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Chord Electronics Anni
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.
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
Key Features
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
Anni Manual
Safety instructions
1.5 m 15 V 6 A switch-mode power supply
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Professional Reviews 86/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
88/100
Build Quality
93/100
Features Connectivity
82/100
Value for Money
79/100
On a desktop rig, the clean, articulate sound and stable imaging make this tiny amp feel far bigger than its 10-watt spec suggests. What Hi-Fi? and HiFi News praise its detail, smoothness, and grip, while StereoNET United Kingdom highlights its snappy, engaging character.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Delivers clean, detailed, and musical sound with a smooth, controlled presentation on the desktop.
Produces surprisingly strong soundstage stability and instrument separation for such a compact amplifier.
Build quality is exceptional, with solid CNC-milled metal casework that feels premium and durable.
&
Cons
Power is limited for full-size or insensitive speakers, so it works best in nearfield or with efficient loads.
Feature set is sparse, with only two analog inputs and no built-in DAC, streaming, or remote control.
It runs hot, and reviewers note that it needs plenty of breathing room on the desk.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 88/100
Across the reviews, the Anni is praised for sounding clean, clear, articulate, and surprisingly spacious for a tiny desktop amp. Reviewers also highlight good separation, stable imaging, and a presentation that is detailed without becoming harsh, but they consistently stress that it works best with efficient speakers or headphones and can run out of comfort when pushed hard.
Transparency Resolution
90/100
Reviewers repeatedly call it clean, clear, articulate, and highly detailed, with an open top end and an information-rich presentation. One review also notes it stays organized and controlled while still offering enough transparency to satisfy.
Tonal Balance Musicality
88/100
The Anni is described as sweet, smooth, rich, and generous rather than etched or analytical, with a full and robust presentation that still preserves detail. Reviewers like its easy listening character and say it flatters partnering gear, though it is also described as being on the clean side of neutral rather than especially plush.
Dynamics
84/100
It gets credit for being spry, snappy, and engaging, with good get-up-and-go and respectable expressive punch in desktop use. At the same time, multiple reviews say it is limited by power, does not like being pushed close to its limits, and is best suited to efficient loads rather than demanding speakers.
Soundstage Imaging
90/100
Imaging and separation are a clear strength, with reviewers hearing plenty of separation, stable and precise stereo placement, and even a surprisingly three-dimensional presentation. The soundstage is repeatedly described as fine, expansive, and easy to follow in both headphone and nearfield speaker use.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
93/100
Reviewers praise the solid metal, CNC-milled, anodized casework and repeatedly describe it as exceptionally well built for such a small component. The main caveat is that it runs hot, and one reviewer felt the volume control was a little less refined than the rest of the chassis.
Features Connectivity
82/100
This is intentionally minimal: two analog inputs, headphone outputs in two sizes, speaker outputs, and a 12V trigger-style output for matching Chord accessories. Reviewers also note what is missing, especially built-in digital inputs, DAC, streaming, and remote control, so the flexibility is good for a desktop amp but limited overall.
Value for Money
79/100
Reviewers respect the sound and build, but several say the price is hard to love unless the compact desktop format is exactly what you need. One review calls it not the greatest value on the market, another says the value proposition is the main issue at nearly £2,000, and even the more positive coverage frames value around the matching Chord ecosystem rather than outright bargain pricing.
Reviews
Online Reviews & Mentions
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Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Chord Electronics Anni
- Absoulute Audio plus Video — in-store — Aiken, South Carolina, United States (website)
- In Living Stereo — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- 110Hz — online and in-store — Kielce, Województwo świętokrzyskie, Poland (website)
- Accent On Music — in-store — Mount Kisco, New York, United States (website)
- Acoustic Designs Inc. — in-store — Scottsdale, Arizona, United States (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Acoustic Streams — in-store — Lower Drift, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Acoustica — online and in-store — Chester, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Ajasom — in-store — Amadora, Lisboa, Portugal (website)
and 200 more verified dealers