iBasso AMP18 Ear Amplifier AMP17/AMP16 for DX340 DX320 DX300

iBasso AMP18 Balanced Ear Amplifier Card

Flagship Transistor Amplification Architecture

AMP18 represents the pinnacle of iBasso’s modular amplifier design. Breaking through the size limitations of traditional AMP cards, AMP18 delivers true flagship-class transistor amplification with exceptional driving power, speed, and analog musicality.

Forty Dual Transistors · 80-Transistor Matrix

AMP18 utilizes an extraordinary array of 40 dual transistors, forming an 80-transistor matrix within the compact AMP module. This advanced design dramatically improves current output, low-impedance headphone compatibility, and overall sonic authority.

Cascaded Current Feedback Circuit

Conventional headphone amplifiers often rely on large-loop deep negative feedback, which can cause transient smearing and sluggish dynamic response.

AMP18 adopts a cascaded current feedback circuit, effectively avoiding transient distortion while preserving explosive dynamics, speed, and micro-detail—especially noticeable in drums and fast transient passages.

Two-Stage Amplification Structure

The first stage combines low-noise operational amplifiers with discrete transistors, ensuring accurate signal restoration while preventing early-stage attenuation.

The second stage employs current mirror amplification with complementary outputs, guaranteeing linear current delivery. Attacks are crisp, decays are natural, and fine details such as vocal breath and string harmonics are rendered with lifelike clarity.

Complementary Output Circuit

By using a complementary output design, AMP18 significantly reduces asymmetric distortion commonly found in traditional transistor stages.

Positive and negative waveforms are symmetrically amplified, preventing clipping in both low bass and high-frequency extension. The result is a warmer, smoother, and more natural analog listening experience.

1740mW + 1740mW High Power Output

With support for an external DC 12V power supply, AMP18 achieves a ±12V voltage swing and delivers an astonishing 1740mW + 1740mW @ 32Ω in Super Gain mode.

This immense output allows AMP18 to effortlessly drive demanding full-size headphones while maintaining deep, impactful bass, a full-bodied midrange, and clean extended treble.

Dual 4.4mm Balanced Outputs

AMP18 is equipped with two 4.4mm balanced sockets:

• 4.4mm Balanced Phone Out for headphones and IEMs
• 4.4mm Balanced Line Out for connection to external amplifiers

The dedicated balanced line output provides a clean signal source, allowing DX340 + AMP18 to serve as the core of a high-performance desktop or home Hi-Fi system.