FiiO CLASS A Brings Analogue Amplification To A Desktop HiFi System
A laptop and a good pair of headphones can form a first listening system, but some headphones need more power and control than a computer output provides. FiiO has released the CLASS A, a desktop headphone amplifier that also works as a volume-controlled preamplifier for active speakers.
At £379.99, it is an upgrade for somebody building a more ambitious desk system. It is an analogue amplifier: you still need a music source, and a DAC if that source only has a digital output.
Quick Reference
- Product: FiiO CLASS A desktop headphone amplifier and preamplifier.
- UK price: £379.99.
- Headphone sockets: 6.35mm, 4.4mm balanced and four-pin XLR.
- Inputs: 3.5mm and RCA analogue, plus 4.4mm and XLR balanced analogue.
- Other outputs: RCA and XLR for a power amplifier or active speakers.
- Important: No built-in DAC or speaker-driving power amplifier.
What Class A Means
An amplifier increases an audio signal so it can drive headphones. In a Class A circuit, the output devices remain active throughout the signal cycle. This approach avoids one type of switching distortion, but uses more electricity and can make the case warm. It does not guarantee better sound by itself.
FiiO uses a fully discrete circuit, meaning individual transistors, resistors and capacitors form the amplifier rather than a single integrated amplifier chip. The company says it matches and adjusts the parts of each channel during manufacture.
Power And Sound Controls
FiiO quotes up to 4,000mW per channel into a 32-ohm load through a balanced headphone connection. That is a maximum specification under stated conditions, not a volume level to aim for; protect your hearing by starting low. Five gain settings help match the amplifier to headphones with different sensitivity.
Separate bass and treble controls offer adjustments of up to 10dB in either direction. These are useful if an existing pair of headphones sounds a little too heavy or bright, though subtle changes are usually easier to judge than extreme settings.
Connections For A Growing System
The 3.5mm and RCA inputs accept ordinary analogue sources. Balanced 4.4mm and XLR inputs offer other ways to connect compatible equipment. Three headphone outputs cover common full-size plugs and balanced headphones; a balanced socket only helps if the headphone cable is made for it.
RCA and XLR line outputs allow the CLASS A to control the level sent to powered speakers or a separate power amplifier. It cannot drive passive speakers directly. A computer using USB audio needs a DAC between the computer and one of the CLASS A analogue inputs.
Where It Fits
This is a specialist desk component for a listener who already has headphones and a suitable source, or who plans to build a separates system over time. FiiO positions it alongside its DP11 CD player and WARMER R2R DAC, but those are separate purchases. A beginner starting from nothing should budget for the entire playback chain.
Price And Availability
The FiiO CLASS A is listed at £379.99 in the UK. FiiO says overseas shipments are being arranged progressively; local stock may vary. Black and silver versions have been reported.
What The Terms Mean
DAC: A digital-to-analogue converter changes computer or streamer data into a signal an analogue amplifier can use. Preamplifier: A device that selects or adjusts a signal before it reaches powered speakers or a power amplifier. Balanced: A connection design that can reject interference when supported at both ends. Gain: The amount by which an amplifier increases its input signal.
For more from Starting Out click here
