Adjusting the brightness of the
4.4 Audio outputs LED‘s
Adjusting the brightness of the 4.7
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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