It seems that the world is gradually sweeping wave of popularity of contact Pentaconn (aka 4.4 mm 5-pin plug). Initially it was used only Sony, but more and more manufacturers are turning their attention to it, relatively recently released iBasso AMP4, now the gain module with a similar connector “shot” and FiiO.
For starters — what do good Pentaconn? Well, the most obvious is the increased size of the plug and socket contribute to improving the mechanical reliability. In addition, the increased contact area improves the electrical characteristics of the connection, even theoretically. Another plus — this connector allows you to make a truly balanced output, headphone is not true, but the line out to connect external amp — Pentaconn will be better.
Sometimes, as in the case of AM3B, occur, and indirect improvements. While in developed FiiO amplifier module for the new connector, they realized that to post on the same Board as they did not work, so inside AM3B are two printed circuit boards, and this helped to improve the circuitry, sharing food and strengthening and increase capacity without a noticeable increase in the level of background noise. The price tag for the module — the same as on the other replacement amplifiers, it slightly varies from country to country, but the average is $ 110.
Specifications
Balanced output
- Frequency range: 7 Hz to 57 kHz (-3 dB)
- Output power: ≥498 mW @ 32Ω, ≥70 mW @ 300Ω
- Recommended load impedance: 16Ω ~ 300Ω
- Channel separation: >106 dB
- The ratio signal/noise: ≥119 dB
- Total harmonic distortion+noise: <0.001% of
- Output voltage swing: >11.8 Vp-p
- Maximum output current: >150mA
- Output impedance: <3Ω
3.5 mm output
- Frequency range: 7 Hz to 57 kHz (-3 dB)
- Output power: ≥158 mW @ 32Ω, ≥18 mW @ 300Ω
- Recommended load impedance: 16Ω ~ 150Ω
- Channel separation: >72 dB
- The ratio signal/noise: ≥118 dB
- Total harmonic distortion+noise: <0.001% of
- Output voltage swing: >6.4 Vp-p
- Maximum output current: >150mA
- Output impedance: <1Ω
Packaging, package, sound
The main box with the amplifier is the same as for the previous models, as well inside the package of construction paper hiding a tin can with amplifier, warranty card and spare cogs. But this time FiiO went a little further, the fact that the dimensions of the connector AM3B does not fit into the slot of a standard silicone case, so the AM3B comes complete with a removable cover for X7-II, taking into account all the dimensions of the module.
Mounting the amplifier still is not the problem, Unscrew a couple of bolts on each side, replaceable modules, screwed the mounting screws in place.
The increased power of impact on the battery consumption, so with this extension, the player works minutes 40-50 less than AM3A, however, it strongly depends on the load.
If we talk about sound, it is worth to say that listening to this module with a regular 3.5 mm output little sense, he actually has a different sound from AM3A, everything written below about the sound for the 4.4 mm exit.
Don’t know if it’s the increased power or optimized nutrition, but the sound compared to AM3A happened to others, it is more bodily, more massive and thus more natural.
The bass was a bit deeper and heavier, but he kept the same speed and texture that was characteristic of the A-version of the amplifier. Strikes became more defined and gained more realism.
SCH received the same amount of weight, maybe it’s a little hidden micronance, but the overall sound of this part of the range became more realistic, voices and instruments added a bit of emotion and sounded with more energy. Imaginary scene remained about the same as AM3A.
RF has not changed as much, but they have improved a little cleavage and the length of that added flow a little more pizzazz.
FiiO BL-44
A very logical step was the release of the adapter that allows you to use the new module headphones with a 2.5 mm 4-pin connector (for obvious reasons to connect through the adapter normal 3.5 mm plug would be a bad idea). In FiiO decided to develop an adapter with a small piece of cable between plug and Jack (about 8 inches). This is done primarily to reduce leverage and improve the durability of the nests at the source.
As wire used FiiO HPC-23T — monocrystalline copper cable from Oyaide Electric. For lovers of experiments in boxes with the first batch of adapters even put a short piece of this wire, so that future buyers will be able to test it on durability and longevity without damaging the adapter.
By the sound of things hoped for, the adapter turned transparent, neutral and negative impact on the flow of the source he has not. Manual for BL44 also more convenient than adapters that combine a plug and socket in a single housing.
Insights
Not sure whether fashion Pentaconn to a major change in the market or is it a momentary infatuation, but FiiO has shown that closely follow the trends and ready to “stake out” a place, producing solutions of good quality.
An overview of the amplification module AM4B FiiO and FiiO adapter BL44
Pavel Dmitriev