80-Transistor Matrix
AMP18 breaks through the size limitations of the limited space of an AMP card. It utilises 40 dual transistors to form an 80-transistor matrix, a feat of significant difficulty. Thanks to excellent circuit design and a large number of high-quality transistors, AMP18 features a higher current output, better low-impedance headphone compatibility, and outstanding sound performance.
Effectively Avoiding Transient Distortion
Traditional headphone amplifiers often use a large-loop deep negative feedback design, which can reduce static distortion but leads to signal transmission delays. This is especially problematic when handling sudden dynamics in audio, such as drums or intense instrument passages, which results in sluggish response and loss of explosive power and detail.
AMP18 adopts a cascaded current feedback circuit, effectively avoiding transient distortion caused by large-loop deep negative feedback while preserving dynamic range and astonishing transient response!
Two-Stage Amplification Architecture
AMP18 employs a two-stage amplification structure. The first stage utilises operational amplifiers combined with transistors to accurately restore audio source details due to the low-noise characteristics of the OPAMP choice, while transistors boost the signal’s drive capability to prevent initial signal attenuation.
The second stage utilises current mirror amplification with complementary outputs for current output. This circuit structure ensures linear amplification, eliminating signal distortion. The attack and release of beats are crisp and clean, with natural decay, for example, violin harmonics or vocal breath and detail are clear and distinct, as if listening live.
Enhancing a Natural Analogue Experience
AMP18 adopts a complementary output circuit, significantly reducing the asymmetrical distortion typical of conventional transistor output stages. Symmetrical amplification of positive and negative half-waves allows a complete reproduction of the audio waveform, avoiding signal clipping that causes sonic distortion in low bass and high-frequency extension. This reduces the dry digital sound, resulting in a warmer, natural listening experience.
1740mW + 1740mW High Power Output
AMP18 supports an external DC 12V power supply, resulting in a +/-12V voltage swing. In super-gain mode, it delivers a remarkable 1740mW+1740mW @ 32Ω. The AMP18 can drive almost all headphones or IEM’s with ease, with deep, impactful bass, full-bodied midrange, and clean extended treble, while delivering excellent sound quality.
