Chord Electronics ULTIMA Tech Goes Desktop

Chord Electronics offers ULTIMA technology in its first ever small desktop amplifier

The new Anni brings ULTIMA tech to today’s high-performance headphones and compact loudspeakers

Kent, UK, 21st September 2021: Chord Electronics has launched its first ever small desktop integrated amplifier, Anni. Capable of driving both headphones and compact loudspeakers, the Qutest-sized 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 amplifierforms 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 Chord Electronics’ 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 Chord Electronics-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.

Anni benefits from the same UK-made precision CNC-machined high-grade aluminium casework common to all Chord Electronics’ products, and is entirely designed, engineered and built in the UK. The company’s trademark polychromatic control spheres govern the power and gain controls, complementing the fascia-mounted volume control/input selector.

Anni is powered by a 15 V external power supply and benefits from a 12 V DC output, capable of powering the Qutest DAC and Huei phono stage when used with the new Qutest range power adaptor (supplied).