iBasso AMP17 Amplifier Card - TITANIUM

The iBasso AMP17 is a gallium nitride (GaN) plus transistor discrete, balanced amplifier card for iBasso’s DX340, DX300 and DX320 players, and the first use of GaN in a portable headphone amplifier. It gives up to 1,030mW per channel into 32Ω on battery, and up to 1,900mW per channel when the DX340 runs from a 12V DC supply, through a 4.4mm balanced headphone output alongside a 4.4mm balanced line out.

A new era of portable GaN

Compared with traditional MOSFETs or bipolar transistors, GaN FETs have electron mobility of up to 2,000 cm²/V·s, for higher electron velocity and lower conduction losses at high frequencies, and a much lower Miller charge than power MOSFETs of the same on-resistance. They switch faster, which in an audio amplifier brings better transient response, dynamic range and control.

Fully balanced and discrete

Each of the four phases (L+, L−, R+ and R−) has an op-amp followed by two GaN FETs and two transistors. On battery the card runs from ±8V rails; with external DC power they rise to ±12V for a much higher voltage swing. The line output is taken straight from the player, bypassing the amplifier stage.

High current, low internal resistance

GaN FETs have exceptionally low internal resistance, allowing higher drive currents, and with the AMP17’s low output impedance (1.1Ω) they drive low-impedance headphones precisely, for a layered, dynamic and detailed sound that stays rock solid even with complex, high-intensity transients.

Much less ripple interference

GaN supports higher operating frequencies, giving the AMP17 a wide, responsive bandwidth that reproduces even the finest high-frequency detail, and it greatly reduces the interference that inductor ripple currents cause in the audio signal compared with traditional amplifier designs, for crisp, natural imaging.

Fast switching, low distortion

GaN switches tens of times faster than conventional silicon MOSFETs, so the AMP17 achieves near-seamless zero-cross switching. The output waveform comes close to ideal, for a more transparent and natural tone in which musical nuances come through vividly.

12V DC and 1,900mW per channel

Building on iBasso’s latest external power supply designs, the AMP17 supports a 12V DC input. In Super Gain mode it delivers up to 1,900mW + 1,900mW into 32Ω, so full-size dynamic headphones and flagship IEMs alike get a rich, powerful sound with swift transients and deep, impactful bass.

For the DX340, DX300 and DX320

The AMP17 also fits the DX300 and DX320. Everything works as before, but the sound has been comprehensively upgraded. The DX300 and DX320 do not support the external 12V DC supply, so they run the AMP17 from battery power.

Good to know

• There is no 3.5mm output on this card.
• In the box: AMP17 card, screwdriver, screws and warranty card. Titanium finish.