Name: A17 Class-A Headphone and Preamplifier
Brand: Aune
SKU: 110305
Price: 2499.00 EUR
Availability: InStock

Fully Discrete · True Class A · Precision Volume Control

As a flagship desktop headphone amplifier meticulously engineered by aune, the A17 sets a new standard that goes far beyond conventional products in circuit architecture, power supply design, thermal management, and user interaction. It not only continues aune’s signature warm and refined tonal character, but also elevates driving power, control, and stability to a new level through extensive R&D optimizations. The result is a reliable and trustworthy analog amplification core for demanding headphone enthusiasts.

With the core design goal of delivering stable, true Class-A operation over long listening sessions, the A17 has been completely redesigned from input stage to overall architecture. While preserving sonic density and texture, it achieves improved power efficiency and superior thermal control, ensuring its flagship status is reflected in every listening experience.

Twin JFET Input Stage Circuit

The A17 adopts a Twin JFET (Junction Field-Effect Transistor) input stage design. JFETs inherently possess voltage-controlled characteristics similar to vacuum tubes, delivering a natural, smooth, and richly layered sonic character. By employing dual-transistor parallel architecture, linearity is further optimized, allowing the signal to acquire a full and solid texture from the initial amplification stage. Instrument imaging has solid physical presence and fine luster, while vocal reproduction is delicate, refined, and emotionally engaging. This design not only enhances musicality but also provides a more stable and purer signal foundation for the subsequent power amplification stage—making it a defining element of the A17's signature sound.

Two Current Modes & Four Gain Settings

To precisely match the drive requirements of different headphone types, the A17 offers two current modes and four gain settings, creating a finely detailed power output range. Through different combinations, the amplifier can effortlessly accommodate everything from high-sensitivity in-ear monitors to high-impedance, low-sensitivity flagship over-ear headphones. With the in-house 99-step R2R volume control system, the A17 provides fine volume adjustment while ensuring high-resolution, ultra-low distortion output. The stable and high-quality output environment allows all kinds of headphones to operate in their optimal state.

New High / Low Voltage Split Power Supply Architecture

In fully-discrete Class-A amplifier design, increasing the supply voltage is key to achieving greater dynamic range and higher linearity, but it also brings significant heat generation—an inherent consequence of lower energy conversion efficiency. The A17 innovatively adopts a split power supply architecture with separate high-voltage and low-voltage rails. The pre-amplification stage operates at ±20V, ensuring ample dynamic headroom and a spacious soundstage, while the output stage runs at ±15V, effectively managing heat generation while maintaining driving capability. This partitioned power supply approach strikes an ideal balance between sound quality and efficiency, allowing the A17 to maintain stable operating temperatures and consistently high sonic performance even during extended Class-A operation.

Three Pairs of Output Transistors in Parallel per Channel

The A17’s output stage employs three pairs of power transistors in parallel per channel, significantly reducing output impedance while enhancing transient response and load control. This ensures clear, powerful layering even during high-dynamic musical passages. Combined with the high-voltage pre-amplifier design and four gain settings, the A17 delivers a wide range of sonic characteristics—from delicate and smooth to powerful and dynamic. Its maximum output power effortlessly drives even the most demanding high-end headphones, providing a solid foundation for bass control and soundstage stability.