Desktop integrated amplifier for headphones and loudspeakers
Chord Anni is a desktop integrated amplifier capable of driving both headphones and compact loudspeakers, with a power output of 10 W into 8 Ω. The manufacturer presents it as its first desktop integrated; it measures 160 × 96.6 × 42.5 mm and weighs 625 g, in a solid aluminium chassis.
The Anni is part of the Qutest range and, in Chord Electronics' intentions, complements the Qutest DAC and the Huei phono stage in a desktop system that brings together digital and analogue sources. To stack the three units the manufacturer offers the QSS (Qutest Stand System) modular rack. The amplifier is aimed at high-performance headphones, desktop monitors and high-resolution audio sources.
ULTIMA circuit
The Anni uses the ULTIMA circuit topology, proprietary to Chord Electronics, with dual feed-forward error correction, active with both headphones and loudspeakers. Chord describes it as its next-generation ULTIMA technology, brought here to headphones and compact loudspeakers. According to the manufacturer this technology allows any headphone load to be driven, with amplification that is error-monitored and compensated at all times.
The power stage runs in Class AB with sliding bias and is fed by a high-frequency switch-mode circuit. Chord states harmonic distortion of 0.02 %, a signal-to-noise ratio of -92 dB, a noise floor of -110 dB and a frequency response from 5 Hz to 60 kHz within -3 dB. The external power supply is rated at 15 V and 6 A.
Outputs, inputs and controls
There are two headphone outputs, one 3.5 mm and one 6.35 mm (¼-inch), so that two people can listen together. For loudspeakers there are outputs for 4 mm banana connectors. There are two line-level inputs, on unbalanced RCA sockets.
The volume knob on the fascia also acts as the selector between the two line inputs. A two-stage gain control for loudspeakers gives more latitude when matching different desktop monitors. The switch-mode power supply is included, with a 1.5 m cable.
Technical data
- Power output: 10 W into 8 Ω.
- Inputs: 2 line-level, unbalanced RCA.
- Headphone outputs: 1 × 3.5 mm and 1 × 6.35 mm.
- Loudspeaker outputs: 4 mm banana connectors.
- Power stage: Class AB with sliding bias, ULTIMA dual feed-forward topology.
- Harmonic distortion: 0.02 %.
- Signal-to-noise ratio: -92 dB.
- Noise floor: -110 dB.
- Frequency response: 5 Hz - 60 kHz (-3 dB).
- Loudspeaker gain: two-stage.
- Dimensions: 160 × 96.6 × 42.5 mm.
- Weight: 625 g.
- Finish: black.
- Included: 15 V 6 A switch-mode power supply, 1.5 m cable.
