FiiO unveils EA13 analog tube amplifier for under $800

According to TechRadar, the EA13 uses two Sylvania NOS PCF80 pre-amp tubes and four JJ Electronic EL34 power tubes. The pre-amp tubes are chosen for what FiiO describes as a “refined, transparent presentation and an open, natural soundstage,” while the pentode-mode Class A push-pull operation is said to reduce distortion. The design draws inspiration from the golden age of tube amplification in the 1950s.

Power output is 28W + 28W into 8 ohms, enough for bookshelf speakers and many floorstanders. FiiO has included a custom high-bandwidth, low-noise output transformer that reduces vibration and improves electromagnetic shielding, moisture protection, stability and longevity. The company claims this results in tighter, more weighty bass, refined treble and faithful handling of dynamic shifts.

The front panel is CNC-machined from sandblasted aviation-grade aluminum, and the amplifier’s solid unibody construction provides electromagnetic shielding. The tubes sit under a protective cover, and the amplifier’s illumination can be adjusted so the mechanical VU meters match the glow of the tubes. Inputs include four RCA pairs, gold-plated 4-ohm and 8-ohm speaker binding posts, and a 6.35mm single-ended headphone output designed to match the sound signature of the speaker outputs.

There is no built-in streaming or digital input, so listeners will need to add their own DAC and phono stage. TechRadar notes that the amplifier is strictly analog and, at this price, is likely to tempt people who have embraced the vinyl revival.