Audio T Verdict
Anni is proof that a proper separates system doesn't necessarily need to dominate the room. This compact integrated amplifier brings Chord Electronics' ULTIMA technology to headphones and passive loudspeakers in a chassis just 160mm wide.
Power is a modest-looking 10W into 8 ohms, so we'd partner it carefully rather than treating it as a miniature muscle amp. With suitable compact speakers, however, it makes a wonderfully neat desktop, office, bedroom or small-room system.
Headphone users are equally well catered for, with both 3.5mm and 6.35mm outputs that can be used simultaneously. Add a Qutest DAC for digital sources or Huei for vinyl and you can build an impressively capable full Chord Electronics system in remarkably little space.
Chord Electronics Anni Desktop Integrated Amplifier
Anni is Chord Electronics' compact integrated amplifier from the Qutest range, designed for both high-quality headphone listening and suitably matched passive loudspeakers.
Its key features include:
- 10W output into 8 ohms
- Chord Electronics ULTIMA dual-feed-forward technology
- Class AB sliding-bias operation
- Two stereo RCA line-level inputs
- 3.5mm headphone output
- 6.35mm headphone output
- 4mm banana speaker outputs
- Two-stage loudspeaker gain control
- 12V DC output for compatible partnering equipment
- Compact solid-aluminium chassis
ULTIMA Technology in a Compact Amplifier
Anni brings technology derived from Chord Electronics' larger ULTIMA amplifiers into the company's smallest integrated amplifier.
Its dual-feed-forward error-correction topology continually monitors the amplifier output, with Chord Electronics using this approach to reduce errors introduced by the output stage.
The amplifier operates with Class AB sliding bias and is designed to maintain closely controlled performance whether driving headphones or compact loudspeakers.
10W for Compact Loudspeakers
Anni delivers:
10W into 8 ohms.
That makes speaker matching particularly important. Anni is aimed principally at desktop monitors, compact standmount speakers and smaller-room systems rather than difficult large floorstanding loudspeakers.
Speaker connection is through rear-panel:
4mm banana sockets.
Two-Stage Speaker Gain
Anni provides low and high gain settings specifically for the loudspeaker outputs.
Low gain is indicated in blue and high gain in red, giving additional flexibility when matching Anni to speakers of differing sensitivity.
Dedicated Headphone Amplification
The front panel provides both:
- 3.5mm headphone output
- 6.35mm headphone output
The two outputs can be used simultaneously, allowing two listeners to use headphones at the same time. Both share Anni's main volume control.
When headphones are connected, Anni automatically switches to its low-gain setting and disconnects the loudspeaker outputs. Removing the headphones returns the signal to the speakers.
Two RCA Line Inputs
Anni provides two stereo RCA line-level inputs for connecting suitable source components.
Possible partners include:
- Standalone DACs
- Music streamers with analogue outputs
- CD players
- Phono stages
- Other line-level analogue sources
The front-mounted volume control also acts as the input selector. Pressing the control switches between Input 1 and Input 2, with coloured illumination indicating the selected source.
Using Anni with Chord Electronics Qutest
Chord Electronics specifies that when Qutest is connected to Anni, Qutest's output voltage should be set no higher than 2V.
Check the Qutest output setting before playback.
Part of the Qutest System
Anni shares its compact form factor with Chord Electronics Qutest DAC and Huei phono stage.
For Digital Sources
Add a Qutest DAC to connect compatible streamers, computers, CD transports and other digital sources.
For Vinyl
Add a Huei phono stage for moving-magnet and moving-coil turntable cartridges.
View Chord Electronics Qutest DAC.
View Chord Electronics Huei Phono Stage.
12V Output for a Neater Qutest System
Anni has a rear-panel 12V DC output for compatible partnering equipment. This allows a Qutest-range system to be assembled with less power-supply clutter where the correct connection arrangement is used.
Anni itself is powered by the supplied external:
15V / 6A switch-mode power supply.
Compact Aluminium Chassis
Anni measures just:
- 160mm wide
- 42.5mm high
- 96.6mm deep
- 625g
The solid aluminium chassis includes extensive ventilation and an internal cooling fan for demanding operating conditions.
Allow Anni to Breathe
Do not cover the ventilation or place other equipment directly on top of Anni.
Chord Electronics recommends leaving sufficient space around the amplifier and offers its dedicated Qutest System Stand for properly housing Qutest-range components.
Performance
- Power output: 10W into 8 ohms
- Total harmonic distortion: 0.02%
- Signal to noise: -92dB
- Noise floor: -110dB
- Frequency response: 5Hz to 60kHz (-3dB)
Audio T Listening
Our Reading team paired Anni with Chord Electronics Qutest and Sennheiser HD 820 headphones to see what this tiny amplifier could do as the heart of a high-quality desktop headphone system.
Read: Anni Are You OK? A First Look at the Chord Anni with the Sennheiser HD 820
Key Features
- Chord Electronics Anni
- Desktop integrated amplifier
- Qutest range
- ULTIMA amplifier technology
- Dual-feed-forward error correction
- Class AB sliding bias
- 10W into 8 ohms
- Two stereo RCA line inputs
- 3.5mm headphone output
- 6.35mm headphone output
- Two simultaneous headphone connections
- Automatic headphone selection
- Two-stage loudspeaker gain
- Low and high speaker gain
- 4mm banana loudspeaker outputs
- 12V DC auxiliary output
- 15V external power input
- 15V / 6A power supply included
- Solid aluminium chassis
- Compact 160mm width
- 625g weight
- Compatible with Qutest DAC
- Compatible with Huei phono stage
- Three-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Electronics Anni?
Anni is a compact integrated amplifier designed to drive both headphones and suitably matched passive loudspeakers.
How powerful is Anni?
Chord Electronics specifies 10W into 8 ohms.
What speakers should I use with Anni?
Anni is principally intended for compact loudspeakers and desktop monitors. Speaker sensitivity, impedance, room size and listening level should all be considered when choosing a suitable partner.
Does Anni have a DAC?
No. Anni is an analogue integrated amplifier. Chord Electronics Qutest is the matching standalone DAC.
Does Anni have a phono stage?
No. A separate phono stage is required for a turntable. Chord Electronics Huei is the matching Qutest-range option.
How many analogue inputs does it have?
Two stereo RCA line-level inputs.
What headphone connections are provided?
One 3.5mm and one 6.35mm headphone output.
Can two people use headphones at once?
Yes. Both headphone outputs can operate simultaneously, although they share the same volume level.
What happens to the speakers when headphones are connected?
Anni automatically disconnects the loudspeaker output and switches to low gain when headphones are connected.
What does the gain control do?
It switches the loudspeaker outputs between low and high gain to provide additional flexibility with different speaker sensitivities. The gain switch does not provide a separate high-gain headphone mode.
Can I use Qutest with Anni?
Yes. Chord Electronics designed the products to work together. Qutest should be set to an output voltage no higher than 2V when connected to Anni.
Can Anni power Qutest or Huei?
Anni includes a 12V DC output for compatible partnering equipment within the Qutest system.
What are Anni's dimensions?
160mm wide, 42.5mm high and 96.6mm deep.
How much does it weigh?
625g.
Does Anni need ventilation?
Yes. Chord Electronics specifies that Anni should be used in a well-ventilated position with sufficient space around the unit.
What warranty does Anni have?
Chord Electronics currently provides a three-year manufacturer warranty.
Related Chord Electronics Products
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Speaker matching advice
- Headphone demonstrations
- Qutest and Huei system guidance
- Desktop Hi-Fi setup advice
- Help choosing suitable sources
- In-store demonstrations where appropriate
- Home demonstrations where appropriate
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like to demonstrate Chord Electronics Anni with your headphones or loudspeakers, or build a complete compact Qutest system.