Audio T Verdict
BerTTi takes some of Chord Electronics' most ambitious amplifier technology and squeezes it into a package that is considerably easier to accommodate than the company's full-width ULTIMA models.
Delivering 75W into 8 ohms, it uses the latest ULTIMA dual-feed-forward topology, a fully balanced circuit design, custom-made MOSFET output devices and high-frequency switch-mode power supplies.
It is an obvious partner for Hugo TT 2, which can handle DAC and pre-amplifier duties, but BerTTi can equally be used with another suitable pre-amplifier or variable-output source. Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs are provided, making it easy to integrate into a wide range of systems.
If you want a serious pre-power system without filling the room with large amplifier boxes, BerTTi deserves a demonstration.
Chord Electronics BerTTi Stereo Power Amplifier
BerTTi is a compact 75W stereo power amplifier from Chord Electronics' Table Top range.
Its key features include:
- 75W output into 8 ohms
- Latest-generation ULTIMA amplifier topology
- Dual-feed-forward error correction
- Fully balanced circuit design
- Balanced XLR inputs
- Unbalanced RCA inputs
- Custom-made MOSFET output devices
- Modified high-frequency switch-mode power supplies
- 12V trigger input
- Solid aircraft-grade aluminium chassis
ULTIMA Dual-Feed-Forward Technology
BerTTi brings Chord Electronics' ULTIMA amplifier topology to the compact Table Top range.
The dual-feed-forward error-correction system monitors the amplifier signal and corrects errors before the output stage, bringing technology developed for Chord Electronics' larger ULTIMA amplifiers to a much smaller chassis.
75W into 8 Ohms
Chord Electronics specifies:
75W per channel into 8 ohms.
This gives BerTTi considerably more loudspeaker-driving ability than its compact dimensions might suggest, while still allowing it to sit neatly alongside Hugo TT 2 and Hugo M Scaler.
Choose Speakers by More Than Wattage
Power output is only one part of amplifier and loudspeaker matching. Speaker impedance, sensitivity, room size and listening level all matter too.
Audio T can demonstrate BerTTi with suitable loudspeakers and help establish whether it has the right balance of power and control for your system.
Balanced XLR and RCA Inputs
BerTTi provides two ways to connect a pre-amplifier or suitable variable-output source:
- 1 x stereo pair of balanced XLR inputs
- 1 x stereo pair of gold-plated unbalanced RCA inputs
The 100k-ohm input impedance applies to both connection types, while Chord Electronics specifies 0.78V input sensitivity and 30dB gain.
Do Not Connect RCA and XLR Inputs at the Same Time
BerTTi does not contain an input selector between its RCA and XLR connections.
Chord Electronics specifically states that only one input type should be connected at a time. Do not connect both RCA and XLR sources simultaneously.
Designed for Hugo TT 2
Hugo TT 2 is a particularly natural partner because it combines Chord Electronics' FPGA DAC technology with variable analogue outputs and pre-amplifier functionality.
The compact dimensions of both products also allow them to form a high-performance system without requiring full-width electronics.
View Chord Electronics Hugo TT 2 at Audio T.
Add Hugo M Scaler
For a complete three-box Chord Electronics digital system, Hugo M Scaler can be added ahead of Hugo TT 2.
The M Scaler handles digital upscaling, Hugo TT 2 performs digital-to-analogue conversion and volume control, and BerTTi provides the power for the loudspeakers.
View Chord Electronics Hugo M Scaler at Audio T.
Custom MOSFET Output Devices
BerTTi uses custom-made MOSFET output devices rather than relying on standard off-the-shelf output transistors.
Chord Electronics closely matches the devices used in the left and right channels as part of the ULTIMA amplifier design.
High-Frequency Switch-Mode Power Supplies
Chord Electronics has used high-frequency switch-mode power-supply technology since its earliest amplifier designs.
BerTTi employs two modified power supplies together with an additional auxiliary power rail for the front-end circuitry. The auxiliary rail provides extra voltage for driving the custom MOSFET output devices.
12V Trigger
A rear-panel 12V trigger input allows BerTTi to switch between standby and operation from a compatible partnering component.
This is particularly useful in a pre-power system where several components need to power up together.
Loudspeaker Connections
BerTTi uses gold-plated loudspeaker binding posts which accept:
- 4mm banana plugs
- Spade connectors
- Bare wire, although Chord Electronics does not recommend this method
Compact Table Top Design
BerTTi measures:
- 235mm wide
- 256mm deep
- 59mm high
- 3.75kg
The aircraft-grade aluminium casework is available in Argent Silver or Jet Black.
Cooling and Placement
BerTTi combines extensive case ventilation with an internal cooling fan for demanding operating conditions.
Chord Electronics recommends leaving at least:
10cm of clear space around the amplifier.
If BerTTi is being stacked with other equipment, the manufacturer recommends placing it on top where possible.
Do Not Block the Ventilation
BerTTi can become warm during operation and includes thermal protection which increases fan speed if internal temperatures rise.
Always give the amplifier adequate ventilation and keep it away from direct sunlight and other heat sources.
Key Features
- Chord Electronics BerTTi
- Compact stereo power amplifier
- Table Top range
- 75W into 8 ohms
- ULTIMA amplifier technology
- Dual-feed-forward error correction
- Fully balanced design
- Balanced stereo XLR input
- Unbalanced stereo RCA input
- 100k-ohm input impedance
- 0.78V input sensitivity
- 30dB gain
- Custom-made MOSFET output devices
- High-frequency switch-mode power supplies
- Additional auxiliary power rail
- Gold-plated loudspeaker terminals
- 12V trigger input
- Grounding post
- 10A IEC mains input
- 5Hz to 100kHz frequency range
- 0.008% THD
- 87dB A-weighted signal-to-noise ratio
- Aircraft-grade aluminium chassis
- Argent Silver or Jet Black finish
- Designed and manufactured in the UK
- Three-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chord Electronics BerTTi?
BerTTi is a compact stereo power amplifier using Chord Electronics' latest ULTIMA dual-feed-forward amplifier technology.
How much power does BerTTi produce?
Chord Electronics specifies 75W per channel into 8 ohms.
Is BerTTi an integrated amplifier?
No. It is a power amplifier, so a separate pre-amplifier or suitable variable-output source is required for volume control.
Does BerTTi have balanced inputs?
Yes. It provides a stereo pair of balanced XLR inputs.
Does it also have RCA inputs?
Yes. A stereo pair of gold-plated unbalanced RCA inputs is provided.
Can I leave RCA and XLR sources connected together?
No. Chord Electronics specifically states that only one input type should be connected at a time.
Can I use BerTTi with Hugo TT 2?
Yes. Hugo TT 2 is the natural Table Top DAC and pre-amplifier partner for BerTTi.
Can I use another pre-amplifier?
Yes. BerTTi can be used with a suitable pre-amplifier through either RCA or balanced XLR connections.
Does BerTTi have a 12V trigger?
Yes. A compatible trigger source can switch the amplifier between standby and operation.
Can I use banana plugs?
Yes. The loudspeaker terminals accept 4mm banana plugs.
Can I use spade connectors?
Yes. Unscrewing the binding posts allows suitable spade-terminated speaker cables to be connected.
What are BerTTi's dimensions?
235mm wide, 256mm deep and 59mm high.
How much does it weigh?
3.75kg.
Does BerTTi need ventilation?
Yes. Chord Electronics recommends at least 10cm of free space around the amplifier.
What colours are available?
Audio T currently offers Argent Silver and Jet Black.
What warranty does BerTTi have?
Chord Electronics provides a three-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under fair use, subject to its warranty terms.
Related Chord Electronics Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Pre-amplifier and source matching advice
- Loudspeaker matching guidance
- Hugo TT 2 and M Scaler system setup
- Balanced XLR and RCA connection advice
- Speaker cable and termination guidance
- 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 BerTTi or discuss matching it with your pre-amplifier and loudspeakers.