Product Strengths

• Breathtaking design with curved corners, symmetrical front faceplate, and a glass component revealing internal circuitry
• Powerful headphone amplifier capable of outputting up to 10W at 16Ω and 7W at 32Ω
• Good sound quality, described as clean, detailed, and punchy, with a balanced tonal presentation
• CNC machined aluminum remote control with rubber buttons
• Multiple inputs and outputs, including 6.35mm, 4.4mm, and 4-pin XLR outputs on the front, and optical, coaxial, AES, IIS, USB, and Bluetooth on the back, with RCA and XLR outputs for lineout and preamplifier lineouts

Product Considerations

• Glass top panel gets hotter than the aluminum housing
• The glass panel is a fingerprint magnet and requires cleaning regularly
• No analog line-in to pair the amplifier with 3rd party DACs
• No streaming capability via WiFi or LAN
• Some menu navigation can be cumbersome, requiring cycling through options rather than direct selection

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the Topping A90 and D90 stack, the DX9 has similar inputs, outputs and power, but the stack is more versatile, as the amp and DAC can be used separately— the DX9 has additional coaxial and optical inputs, and the sound is somewhat similar
• Compared to the HIFIMAN EF400, the DX9 has more inputs/outputs and more power, but the EF400 sounds warmer
• Compared to the Topping D90SE, the DX9 sounds more fun, its bass and midrange has more energy and oomph, but the D90SE is more transparent, though ultimately quite flat
• Compared to the AURALiC Altair G2.1, the DX9 sounds cleaner and better separated, with a small reduction in digital hash

Takeaway: The Topping DX9 is a beautiful and powerful all-in-one DAC/amp that offers a clean and detailed sound, making it suitable for both headphone and speaker setups. Its versatility and attractive design make it a compelling option for those seeking a high-quality audio solution.

Product Strengths

• Delivers a vividly detailed and balanced sound, handling complicated mixes with skill
• Able to extract a lot of information from digital audio files with apparent ease
• A volume lock prevents accidental volume adjustments when the device is in a pocket or bag
• Extensive specification including Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless compatibility and multiple inputs/outputs for versatile connectivity

Product Considerations

• Some reviewers feel the device is not very pocket-friendly due to its size and sharp edges, making it better suited as a transportable—rather than a truly portable—device
• The gain is set too high, making precise volume control difficult, especially with sensitive IEMs
• Using IEMatch adds output impedance, which can negatively affect the tonal balance and dynamics of some IEMs
• The length of the included USB-C cable is short, making it difficult to position the device on a desk

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the iDSD Diablo 1, the Diablo 2 offers slight sonic improvements and better build quality, but at a higher price
• Compared to the iDSD Signature, the iDSD Signature is considered by some to offer a better result for less money, with a more realistic instrument and vocal timbre, larger soundstage, and customizable features like crossfeed and bass boost
• Compared to the FiiO Q7, the iDSD Diablo 2 has a vivid sound, where the FiiO Q7 has a smooth and wide sound

Takeaway: The iDSD Diablo 2 is a powerful and versatile DAC/amp that enhances headphone listening with its detailed sound and extensive features. It is a good choice for users who want a high-quality audio experience on the go or at their desk.

Product Strengths

• Joyful sound signature with detailed output
• Can power a wide range of headphones, due to Ultima technology
• Compact design, stacks perfectly with the Qutest and Huei
• Employs trickle-down Ultima technology to allow delivery of enormous peak current outputs
• Solid build quality using CNC-milled aluminum casework and good heat dissipation
• Connectivity options include headphone and speaker outputs

Product Considerations

• No gain switch for the headphone output
• Default gain level a bit high for sensitive IEMs
• More power limitations with speakers than headphones—best for smaller, efficient speakers or nearfield listening
• Runs hot, requiring good ventilation
• The volume control feels a little wobbly and might be difficult to use in a very precise way, and there is some channel imbalance at very low volumes

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Qutest/Anni pairing justifies its price premium thanks to a more composed and insightful presentation that offers notably more low-end authority, dynamic punch and tonal richness
• Cyrus ONE HD is plusher, showing that Anni has strong niche appeal
• The iFi xDSD Gryphon has digital inputs and built-in DAC, while Anni can power speakers

Takeaway: The Chord Electronics Anni is a compact and well-built amplifier that delivers a joyful and detailed sound, making it a great addition to a desktop setup for headphone and nearfield speaker listening. Its use of trickle-down Ultima technology ensures high-quality performance in a small package, and its ability to stack with other Chord devices makes it a good choice for those already invested in the ecosystem.

Product Strengths

• High-quality build and aesthetics, with a metal casing and elegant fascia made to a high standard
• A clear, powerful, and spacious sound, with a presentation that is appealing right from the beginning
• Plenty of power on tap, specified at 70W per channel into 8 ohms and 100W per channel into 4 ohms
• Fantastic connectivity, with three pairs of line-level inputs, an MM phono stage, and outputs for a recorder and subwoofer
• Capable network DAC/streamer with digital controls

Product Considerations

• The dimpled effect flanking the extruded front panel gives the unit a further distinctive look, but the finish feels like plastic upon closer inspection
• The HEOS app isn't bespoke to the 40n, many of the product's set-up options can only be accessed through the unit using the included remote control
• Bluetooth pairing took longer than expected, and there were occasions when the app stopped being able to see or display the music server when switching inputs
• The lettering on the remote control is impossible to read in dim light, and the buttons are too similar in size, resulting in fumbling in the dark

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The Marantz Model 40n is a different proposition compared to the Marantz PM7000N, Marantz is keen to reposition itself as a luxury hifi brand and that intent is clear in the 40n's gorgeous build and aesthetics
• Rival systems such as the Cambridge Audio Evo 150 and Naim Uniti Atom do a better job of engrossing listeners in the music, being more insightful, musically engaging, and dynamically exciting by degrees
• Is super-sexy and distinctive styling, a higher level of fit and finish, a much better remote, and access to Sound United's HEOS streaming/multiroom audio platform wanted—or more coaxial and optical digital inputs, Dirac Live room-correction capabilities, more power, a more efficient topology, and access to Lenbrook's BluOS streaming/multiroom audio platform
• At first glance it's hard to distinguish the Model 40n from its slightly costlier Marantz Model 30 sibling

Takeaway: The Marantz Model 40n is a stylish and feature-packed streaming amplifier that offers a musical and inviting performance. With its versatile connectivity options and impressive sound quality, the Model 40n is a great choice for modern, lifestyle hifi systems.