Chord’s Qutest Little Amplifier Makes The Ultimate Desktop Audio Setup
The Anni amplifier from Chord Electronics can build into a high-end desktop music system with other … [+]
Klaus Eulenbach
Chord Electronics is a UK-based company that’s already well-known for its Mojo and Hugo range of external DACs (digital-to-analog converters) for audiophiles who want to get more from their hi-res digital music files from streaming services like TIDAL and Qobuz.
Now the company has launched its first-ever desktop integrated amplifier for driving headphones and compact loudspeakers. The Qutest-sized Anni uses Chord Electronics’ proprietary ULTIMA circuitry and is ideal for driving high-performance headphones and desktop monitors with he-res music.
The Anni desktop integrated amplifier is part of Chord Electronics’ Qutest range and perfectly matches the award-winning Qutest DAC and Huei phono stage devices. Qutest components can build into a high-quality audio setup for digital and analogue sources. The company’s compact QSS (Qutest Stand System) modular equipment rack provides a great way of stocking the components.
The new Anni amplifier can drive two pair of headphones at the same time and a small pair of … [+]
Chord Electronics
Anni has Chord Electronics’ dual-feed-forward error-correction circuitry whether the amplifier is driving headphones or compact loudspeakers. Anni can drive any headphone load with error-monitored and compensated amplification. It also has both 3.5mm and ¼-inch (6.35mm) headphone outputs so two people to listen at the same time.
As well as driving two pairs of headphones, the Anni amplifier also has 4mm banana plugs that output 10W of ULTIMA amplification; Volume is controlled by a fascia-mounted control that doubles as an input selector for the amplifiers two line-level inputs. A two-stage gain control for the loudspeaker output provides flexibility for a wide range of desktop monitors.
Anni can create a complete desktop sound system with the Huei phone stage and Qutest DAC.
Chord Electronics
Anni is made from precision CNC-machined aluminum like all Chord Electronics’ products. The amplifier is designed, engineered and built in the UK and has the unmistakable polychromatic spherical controls which are used to select the power and gain controls.
The power to drive Anni comes is supplied by a 15V external power supply which has a 12V DC output that can power a Qutest DAC and Huei phono stage.
Pricing & Availability: Chord Electronics Anni is shipping in a black finish and is priced at £1,195 / $1795.
More info: www.chordelectronics.co.uk
The rear of the stack shows how capable the mini Chord Electronics system.
Chord Electronics