In Fiio continue to systematically and methodically supply its flagship Fiio X7 promised modules of replaceable amplifiers, it's time for the model AM3. The main difference is the use of a balanced circuit, and this module was built on the basis of OPA1622 chips, not so long ago presented by TI. Also, true to their strategy of equipping all the necessary accessories, Fiio released a line of balanced cables for IEM, supporting the replacement of wires.
Specifications
- Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- Signal to noise ratio: ≥115 dB
- Total harmonic distortion (32Ω, 1 kHz): <0.001% normal, <0.0008% balance
- Channel separation: > 72 dB typical,> 110 dB balance
- Output voltage: > 7 Vp-p normal,> 11 Vp-p balance
- Output impedance: <0.3Ω @ 32Ω on both outputs
- Output power: > 250 mW @ 16Ω,> 190 mW @ 32Ω,> 25 mW @ 300Ω
- The output power of the balanced output is > 420 mW @ 16Ω,> 540 mW @ 32Ω,> 70 mW @ 300Ω
- Dimensions: 64 mm × 25 mm × 16 mm
- Weight: 27g
The module is traditionally packed: a cardboard box, there is a tin box in it, in the box, an amplifier fixed by an insert of foam rubber. In addition to the amplifier, the cogs and stickers have traditionally been placed, and additionally - a warning about the fragility of the 2.5 mm connector and rubber rings that can be worn on the balanced plugs as a gasket.
Intermedia - wires
To their balanced amplifier Fiio decided to release wires for the IEM, with 2.5 mm connectors. The first models came out with MMCX connectors and UE plugs, soon there were more models with Westone connectors, IM-series headphones for Audio-Technica series, and even a modification for Sennheiser IE. The wires are made of silver-plated multilayer litzendrata and are distinguished by high-quality connectors. Outwardly they are very bright, beautiful silvery color. Of the minuses, you can note the high rigidity and microphone effect, compensated, however, by the runner of the splitter. The wires are very reliable and will obviously serve customers long enough.
I used these wires with a lot of their IEM and was very pleased: they do not change the sound, and in operation they are more than good.
Installation
Connection of the module of problems also does not constitute. The screwdriver supplied with the player is unscrewed by two screws, remove the module and put a new one, after that it remains only to screw everything back.
Before going to the main, sound, I'll tell you about the second most important issue, the impact on the battery. I measured the running time using MeeAudio P1 as a load, played FLAC files with a resolution of 44.1 kHz / 16 bits at a loudness of 60 with low gain, wireless interfaces turned off. At both outputs, the result was a few minutes less than 7 hours. Thus, for power consumption, this module falls exactly between AM2 and AM5.
Sound
And, of course, the most important thing.
To listen to the device used the following headphones: ZMF Omni, Meze 99 Classics, Lear LHF-AE1d, Ambient Acoustics AM10, HiFiMan HE-400S, Audio Zenith PMx2, Noble Kaiser K10AU, Campfire Audio Jupiter, Dita Audio Brass.
In AM3, Fiio tried to achieve a neutral sound with emphasis on detail and maximum elaboration of contrasts. The bass is very deep and textured, it differs in density. If you carp, then you can note the non-ideal attack fronts, but to hear them - you need to listen. The middle frequencies are not colored and pleasing with microdetails. The imaginary scene is built medium in depth, but widely enough, emotions are transmitted at the proper level. HF - just as much as they are in the recording, plus the "top" is very well worked out, it seems that the melody finds the missing air and lightness.
In theory, a balanced output should provide better channel separation, but these numbers are still outside of audibility. I conducted blind tests on two devices, leveling their volume, and the difference between normal and balanced outputs was somewhere at the level of audibility. Periodically it seemed to me that the sound of balance is more detailed and airy, but the effect is so small that I can not clearly recognize its presence.
Naturally, we can not do without comparing this model with the rest. AM1 as a whole is not a competitor to other amplifiers, it's the "default option", inexpensive and budgetary. AM2 - sounds a little softer than AM3 and has a smoother feed, which is good for many headphones, especially with rebar emitters. AM5, in my opinion, with the output of AM3 loses its usefulness, the balanced model sounds a little better (deeper bass and more elegant HF), while AM3 economically refers to the battery. The downside of this module is the need to use a balanced connector to achieve the same power as AM5.
In general, the choice of modules at the moment is reduced to AM2 and AM3, the first is better for most modern IEM, especially the reinforcement and hybrid ones, and the AM3 will fit where more power is needed.
conclusions
Fiio continues to successfully develop a model of accessories for its flagship, giving users the opportunity to choose what will best meet their needs. Separately, I note the coup with the release of a wide range of cables for the IEM, for many it is the bundle X7 + AM3 + the wire from Fiio will be the entrance ticket to the world of balanced connection. AM3 turned out to be a very successful module, in my opinion, it actually "kills" AM5, but Fiio can not be relaxed, competitors are actively stepping on their heels.
The article is based on materials .
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