FiiO has unveiled the EA13, a full-size vacuum tube amplifier designed to bring the allure of classic valve amplification in a modern, feature-heavy design.
The FiiO EA13 houses six tubes and Class A push-pull circuitry, delivering 28 watts per channel at 8 ohms, with circuitry designed to "preserve both the smallest details and the scale of a performance".
Digging deeper into the amplification, the new model houses two Sylvania NOS PCF80 preamplifier tubes, selected for their "refined, transparent presentation" and an "open, natural soundstage". Accompanying the aforementioned pair are four JJ Electronmic EL34 power tubes to round out that six-tube configuration.
Key to the new amplifier's performance is a low-noise output transformer, built to suppress unwanted vibrations while improving electromagnetic shielding and stability. The result, says FiiO, is a tauter, fuller bass reproduction wedded to a refined treble and improved dynamic handling.
On the connections side, four RCA line-level inputs are available. Like most valve amplifier designs, there are four ohm and 8 ohm speaker outputs depending on the nominal impedance of your speaker. For personal listening, a 6.35mm single-ended headphone output is found at the front of the unit.
The EA13 has been designed to house classic valve engineering within a modern chassis. The amplifier has a CNC-machined aluminium front panel which has been sandblasted for a more tactile finish, while a solid metal body has been built to offer electromagnetic shielding.
To complete the vintage hi-fi look, the EA13 houses two mechanical VU meters front and centre, flanked by backlit volume and input selector knobs.
The FiiO EA13 amplifier is out now, priced at £769 / $769 / €665.
MORE:
“I have never been happier” – 4K Blu-ray, OLED TVs, Dolby Atmos, and six unforgettable years as editor of What Hi-Fi?
From legendary turntables to cutting-edge DACs: 33 debut products that defined hi-fi history
Check out the best stereo amplifiers money can buy
