I miss two things in the Anni First is that it hasn't remote control and the second one is that it hasn't line output... that for me is important to be able to connect Anni with other amplifier or with active speakers when you need more power.
I liked the comparison with the Burson. My setup is the Soloist 3xp as amp, with a Hugo 2 and 2go streamer as my DAC & source (all in silver of course) I wonder if I was making the same purchases now , 12 months on, if I'd be doing the same
For a warmer sound, I'd recommend going with the iFi Pro iCAN Signature. It's in the next price bracket up, but I don't think either of the options I mentioned in the video are going to give you a genuinely warm sound.
Qutest will give you more of a refined sound with stronger imaging, while the Composer hits a little bit more aggressive, particularly when paired with the Soloist. Another option we started offering since we made this video is the RME ADI-2 DAC FS, which is very straight neutral, and I've found that it pairs very well with the Soloist 3XP.
I didn't get an opportunity to do a side by side, but I'd say that Qutest + Anni is very similar to the TT2, but a bit scaled down as you're not getting the same level of detail or refinement from the DAC, but the character of the analog output seems very similar between the TT2 and Anni. If you're considering the TT2, but don't need all of the input input/output options, I'd consider Qutest + Anni as a more modular, slightly downscaled option.
You can stack them, but Anni gets quite hot. There's also a separate rack system that Chord makes specifically for stacking them while giving Anni some room to breathe.
you didn’t mention the biggest selling point of Anni: Rob Watts claims that he invented a special circuit design that eliminates the need for expensive interconnect cables when using Chord DACs.
Very nice. I had Audioquest Victorias hooked up for most of my testing. I'll have to do a blind A/B to see if the Robb Watts magic can make the $10 interconnects I got from Walmart sound as good. ;)
I miss two things in the Anni
First is that it hasn't remote control and the second one is that it hasn't line output... that for me is important to be able to connect Anni with other amplifier or with active speakers when you need more power.
Wow man, just wanted to say that your reviews are quite enjoyable. Thank you!
Thanks! Glad to hear you're enjoying them!
The squirrels out the window are a nice touch
they're paid actors
I liked the comparison with the Burson. My setup is the Soloist 3xp as amp, with a Hugo 2 and 2go streamer as my DAC & source (all in silver of course)
I wonder if I was making the same purchases now , 12 months on, if I'd be doing the same
Chord with a volume button!!
Really I think the Qutest RMS Voltage output from 1 to 3 would be the Gain control with the pairing of the Anni/Qutest. :)
Great review. What amp would you recommend for a warmer rendering single or balanced?
For a warmer sound, I'd recommend going with the iFi Pro iCAN Signature. It's in the next price bracket up, but I don't think either of the options I mentioned in the video are going to give you a genuinely warm sound.
Thanks for the review! I currently own a soloist 3XP. I am looking for a new DAC. Do you think Qutest is a better option or the Composer 3XP?
Qutest will give you more of a refined sound with stronger imaging, while the Composer hits a little bit more aggressive, particularly when paired with the Soloist. Another option we started offering since we made this video is the RME ADI-2 DAC FS, which is very straight neutral, and I've found that it pairs very well with the Soloist 3XP.
Comparaison with TT2 please ?
I didn't get an opportunity to do a side by side, but I'd say that Qutest + Anni is very similar to the TT2, but a bit scaled down as you're not getting the same level of detail or refinement from the DAC, but the character of the analog output seems very similar between the TT2 and Anni. If you're considering the TT2, but don't need all of the input input/output options, I'd consider Qutest + Anni as a more modular, slightly downscaled option.
I noticed you had the Anni and Qutest beside each other when using them. Is it possible to stack them to take up less space?
You can stack them, but Anni gets quite hot. There's also a separate rack system that Chord makes specifically for stacking them while giving Anni some room to breathe.
but did you notice the squirrels in the background?
you didn’t mention the biggest selling point of Anni: Rob Watts claims that he invented a special circuit design that eliminates the need for expensive interconnect cables when using Chord DACs.
Very nice. I had Audioquest Victorias hooked up for most of my testing. I'll have to do a blind A/B to see if the Robb Watts magic can make the $10 interconnects I got from Walmart sound as good. ;)
You don't have speakers? omg i will send you some
impulse power supply for audio is not good