Chord ULTIMA 2 User manual

ULTIMA 2
Manual
V.1.0
Chord Electronics
Product Communication | English
_
The Pumphouse,Farleigh Lane,
East Farleigh, Maidstone
ME16 9NB United Kingdom
[e-mail]
chordelectronics.co.uk

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Contents 0.0
1.0 Safety instructions 07
1.1 Introduction 08
1.2 Protection against liquids & heat 09
1.3 Dismantling & radio 10
frequency interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment 11
2.0 Warranty 13
2.1 Warranty period & registering 14
your purchase
2.2 Making a claim & warranty exclusions 15
3.0 Getting to know ULTIMA 2 17
3.1 Getting to know ULTIMA 2 18
3.2 The front panel 19
3.3 The top panel 20
3.4 The rear panel 21
4.0 Setting up ULTIMA 2 23
4.1 Placement 24
4.2 Connecting ULTIMA 2 to 25
ancillary equipment
4.3 Audio inputs 26
4.4 Audio outputs 27
4.5 Power-on sequence and 12V trigger 28
4.6 Earthing issues in Europe 29
4.7 Adjusting the brightness of the LED’s 29
0.0 Contents

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1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
1.0 Safety
instructions
Safety instructions 1.0

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1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
Introduction Protection against
liquids & heat
1.1
1.2
ULTIMA 2 is part of our
Reference monoblock
amplification 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.
The ULTIMA 2 is not protected
against liquids of any kind.
Never place containers of
liquid on ULTIMA 2. Never allow
ULTIMA 2 to come into contact with
moisture or liquids; doing so could
result in electrocution or damage to the
ULTIMA 2 internal circuitry.
Be aware that liquids, including water
that has dried, can leave minerals
that can aect the PCB and other
components, which could eventually
lead to oxidisation and short-circuiting.
If the ULTIMA 2 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 2 has internal
thermal protection that will cut
the power supply if reached.
Never operate the ULTIMA 2 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 2 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 2 to become
warm during use, particularly within
a stacked configuration. If you are
concerned about the temperatures,
please switch the device oand
consider a dierent placement.

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Dismantling & radio
frequency interference
1.3 Connecting your equipment 1.4
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
There are no user-serviceable
components within the
ULTIMA 2 or its power
supply. Dangerous voltages/currents
exist within the ULTIMA 2 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 2 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.
Before connecting the ULTIMA 2 to any
equipment, consult the manufacturer’s
user guide to confirm compatibility.
When connecting the ULTIMA 2 to any
equipment, make sure that all devices
are o, including the ULTIMA 2. Once
connected, switch all equipment on
starting with the source and ending
with the amplification. Initially, operate
the ULTIMA 2 with your preamp/device
on its lowest gain setting and lowest
volume setting, gently increasing to
a comfortable listening level. Never
operate the ULTIMA 2 at excessive
sound levels; permanent hearing
damage and loss can occur.
ULTIMA 2 is supplied with its own
grounded 16A-rated mains IEC cable
and it is important that the amplifier is
earthed at all times via this cable, or an
appropriate alternative. Failure to do
this could be hazardous in the unlikely
event of a fault.
The supplied region-specific 16A mains
IEC cable can be substituted for an
alternative power cable, however,
please make sure that it has an earth.
If any cable becomes damaged you
must discontinue use and replace
it immediately to avoid the risk of
electrocution.
ULTIMA 2 must be permanently
connected to a source of power. The
included mains lead simply plugs into
the ULTIMA 2 IEC mains socket. If the
mains lead is prematurely disconnected
With a thick, solid aluminium chassis,
the ULTIMA 2’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:
1. Consider placing the
ULTIMA 2 away from
wireless routers.
2. Separate the ULTIMA 2
from amplifiers using
toroidal transformers.
3. Operate mobile phones
at a distance to avoid
interference.
Although the ULTIMA 2
is largely shielded, it can
generate radio frequency
interference that may have an eect
on radio and television reception. If
this occurs, please reconsider your
placement.
ULTIMA 2 may still hold charge for up
to 15 minutes.
WARNING: Never
disconnect the
power cable during
operation. Only disconnect
when ULTIMA 2 is o. If the
power cable is disconnected
during operation there is a
risk of damage to connected
equipment.

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2.1 Warranty period & registering your purchase
2.2 Making a claim & warranty exclusions
2.0 Warranty
Warranty 2.0

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Warranty period & registering
your purchase
2.1 Making a claim
& warranty exclusions
2.2
2.1 Warranty period & registering
your purchase
2.1 Warranty period & registering
your purchase
2.2 Making a claim & warranty
exclusions
2.2 Making a claim & warranty
exclusions
At point of sale, Chord Electronics
Ltd. provides the ULTIMA 2 with a
comprehensive five-year warranty*
which covers defects in materials and
workmanship through fair wear and
tear.
*The warranty is transferable with proof
of purchase, however is not available
on ex-demonstration products.
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/
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 within 30 days
and provide a reasonable 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.
WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS: The warranty
does not cover connected equipment,
personal injury or development natural
patina of the metalwork and will be null and
void if 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
non-authorised third-party vendor.
RETAILER:
UNIT COLOUR:
DATE OF PURCHASE:
TRANSACTION ID:

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3.1 Getting to know ULTIMA 2
3.2 The front panel
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear panel
Getting to know ULTIMA 2 3.0
3.0 Getting to know
ULTIMA 2

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Getting to know ULTIMA 2 3.1 The front panel 3.2
3.1 Getting to know ULTIMA 2
3.2 The front panel
3.1 Getting to know ULTIMA 2
3.2 The front panel
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear panel
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear panel
With only two buttons, everyday
operation of ULTIMA 2 is simple and
you can tailor the brightness of the
feature lighting to suit the ambience
of your listening room. For more
information on how to perform this
function please see section 4.7.
ULTIMA 2 forms part of our reference
range and uses a brand new analogue
topology, Chord Electronics’ first all-
new design since its inception. 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.
WARNING: You must
keep all vents clear.
Feature lighting dimmer switch
On/O

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The top panel 3.3 The rear panel 3.4
3.1 Getting to know ULTIMA 2
3.2 The front panel
3.1 Getting to know ULTIMA 2
3.2 The front panel
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear panel
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear 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. For more information
on how to perform this function please
see section 4.7.
Despite being a mono amplifier,
ULTIMA 2 oers a comprehensive suite
of connectivity to suit the system that
you intend to pair it with.
WARNING: You must
keep all vents clear.
WARNING: You must
keep all vents clear.
Stackable Integra legs
Single channel
positive speaker terminal
Single channel
negative speaker terminal
Single channel bi-wired
negative speaker terminal
Single channel bi-wired
positive speaker terminal
12V trigger input Mains IEC input
Balanced XLR inverting
input
Balanced XLR non-inverting
input
Unbalanced RCA inverting
input
Unbalanced RCA non-inverting
input
Light ring

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4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting ULTIMA 2 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
4.7 Adjusting the brightness of the LED’s
Setting up ULTIMA 2 4.0
4.0 Setting up
ULTIMA 2

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Placement 4.1 Connecting ULTIMA 2
to ancillary equipment
4.2
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting ULTIMA 2 to
ancillary equipment
4.3 Audio inputs
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting ULTIMA 2 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
4.7 Adjusting the brightness of the LED’s
4.4 Audio outputs
4.5 Power-on sequence and 12V trigger
4.6 Earthing issues in Europe
4.7 Adjusting the brightness of the LED’s
Whilst ULTIMA 2 will operate normally
within a Chord Electronics Reference
configuration stacked via the Integra
legs or side blocks, it is recommended
that ULTIMA 2 is allowed to ‘breathe’
with 10cm of space around it to
convection-cool during operation.
When connecting the ULTIMA 2 to
equipment within the signal path,
ensure all devices are switched o. 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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Audio inputs 4.3 Audio outputs 4.4
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting ULTIMA 2 to
ancillary equipment
4.3 Audio inputs
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting ULTIMA 2 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
4.7 Adjusting the brightness of the LED’s
4.4 Audio outputs
4.5 Power-on sequence and 12V trigger
4.6 Earthing issues in Europe
4.7 Adjusting the brightness of the LED’s
ULTIMA 2 is equipped with both
inverted and non-inverted balanced
XLR inputs as well as inverted and
non-inverted unbalanced RCA inputs.
ULTIMA 2 has no ability to switch
between the inputs, therefore, only one
must be used.
Inversion relates to the phase of
the incoming signal. During normal
operation for Chord Electronics
products, the use of the inverted inputs
is advised, however, you may select
non-inverting if desired by removing
the cap covering the XLR input. If
you remove the cap please take great
care to connect both amplifiers with
the same inversion to avoid an out-of-
phase configuration.
As ULTIMA 2 is a mono amplifier, it
only supports a single speaker output,
however, it has four speaker terminals.
Both positive speaker terminals
originate from the same source, as do
the negative speaker terminals. Do
use the additional two positive and
negative terminals if you wish to bi-wire
your speakers.
In order to connect ULTIMA 2 to
loudspeakers, use 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 2 to the negative terminal
on your loudspeaker and the red
(positive) terminal from ULTIMA 2
to the red positive terminal on your
loudspeaker. Repeat if you wish to bi-
wire the same speaker.
WARNING: ULTIMA
2 must be connected
to a dedicated
preamplifier, or a device
capable of attenuating its
output. Failure to attenuate
the volume before it enters
ULTIMA 2 could result in
irreversible hearing damage,
speaker damage and could
void the warranty.
Balanced XLR inverting
input
Balanced XLR non-inverting
input
Unbalanced RCA inverting
input Unbalanced RCA non-inverting
input
Single channel
positive speaker terminal
Single channel
negative speaker terminal
Single channel bi-wired
positive speaker terminal
Single channel bi-wired
negative speaker terminal

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Power-on sequence and 12V
trigger
4.5 Earthing issues in Europe and
Adjusting the brightness of the
LED’s
4.6 and 4.7
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting ULTIMA 2 to
ancillary equipment
4.3 Audio inputs
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting ULTIMA 2 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
4.7 Adjusting the brightness of the LED’s
4.4 Audio outputs
4.5 Power-on sequence and 12V trigger
4.6 Earthing issues in Europe
4.7 Adjusting the brightness of the LED’s
Power-on sequence: During
normal operation, when
ULTIMA 2 is in standby mode
the large power button on the front
panel will illuminate red. To power-on
ULTIMA 2 press the large power button
once until you feel a click. ULTIMA 2’s
power button will now change to green,
while 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 teal.
Earthing issues: 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.
12V trigger: A 12V trigger can be used
to remotely turn ULTIMA 2 on or o.
Please refer to the diagram below to
correctly wire your 12V trigger.
When a 12V trigger is sensed by
ULTIMA 2 the colours displayed on
power button will be dierent.
During standby, the large front-panel
power button will illuminate red, then
orange when triggered on and the
safety checks are being performed.
During this stage do not increase the
gain on the input device. Once the
amplifier becomes operational the
power button will display a continuous
purple glow.
Adjusting the brightness of the LEDs:
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.
0V / Ground +5V to +12V
WARNING: In the
rare event that a
fault is detected
the amplifier will
switch itself o. If this
occurs discontinue use
immediately and seek
help from your Chord
Electronics retailer.

chordelectronics.co.uk
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THIS IS PURE AUDIO