BERTTI

Reference table-top integrated amplifier and headphone amp from Chord's flagship range. The Chord Electronics BerTTi is a compact stereo power amplifier built on Chord's ULTIMA dual-feed-forward error-correction topology, delivering 75W into 8Ω from a solid aluminium chassis. It accepts both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA stereo inputs and uses proprietary MOSFET devices developed for Chord's ULTIMA reference range. The BerTTi is designed as an entry point to ULTIMA amplification technology in a desktop-friendly format.

Technical background

Chord's ULTIMA amplifier topology, developed by company founder John Franks, applies dual feed-forward error-correction ahead of the output stage. Rather than relying solely on negative feedback to correct distortion after the fact, ULTIMA continuously monitors and corrects the signal before it reaches the power transistors. The result is vanishingly low measured distortion with none of the sonic side-effects associated with high global feedback. Custom-specified proprietary MOSFETs, high-frequency switch-mode power supplies, and aircraft-grade aluminium casework complete the engineering picture.

Design story

Chord Electronics was founded in Maidstone, Kent in 1989 by John Franks, whose background in aerospace electronics shaped every design decision. Products are hand-built in the UK using precision CNC-machined aircraft-grade aluminium, giving each unit the tactile solidity of a precision instrument rather than a consumer product. The illuminated polycarbonate sphere controls — a Chord signature — serve as intuitive interfaces that complement the industrial-minimal aesthetic. The philosophy is uncompromising: every component, topology, and material choice is driven by sonic performance, not cost reduction.

Best for

Chord TT2 or Dave owners adding active speaker drive; building a no-compromise digital power amplifier pairing Hi-fi system builder, Hugo TT2 or DAVE owner seeking a matching power amplifier Hi-fi stereo system, desktop near-field system, TT stack system completion

Awards & press

⭐ StereoNET Product of the Year 2024; Hi-Fi Choice 5 Stars "Sounds far bigger and weightier than its size might suggest." — Hi-Fi Choice "The BerTTi is a beautifully transparent power amplifier that allows the Chord DACs to truly shine without colouration." — Hi-Fi+ "An ideal amplifier partner for the Hugo TT2 — together they form a complete and formidable reference system." — Hi-Fi News