It makes the Supernait a little more useful and a little bit better. Changes over the previous version are limited to the addition of a (good quality) moving magnet phono stage and a tweak in the power amplifier section. A slight improvement on its predecessor would be enough to make it one of the best around in its category.Īnd that's exactly what we have here. This third-gen model doesn't break any moulds, but then it doesn't have to. This is another integrated amp with some serious pedigree. Add the exceptional build and comprehensive specifications to the hugely capable sonic performance and it’s a must-have on your shortlist. Ultimately, this Rotel is a formidable performer that’s ready to mix it with the best at the price. And one of the highlights is undoubtedly the Michi’s bass delivery, which makes most of the competition at this price point sound a little soft and blurred in this region. The Cambridge Edge A is perhaps the closest in terms of build and ability, but while it has a more fluid and engaging presentation, the X3 still has the advantage when it comes to clarity, sonic precision and price. Tonally, it sounds even-handed to us, delivering all parts of the frequency range with equal importance.ĭetail levels are high, as is the quality of stereo imaging. It doesn’t imprint a strong sonic signature on anything it plays, leaving the character of the sound to come from the recording or some other part of the system. This Michi is a firmly ‘hands-off’ performer. For a piece of hi-fi though, it’s hugely positive. Sure, there are operational quirks – something that’s proving to be a Chord trait – but when the Anni sounds this good we can forgive a lot.Īccuse a person of lacking character and it’s a harsh assessment. Use it as a desktop amplifier as intended and it shines. It sounds clean, clear and articulate yet captures the manic energy of Nick Cave & The Bad Seed's Babe, I’m On Fire superbly. This is one of the most capable headphone amplifiers we’ve heard. The important thing to note is that it’s designed for desktop use with either headphones or suitable speakers. However, this little box is only the size of the Chord Qutest digital-to-analogue converter – for the uninitiated, think smaller than a pair of coasters laid end-on – and it’s intended to be an ideal partner for that DAC and the company’s Huei phono stage. Make no mistake, this really is a proper Chord amplifier in miniature, using as it does the Ultima dual feed-forward circuitry seen in the latest generation of the brand’s high-end power amplification. But if it ain't broke.Ĭhord Electronics has proven to have quite some talent in finding new market niches. And the diminutive Anni desktop integrated amplifier is a perfect example of that. It might not be enough of a difference to justify upgrading from its predecessor, but it still makes for an awesome amp nonetheless. The sound is much crisper and more agile than its forebears, thanks in no small part to this exacting eye for detail (it even goes as far as the shape of the connecting wiring and the exact number and placement of tie clips holding it in place). Open it up and you'll see what we mean - there's immaculately assembled audio circuitry, with fantastic care shown in reducing the degrading effect of outside interference and unwanted interactions between components.Īnd it shows. If that sounds negative, it shouldn't – the XS 3 is a killer stereo amp, having earned a well-deserved five stars and multiple What Hi-Fi? Awards for its trouble. The XS 3 adds a moving magnet phono stage and better responsiveness, and that's about it. This is the third-generation instalment of a model first introduced in 2008.
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So if you need clarification on system matching, you should head over to our thorough how to choose and set up a stereo amp advice page. The speaker/amp relationship not only comes down to an amp’s power output but also the speaker's impedance characteristics and sensitivity. You should also consider your amp's partnership with your speakers. So what you require will depend on your needs and the connectivity of any existing equipment you have. Some even feature network streaming, making them a fully-fledged, just-add-speakers system (and for the best of those, you'll want to head on over to our best hi-fi systems Best Buy). Many now contain built-in digital-to-analogue converters (DACs) complete with digital inputs for connecting to laptops, hard drives and digital-savvy hi-fi sources, while the vinyl revival has seen many integrate phono stages for turntables. With laptops, phones and music streaming services becoming ever-more popular music sources, the integrated amplifier has indeed moved with the times.