ANNI

Desktop integrated amplifier

Anni is a desktop integrated amplifier that introduces our next-generation ULTIMA technology to both headphones and compact loudspeakers.

DESCRIPTION

Anni is our first-ever desktop integrated amplifier. Capable of driving both headphones and compact loudspeakers, Anni benefits from the company’s proprietary ULTIMA circuit topology and is perfectly positioned to exploit the full potential of today’s high-performance headphones, desktop monitors and high-resolution audio sources.

The new Anni desktop integrated amplifier forms part of the Qutest range and seamlessly complements the resolving abilities of the multi-award-winning Qutest standalone DAC and Huei phono stage. As a system, the Qutest components provide an unrivalled desktop audio solution, offering class-leading digital and analogue technologies for the modern music lover. The company’s compact QSS (Qutest Stand System) modular equipment rack provides the perfect support, too.

Anni offers the recently announced dual-feed-forward error-correction circuit topology whether using headphones or compact loudspeakers. Anni’s advanced technology allows it to drive any headphone load, error-monitored and compensated amplification at all times.

Benefitting from both 3.5 mm headphone outputs and ¼-inch (6.35 mm) outputs, so two can listen simultaneously, plus 4 mm banana-type loudspeaker outputs, Anni delivers 10 watts of quality ULTIMA amplification, controlled by a fascia-mounted volume control that also doubles as an input selector switch for Anni’s two line-level inputs. A two-stage gain control for loudspeakers provides additional flexibility with a wide range of desktop monitors.

FEATURES

• Next-generation Dual Feed Forward amp topology
• Powerful headphone amp with 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm outputs
• 4 mm (banana) loudspeaker outputs
• Gain control
• Two line inputs
• 10 w into 8Ω
• Class AB Sliding Bias
• HF Switch Mode Power Supply
• Trickle down Ultima technology
• Unbalanced RCA Inverted Inputs
• 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm headphone jack outputs
• 4 mm (banana) loudspeaker outputs
• Solid Aluminium Chassis

INCLUDED ACCESSORIES

REVIEW & AWARDS

Chord Anni review

"There’s no doubt that the Chord Anni is a niche product. While it’s tempting to think of it as a conventional high-end Chord amplifier on the cheap, it isn’t that unless you have a very small room or unusually sensitive speakers. Use it as a desktop amplifier as intended and it shines. Sure, there are operational quirks – something that’s proving to be a Chord trait – but when the Anni sounds this good we can forgive a lot." - What Hi-Fi?

Chord Electronics Anni Review

"This dinky little amp makes best sense as part of Chord's own Qutest system but is easily capable enough to be used outside this in various applications. If you're looking for a great-sounding, super-compact hi-fi amplifier, this fits the bill perfectly, but it isn't the greatest value on the market if its diminutive dimensions don't matter quite so much." -  DAVID PRICE

Chord Anni

"Maybe it’s a sign of the times through which we’ve all been living for the better part of two years, with the growth in working from home rather than the daily commute, but there’s been quite a boom of late in desktop audio: miniature components designed to give high standards of performance while taking up minimal table-top space. We’ve come a long way from sitting in front of a laptop screen with a pair of headphones plugged into the computer, or an iPhone at our side dispensing tunes: these days a USB connection to a DAC/headphone amp can serve us with ultra-high-resolution music, not to mention limitless streaming in ever-improving quality." -  ANDREW EVERARD

CHORD ELECTRONICS Anni

"Intriguingly, Chord Electronics’ publicity blurb speaks of teaming the Anni with compact loudspeakers in a small room scenario whereas, in the user manual, the claim is that it will drive any speaker. I’d only add ‘within reason’. To regard Anni as a desktop accessory is to seriously under estimate this brilliant little integrated. Enthusiastically recommended" -  David Vivian

Chord Anni

"Is this a mini-amp with a fine headphone output, or a ‘head-fi’ design also capable of driving small speakers? However you look at it, Chord’s Anni is a great choice for desktop audio with a sound tailored to flatter partnering equipment." - Chord Electronics

Chord Electronics Anni Integrated Amplifier

"Chord’s Anni is a surprising amplifier. It has pushed the envelope of what a good amplifier in this category can do, and it also shows that putting a good amplifier circuit in a small box is a practical solution, without having to resort to the strictures of products like gainclones (remember them?). Those who can never see past the 10W or the small box are missing a treat. This is a full-sized amplifier that lives in a desktop shaped box!" - Alan Sircom

Chord Electronics Anni

"The great thing about Anni in both build and sound quality terms is it never once makes you think it’s a small amplifier." - Hi-Fi+

Chord Anni

"As long as you’re not expecting Anni to be a full-size integrated amp squeezed into a box smaller than a carton of milk, you’ll be fine. This is a remarkably authoritative and revealing little amplifier" -  Simon Lucas

Chord Electronics Anni Integrated Desktop Amplifier

"Chord have taken some of the technology from their reference amplifiers to produce a tiny but highly impressive desktop/headphone amplifier that sits perfectly alongside their Qutest amp and Huei phono stage but will partner equally well with other manufacturers’ products. Anni’s quality is reflected in its price and for anyone looking for a small, versatile, audiophile amplifier it should definitely be on the audition list. Anni’s small size, lightweight, and portability make it perfect for use in more than one room in the house." -  John Scott

SPECIFICATIONS