Austrian Audio Full Score One Amplifier Review

After looking at the Composer headphone from Austrian Audio, our attention turns to the amplifier that was suggested to be paired with it. The Full Score One headphone amplifier is a desktop device that is large and in charge. Is it an endgame amplifier for any headphone, or should it be solely paired to the Composer? 

This Full Score One headphone amplifier is a force to be reckoned with. As a desktop piece, you want to make sure you have the real estate to spare. Its size is comparable to most desktop amplifiers, so you can account for the same amount of space taken up on your desk if you are swapping out different units. The design has rounded edges to make it look smoother on the sides rather than a block. The face is all curved edges with circles and ovals, so the aesthetic leans into softness rather than a hard edge like some other amplifiers. 

The Full Score One is a heavy amplifier, but it's not meant to be moved once it's placed on a desk. You can rest assured that the device won't go anywhere, and there's still a flat surface right on top that allows for easy stacking of external gear. 

Because the Full Score One is just a headphone amplifier, there are minimal settings and controls on both sides of the device. The Full Score One gives you 4-pin XLR outputs and two 6.35mm outputs. There is a sliding cover on the XLR input, allowing you to keep the port clean and prevent dust accumulation. On the backside, you have dual RCA ports and dual XLR ports. You'll need an external DAC to plug in your audio source effectively. 

You have two buttons on the front of the Full Score One: one for power, one for True Transient Technology (TTT) Mode. TTT Mode boosts your detail by revealing some of the most hidden details in your tracks. The Full Score One is an excellent choice for those who want to pick out all the finer elements; you'll never miss a single detail with this mode turned on. I was able to put this on with some more analytical headphones like the Sennheiser HD 800 S and the Dan Clark E3, and it accentuated all the natural sound reproduction that makes those headphones memorable. 

Onto the listening portion. For my testing, I wanted to use a collection of different headphones to see how the sound profile of each pair was influenced by the external amplifier. I used the suggested pairing of the Austrian Audio Composer, via 4-pin XLR termination. After that, I used a collection of other headphones with varying sound signatures: 

• Sennheiser HD 800 S
• Dan Clark Noire X
• Abyss JOAL
• Final Audio DX6000

I found that the Full Score One was excellent for elevating weight from all these headphones. The Abyss JOAL and Final Audio DX6000 tend to have a heavier signature, mostly due to the amount of detail you get in the headphones. When compared with the Full Score One, everything begins to recede and filter backward for a more open, relaxed sound. Adding in the TTT Mode is a clever pairing, so you can get an open, deep signature while still getting all the detail you love to hear. 

In terms of frequency response in the Full Score One, you get a slight treble boost in any headphone. In something like the Sennheiser HD 800 S, I could see how that treble response is a bit overwhelming and perhaps not the ideal pairing. I liked the amplifier when paired with headphones with a darker tonality, like the Dan Clark Noire X, as it gave a little more balance to the signature as a whole for a fun, analytical listening experience. The Full Score One remains an excellent choice for audio mixers and engineers looking for a big gear upgrade. 

While all the headphones were exceptional pairings to the Full Score One, there was one that I liked most during all my listening. You guessed it: the Composer. In terms of headphone + amplifier pairings, Austrian Audio sets you up for success by making these two perfect complements to one another. As I mentioned before, darker-tonality headphones were a favorite with the Full Score One, so I would definitely try out headphones from Audeze or Meze Audio for a more fun and entertaining listen.

The Austrian Audio Full Score One is an excellent headphone amplifier that has the power to give you great sound from a host of different headphones. For the audiophile looking for an amplifier to pair with their DAC, this is a fantastic option that gives you the power you need without distraction. Its simplicity and finesse add to the top-tier quality, and at $1,599, it's an investment that is well worth it. 

The Austrian Audio Full Score One is available today at Audio46.