JadeAudio Level 1

The manufacturer is targeting the Level 1 at users who want to build a complete stereo system without placing several large components on a desk or cabinet. The enclosure measures just 18.1 x 13.3 x 3.6 cm, so the amplifier should fit comfortably on a desk, inside a shallow cabinet or on a small shelf. It is worth remembering, however, that the power supply is external, meaning the complete setup will occupy slightly more space than the dimensions of the amplifier itself might suggest. The front panel features a physical power switch, an input selector, separate bass and treble controls and a large volume knob. The Level 1 is therefore designed to be operated without reaching for a smartphone, even though the accompanying app provides access to more advanced settings. At the heart of the power amplifier section is the Texas Instruments TPA3255, a popular Class D chip used in many compact amplifiers offering high output power. The semiconductor manufacturer describes it as a design capable of operating with supply voltages ranging from 18 to 53.5 V. The TPA3255 incorporates PurePath Ultra-HD technology, including integrated feedback and power-stage error correction.

With the standard 48 V/5 A power supply, the Level 1 is claimed to deliver up to 2 x 120 W into 4 Ω. This should provide more than enough headroom for most nearfield monitors and typical standmount loudspeakers. FiiO says, however, that the amplifier can also be used with a more powerful optional 53 V/12 A power supply. In this configuration, the quoted output rises to 2 x 300 W into 4 Ω, which would theoretically make it suitable for driving many full-size floorstanding loudspeakers. The 2 x 300 W figure should nevertheless be treated as a maximum value until FiiO publishes the precise measurement conditions. Texas Instruments rates the TPA3255 itself at 2 x 315 W into 4 Ω with THD+N of 10%. At a lower distortion level of 1%, the figure quoted for the chip is 2 x 260 W. The manufacturer also draws attention to the amplifier's internal construction. The Level 1 is said to use a six-layer printed circuit board with thicker copper traces, shielded inductors, an elaborate power-supply section and capacitors sourced from German and Japanese manufacturers. The multilayer PCB allows the signal, power and ground paths to be arranged more efficiently inside the tightly packed enclosure, while shielding the inductors is intended to reduce interference reaching neighbouring sections.

In functional terms, the Level 1 sits somewhere between a simple analogue amplifier and a modern digital audio hub. Users are provided with an analogue line input, a USB input and a coaxial digital input. These are supplemented by Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity with support for the LDAC codec. The amplifier can therefore receive audio from a computer, CD player, external digital transport, streamer, smartphone or tablet. A turntable can also be connected, although it will need to have a built-in phono preamplifier or be used with a separate phono stage. The USB input supports PCM signals at resolutions of up to 24-bit/96 kHz. This is hardly a record-breaking specification at a time when even inexpensive DACs can accept 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD files, but in practice 24-bit/96 kHz covers the overwhelming majority of recordings available through streaming services and ordinary music libraries. FiiO has also provided several options for expanding the system in the future. The Level 1 is equipped with a preamplifier output and a separate output for an active subwoofer. The former enables the amplifier to be paired with an external power amplifier or active monitors, while the latter makes it easier to create a compact 2.1 system. This may be particularly useful in a desktop setup, where small loudspeakers can easily be positioned on either side of a monitor, but obtaining genuinely deep bass from them is considerably more difficult.

One of the Level 1's more interesting features is the combination of traditional tone controls and digital parametric equalisation. Bass and treble can be adjusted directly using two large knobs on the front panel. Users seeking greater precision will be able to open the FiiO Control app and configure a PEQ for digital sources. A parametric equaliser allows a specific frequency, the width of the affected range and the amount of adjustment to be selected independently. As a result, it can be used not only to tailor the sound to personal preferences, but also to partially compensate for problems caused by loudspeaker positioning or the acoustics of a small room. FiiO has not yet announced how many PEQ bands will be available in the Level 1. Subtle RGB illumination surrounding the volume control serves an informational purpose, with its colour indicating the selected source and the active Bluetooth codec. This solution is already familiar from many FiiO DACs and headphone amplifiers, but here it has been incorporated into a device that otherwise retains a traditional control layout. The aluminium body and wooden side panels give the amplifier a slightly retro appearance, although this does not come at the expense of thoroughly modern functionality.

The Level 1 may be particularly appealing to users assembling their first stereo system, searching for a compact amplifier for computer-based listening or looking to put an existing pair of loudspeakers to use in a second room. Its analogue and digital inputs mean that it does not force the owner to commit to a single type of source, while the pre-out and subwoofer outputs leave room for future expansion. On the other hand, this is not a complete all-in-one device. It has neither a built-in network streamer nor a phono input, so more sophisticated sources will need to be connected externally. The JadeAudio Level 1 is available now, priced at €139/£139/$139. Info and photos by FiiO.