Get classic hi-fi sound from FiiO with the EA13 tube amplifier
A modern amplifier design for fans of vacuum tubes
FiiO has launched the EA13, a full-size vacuum tube amplifier created to combine the appeal of pure valve amplification with a modern design. Three years in the making, the EA13 brings together six imported tubes, pure Class A push-pull circuitry and custom output transformers.
From the warm glow of its tubes to the movement of its dual mechanical meters, the EA13 offers a classic hi-fi experience. Light, motion and sound work together as the amplifier fills the room with the natural richness associated with classic tube designs.
Amplification is handled by two SYLVANIA NOS PCF80 preamp tubes from one of America’s premier tube manufacturers. They have been selected for a refined, transparent presentation and an open, natural soundstage. Four JJ ELECTRONIC EL34 power tubes complete the six-tube configuration.
Drawing on celebrated circuits from the golden era of 1950s tube amplifiers, the EA13 combines pentode mode with pure Class A push-pull operation. This configuration effectively minimises distortion while delivering a sound that is clear but rich enough to convey key movements in your music, whatever the genre.
With output of up to 28W + 28W at 8 ohms, the EA13 can drive most bookshelf speakers and floor-standing designs. Its power is designed to preserve both the smallest details and the scale of a performance.
At the heart of that performance is a custom high-bandwidth, low-noise output transformer. The construction suppresses vibration while improving electromagnetic shielding, moisture protection, stability and longevity. The result is a tighter and weightier bass, refined treble and faithful handling of dynamic shifts.
The EA13 pairs classic acoustic engineering with a modern chassis. Its thickened aviation-grade aluminium front panel is CNC machined and sandblasted for a refined tactile finish, while also helping to suppress resonance. A clean, solid unibody build provides excellent electromagnetic shielding. The tubes are recessed into the chassis beneath an integrated protective cover, creating a sleek appearance. Side grille ventilation and vibration-damping feet complete the design.
The volume knob is a high-precision analogue potentiometer with 40 levels of fine adjustment. Precision resistors are matched at every increment to maintain consistent left and right channel balance. Two mechanical VU meters give the EA13 its visual focus point, a LED backlighting evokes a classic aesthetic, while adjustable RGB lighting around the dual control knobs can be coordinated with the natural amber glow of the tubes, allowing listeners to personalise the look of the EA13.
Internal axial metal-film coupling capacitors deliver low loss, low distortion and excellent stability. Large-capacity Japanese NCC filter electrolytic capacitors support a pure, clean power supply, allowing the natural richness of tube sound to come through.
Four RCA inputs accommodate digital streamers, turntables (with phono stage), CD players, DACs and other sources. Gold-plated 4-ohm and 8-ohm speaker binding posts support loudspeakers of differing impedances, while a 6.35mm single-ended headphone output matches the sound signature of the speaker outputs.
Designed to be the centrepiece of your hi-fi system, the EA13 brings tube amplification to a new audience who want tube sound with a design that fits easily into the home.
Release date and pricing
The EA13 is out now, priced £769, $769, €665.
For samples, please contact Starscream Communications.
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Starscream Communications
SPECIFICATIONS
Colour: Black / Silver
Dimensions: Approx. 430 × 339 × 145mm
Weight: Approx. 17.7kg
Display: Dual-channel LED-backlit mechanical needle VU meters
Tube circuit: 2 × SYLVANIA NOS PCF80 preamp tubes; 4 × Czech JJ ELECTRONIC EL34 power tubes
Amplification: Pure Class A push-pull; pentode mode
Analogue inputs: 4 × RCA
Speaker outputs: Gold-plated 4Ω and 8Ω binding posts
Headphone output: 6.35mm single-ended
Recommended headphone impedance: 16–300Ω
Trigger: 12V Trigger In
Speaker output
4Ω output: ≥18W + 18W, THD+N <1%, 8.5Vrms
4Ω maximum output: ≥28W + 28W, THD+N <5%, 10.9Vrms
8Ω output: ≥18W + 18W, THD+N <1%, 12.1Vrms
8Ω maximum output: ≥28W + 28W, THD+N <5%, 15.5Vrms
Frequency response: 20Hz–60kHz; attenuation <2.9dB
Dynamic range: ≥97dB, A-weighted
SNR: ≥97dB, THD+N <5%, A-weighted
Noise floor: <150µV, A-weighted
Headphone output
300Ω output power: ≥185mW + 185mW, THD+N <1%, 7.4Vrms
32Ω output power: ≥60mW + 60mW, THD+N <1%, 1.4Vrms
Frequency response: 20Hz–65kHz; attenuation <2.9dB
Dynamic range: ≥95dB, A-weighted
SNR: ≥95dB, A-weighted
Noise floor: <25µV, A-weighted
THD+N: <0.06%, 1kHz / −16.3dB at 32Ω