Chord Electronics BerTTi 75W Stereo Power Amplifier at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The BerTTi is a fully balanced stereo power amplifier from Chord Electronics (Maidstone, Kent, United Kingdom), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. The most affordable amplifier in Chord's ULTIMA-topology lineup, the BerTTi delivers 75 watts RMS per channel into 8 ohms from a precision-machined aircraft-grade aluminium chassis sized to complement the Hugo TT 2 DAC/preamp within the award-winning Table Top (TT) range. Engineered by Chord Electronics founder and designer John Franks, the BerTTi's dual-feed-forward error-correction topology and custom-made MOSFET output stage bring genuinely high-end analogue amplification to a compact form factor that fits virtually any listening environment.

ULTIMA Dual-Feed-Forward Topology in a Compact Chassis

The BerTTi is built around Chord Electronics' proprietary ULTIMA dual-feed-forward error-correction architecture, the same fundamental technology deployed across the full-width ULTIMA amplifier range including the ULTIMA 5 and ULTIMA 6 stereo power amplifiers. Unlike conventional negative feedback circuits, dual-feed-forward error-correction monitors the signal at the output devices and corrects non-linearities before they reach the output stage, rather than applying correction after the fact. Each amplifier channel contains two independent feed-forward error-correction pathways within the drive circuitry, directly compensating for any deviations from linearity in real time. The result is a measured THD of 0.008% and a frequency response extending from 5 Hz to 100 kHz within plus or minus 0.5 dB, remarkable figures from a chassis measuring just 59 mm high. The BerTTi also incorporates two modified switched-mode power supplies tuned specifically for increased performance, along with a dedicated auxiliary power rail for the front-end circuitry, providing the additional voltage headroom needed to drive the custom MOSFET output devices optimally.

The Table Top System: BerTTi, Hugo TT 2, and M Scaler

The BerTTi is designed as the power amplification centrepiece of Chord Electronics' Table Top (TT) range, pairing directly with the Hugo TT 2 DAC/preamp and the Hugo M Scaler upscaler. The Hugo TT 2 functions as both a reference-class digital-to-analogue converter and a preamplifier with volume control, routing directly into the BerTTi's balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA inputs. Adding the Hugo M Scaler extends the system further, upscaling audio content to 705.6 kHz, equivalent to 16 times CD's native 44.1 kHz resolution, before passing the upscaled signal to the Hugo TT 2. This three-component system delivers a level of sonic performance and digital resolution that is genuinely class-leading for its combined physical footprint, making it an ideal solution for dedicated listening spaces, home offices, or secondary systems where space is at a premium without any compromise in audio quality.

Key Features

• ULTIMA Dual-Feed-Forward Error-Correction: Chord Electronics' proprietary topology monitors and corrects signal non-linearities before the output stage, achieving 0.008% THD and a frequency response of 5 Hz to 100 kHz within plus or minus 0.5 dB.
• Fully Balanced Class AB MOSFET Design: The BerTTi is a true balanced amplifier from input to output, using custom-made MOSFET output devices in a Class AB configuration for optimal linearity and efficiency.
• 75W RMS into 8 Ohms: Delivers 75 watts per channel into 8 ohms, with generous headroom for dynamic music at realistic listening levels in domestic environments.
• Two Modified Switched-Mode Power Supplies: A pair of independently tuned power supplies, upgraded over the predecessor TToby, provide a clean and stable power foundation for the amplifier stage.
• Dedicated Auxiliary Front-End Power Rail: A separate power rail supplies the input and drive circuitry with additional voltage headroom, optimising the performance of the custom MOSFET output devices.
• Balanced XLR and Unbalanced RCA Inputs: Full input flexibility ensures compatibility with the Hugo TT 2, third-party preamplifiers, and DACs equipped with either output type.
• Gold-Plated Loudspeaker Terminals: High-quality binding posts provide a secure and low-resistance connection to loudspeakers, preserving signal integrity at the final output stage.
• Aircraft-Grade Aluminium Chassis: The enclosure is precision-machined from solid aircraft-grade aluminium, available in Jett Black or Argent Silver, sharing the same aesthetic DNA as the Hugo TT 2 and M Scaler.
• Table Top (TT) Range Integration: Dimensionally and visually matched to the Hugo TT 2 DAC/preamp and Hugo M Scaler, enabling a cohesive and compact three-box reference system.
• Successor to the TToby: The BerTTi directly replaces the TToby amplifier, bringing the ULTIMA dual-feed-forward topology to the Table Top range for the first time.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• 1 x pair balanced XLR inputs
• 1 x pair unbalanced RCA inputs
• 1 x pair gold-plated loudspeaker binding posts
• 1 x 10A IEC mains inlet

Awards and Critical Recognition

• Product of the Year Award 2024, Power Amplifier Category, StereoNET International
• Five Stars and Recommended, Hi-Fi Choice (UK) - "A world class power amplifier, only in a smaller package" (David Vivian)
• Editor's Choice Award, The Speaker Shack (UK, 2024)
• Featured Review, hi-fi+ Issue 228 - "thrillingly capable and endlessly listenable" (Simon Lucas)
• Featured Review, HiFi Pig (January 2024) - "fast, uncluttered, and dynamic" (Chris Ballie)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chord Electronics BerTTi?

The Chord Electronics BerTTi is a fully balanced 75-watt stereo power amplifier from Chord Electronics, a British high-end audio manufacturer based in Maidstone, Kent, UK. It is the most affordable amplifier in Chord's ULTIMA-topology range, featuring dual-feed-forward error-correction, a custom MOSFET output stage, and a compact aircraft-grade aluminium chassis sized to integrate with the Hugo TT 2 DAC/preamp and Hugo M Scaler within the Table Top (TT) product range. The BerTTi replaces the earlier TToby amplifier and was first unveiled at HIGH END Munich 2023.

How does the Chord BerTTi compare to the Naim Nait XS 3 or Cambridge Audio Azur 851W?

The Chord BerTTi is a dedicated stereo power amplifier rather than an integrated amplifier, making it a direct comparison to power-amplifier-only units such as the Cambridge Audio Azur 851W rather than integrated designs like the Naim Nait XS 3. The BerTTi's key differentiator is its ULTIMA dual-feed-forward error-correction topology, which corrects signal errors before the output stage, a more sophisticated approach than the conventional negative feedback used in most amplifiers at this size and price point. Where the Cambridge Azur 851W offers more output power at 200 watts per channel, the BerTTi prioritises resolution, speed, and system synergy within the Chord Table Top ecosystem. Hi-Fi Choice awarded the BerTTi five stars and its Recommended status, rating it a world-class performer regardless of chassis size.

Can the Chord BerTTi drive demanding loudspeakers?

Yes, the Chord BerTTi is capable of driving a wide range of loudspeakers effectively despite its compact dimensions. Its 75 watts per channel into 8 ohms, custom MOSFET output stage, and Class AB topology provide meaningful headroom for most domestic listening levels with loudspeakers of average to high sensitivity. HiFi Pig noted in its January 2024 review that the BerTTi sounds considerably larger and more powerful than its specifications might suggest, describing its presentation as fast, uncluttered, and dynamic. For very large rooms or unusually demanding low-sensitivity loudspeakers, Chord's ULTIMA 5 or ULTIMA 6 stereo power amplifiers would be a more appropriate choice.

What is the difference between the Chord BerTTi and the Chord TToby?

The Chord BerTTi is the direct replacement for the Chord TToby amplifier within the Table Top (TT) range. The primary advancement is the introduction of Chord Electronics' ULTIMA dual-feed-forward error-correction topology, which the TToby did not feature. The BerTTi also incorporates two modified and improved switched-mode power supplies over those used in the TToby, along with a dedicated auxiliary front-end power rail that supplies extra voltage to the custom MOSFET output devices. These changes bring the BerTTi's architecture into alignment with the full ULTIMA amplifier family, delivering a measurably lower noise floor and greater dynamic accuracy than its predecessor.

What is the best system to pair with the Chord BerTTi in Toronto?

The Chord BerTTi is engineered specifically to partner with the Chord Hugo TT 2 DAC/preamp, which handles volume control, input selection, and digital-to-analogue conversion, feeding directly into the BerTTi via its balanced XLR input. Adding the Chord Hugo M Scaler to the chain creates a three-component Table Top system capable of upscaling audio to 705.6 kHz, 16 times CD's native resolution, and is regarded as one of the most resolving compact systems available at any price. Vinyl Sound in Toronto carries the full Chord Table Top range and can demonstrate the BerTTi, Hugo TT 2, and M Scaler together in-store.

Where can I buy the Chord Electronics BerTTi in Toronto or Canada?

The Chord Electronics BerTTi stereo power amplifier is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorised Chord Electronics dealer located in Toronto, Canada. Vinyl Sound offers expert demonstrations of the full Chord Table Top system including the BerTTi, Hugo TT 2, and Hugo M Scaler, along with professional advice on system matching, full manufacturer warranty coverage, and dedicated support for Canadian customers across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.