iBasso Introduces new AMP4s Module
iBasso’s DX200 and upcoming DX150 are pretty special devices. In a very similar fashion to what Fiio have done with the X7, X7 Mark II, and Q5, iBasso’s DX200 and DX150 are designed with modular amplifier circuits. The most recent addition to their offerings is the AMP4s amplifier card. This was done as the demand for Sony’s newer Pentaconn 4.4mm balanced connection is on the rise.
Specs for the AMP4s
According to iBasso, the AMP4s module is capable of outputting a maximum voltage (unloaded) of 6.2Vrms, and a rated frequency response range of 15-45kHz. The SNR figure is quite impressive, sitting at 124dB, whereas the THD+N is as low as 0.00032%. iBasso have also indicated the users could expect an average battery-life of around 7.5 hours, depending on the headphone load and sampling rate of the source music.
For the design of the AMP4s, iBasso states that “with the design of the traditional balanced amplification circuit design, there is a positive signal and a negative signal. They together reduce the harmonics, including both of the odd harmonics and even harmonics. On this amplification design even though sound is more powerful, the sound is flat and less musical, as even harmonics are reduced. On the iBasso balanced amplification design, [they] successfully reduced the odd harmonics, while retaining the even harmonics, thus keeping the sound full and as musical as single ended but with the added-benefits of a balanced signal”.
The AMP4s is, to some extent, a reworked and revised version of the original AMP4. iBasso have worked tirelessly to improve the circuit design, and as a result have designed the AMP4s to have a shorter point-to-point distance for various parts. They’ve also selected upgraded capacitors to work with their new design. In addition to the benefits of a balanced connection, “the 4.4mm connector design offers larger contact points, which lowers the contact resistance and thus enhances the signal transmission”.
Availability
The price for the AMP4s module is expected to stay in-line at $199 with iBasso’s other amplifier modules.
