FiiO has released the CLASS A, a fully discrete Class A headphone amplifier and preamplifier built entirely from individual audio transistors rather than integrated op-amp chips. The FiiO CLASS A pairs a custom 60W toroidal transformer with a 20,000µF capacitor reservoir, aiming for what the brand describes as a pure, warm, and distinctly analog sound signature.
Fully Discrete, Hand-Matched Circuitry
Rather than leaning on integrated amplifier chips, the FiiO CLASS A uses a fully discrete Class A transistor topology, with resistors and capacitors hand-matched and tuned per channel to keep both sides of the amplifier consistent. That approach, combined with the oversized toroidal transformer and bulk capacitor reservoir, is aimed squarely at listeners chasing a traditional, analog amplifier sound rather than a digital-first design.
Power and Connectivity
The FiiO CLASS A outputs up to 4000mW plus 4000mW in balanced mode, with five-level gain control and ±10dB of independent bass and treble adjustment for tuning the sound to a given pair of headphones. On the front, it offers 6.35mm, 4.4mm, and 4-pin XLR headphone outputs, while the rear panel covers RCA, 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and XLR inputs alongside RCA and XLR preamp outputs, making it equally usable as a standalone headphone amplifier or as a preamp feeding a separate power amp.
Protection and Build
A built-in resettable thermal switch protects the FiiO CLASS A against overheating, while copper foil shielding around the transformer’s primary and secondary windings and an outer silicon steel shield are meant to keep electromagnetic interference out of the audio path for a quiet background. It joins FiiO’s wider desktop amplifier range, which already includes the tube-based FiiO EA13, giving the brand both a tube and a fully discrete Class A option at the desktop level.
Pricing and availability
The FiiO CLASS A is priced at $379.99 / €379.99 and is rolling out through FiiO’s official store and its AliExpress storefront, with international shipping being phased in progressively; buyers outside FiiO’s direct markets are directed to local authorized dealers.
Key specifications
- Topology: fully discrete Class A transistor amplifier, hand-matched components per channel
- Power: custom 60W toroidal transformer, 20,000µF capacitor reservoir
- Output: 4000mW + 4000mW balanced
- Controls: 5-level gain, ±10dB independent bass and treble adjustment
- Outputs: 6.35mm, 4.4mm, 4-pin XLR headphone outputs
- Inputs: RCA, 3.5mm, 4.4mm, XLR; RCA and XLR preamp outputs
- Protection: resettable thermal switch, copper foil and silicon steel shielding
- Price: $379.99 / €379.99
