The Well-Tempered Computer, an introduction to computer audio

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Firestone Big Joe III digital amplifier

Taiwan's Firestone Audio produced some miniature digital audio products, but packed with features (and reportedly decent sound quality) at unbelievable prices.




The Big Joe 3 is a digital integrated amplifier with 20w (8ohm) power output. It accepts a variety of inputs including USB (USB 1.1, up to 48kHz), Digial toslink and coaxial plus a pair of analog line-in via 3.5" mini jack.  DAC chip used is a 24/96 capable Cirrus Logic CS5343 and Amplifier module is based on a Texas Instrument TI TAS 5706. Featuring Fi-reclock® technology to reduce jitter for digital inputs and high quality WIMA capacitors and inductors for its analog signal path.  Speaker output is via two space saving ethernet-style RJ45 jacks a-la Nuforce Icon 2.  The Big Joe III retails for US$325.