FiiO has introduced the CLASS A desktop headphone amplifier, part of the company’s Retro Desktop HiFi System series. The model features a fully analog design and can be used not only with headphones, but also as a preamplifier for active speakers or an external power amplifier thanks to its RCA and XLR line outputs.
The amplification stage of the FiiO CLASS A is built entirely with discrete components and operates in Class A. It uses 16 Toshiba Twin Audio transistors and eight Sanken Electric audio transistors, with the operating points of each component individually calibrated. The signal path follows a fully balanced differential topology. Through the balanced outputs, the amplifier delivers up to 4W per channel into 32 ohms and 1.36W per channel into 300 ohms, while the 6.35mm single-ended output provides up to 2.85W per channel into 32 ohms. Five gain levels are available to accommodate different types of headphones.
The power supply is based on a 60W toroidal transformer and Nichicon Audio filtering capacitors with a total capacitance of 20,000µF. Different sections of the circuitry are powered by separate regulated power rails, while the analog stage uses WIMA film capacitors, ELNA audio capacitors, and precision MELF resistors. The front panel also features dedicated analog bass and treble controls with an adjustment range of ±10dB.
Source connectivity includes RCA, 3.5mm, 4.4mm Pentaconn, and XLR inputs, while headphones can be connected via 6.35mm, 4.4mm Pentaconn, or 4-pin XLR outputs. The unit also provides 12V trigger input and output connections. The USB-C port is intended solely for local firmware updates, as the CLASS A does not feature a built-in DAC or USB Audio support. Measuring approximately 213 × 239 × 67mm and weighing around 3.5kg, the amplifier will be available in black and silver finishes. The recommended retail price of the FiiO CLASS A headphone amplifier in Europe is €499.
