A conversation WITH MR. CHANG
FJORD AUDIO
Fjord Audio is a new Korean high-end audio brand founded by CEO Mr. Chang. Based in Seoul with production in Dongguan, the company is dedicated to precision-crafted, high-fidelity amplification. Fjord’s design philosophy combines minimalist aesthetics with carefully engineered circuits that emphasize low noise, tonal purity, and dynamic transparency.
The debut lineup features the C100 full-balanced tube preamplifier and the P150 monoblock power amplifier, both built with short signal paths, Class A operation, and premium components. The result is a presentation that balances energy and refinement, delivering music with lifelike clarity and natural harmonic richness.Fjord Audio represents the next generation of Korean craftsmanship in high-end audio—bringing precision, elegance, and musicality together in components designed for long-term listening.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your personal journey into audio design? What first sparked your passion for creating audio equipment?
I have loved classical music since I was young, and I dreamed of becoming an audio developer because I wanted to listen to it with good sound. I have experience using various products as an audiophile, starting with vintage audio and going from high-end audio.
Of course, I have been working as an audio developer and professional tuning engineer in Korea and China for over 25 years, and I have been working as an audio critic specializing in high-end audio for over 20 years.
In terms of technology, I have various experiences in developing vacuum tube amplifiers, solid amplifiers, digital amplifiers, and DSPs.
The reason I founded FJORD AUDIO was because I wanted to create the most proper analog sound based on my experience. And because I have a special love for vacuum tubes, I wanted to challenge myself to create the best product through vacuum tubes.
What inspired you to start Fjord Audio, and why did you choose this name for your brand? Does the name have special significance to you or your designs?
I have been dreaming for a long time. I wanted to create a proper high-end vacuum tube brand. FJORD is the name of an old glacial canyon in Norway. The outstanding natural scenery is attractive. Although it is a new brand, I put meaning into a brand that has enough experience like FJORD’s long history.
The brand’s logo captures the essence of nature, with glacial valleys, trees and intricate curves reminiscent of these natural elements and music waves.
Additionally, the product design is inspired by FJORD’s natural landscape, combining wood and metal to emphasize the feeling of nature and analog image.
How would you describe Fjord Audio’s philosophy or guiding principles in terms of audio design and product development?
The philosophy of the product and sound is clear.
It is the pursuit of true analog sound. To this end, all products use only complete vacuum tubes. And, no compromise is made on the performance of the product.
The ultimate sound goal is to overcome all the shortcomings of vacuum tube amplifiers, making the boundary between vacuum tubes and solid disappear.
What aspects of Korean culture or craftsmanship do you feel influence your approach to designing audio products?
Korea is a country with 5,000 years of history. It easily accepts various foreign cultures and moves quickly to new things. You can see this in K-Pop or IT businesses.
Based on this diversity, we were able to make creative and new attempts, and FJORD AUDIO’s unique design was completed, not a uniform vacuum tube amplifier style.
Also, I personally have a hobby in woodworking, so it was a great help in grafting wood.
As a new brand entering the global audiophile market, what do you hope will differentiate Fjord Audio from other audio manufacturers?
Development is done at the headquarters in Korea, and production is done at the factory in China. FJORD AUDIO has manufacturing base, development design, and quality control capabilities. Although the FJORD AUDIO brand has been established for a short time, the factory in China has already grown into a specialized OEM manufacturer over many years, and has proven its high standards in audio engineering with an impressive track record of producing approximately 1 million amplifiers.
In particular, FJORD AUDIO maintains close relationships with leading Chinese manufacturers who cooperate with world-class high-end audio brands.
Can you walk us through your design process? How do you go from initial concept to final product, and what are your priorities when developing new gear?
The design was made with 3rd mock-ups.
The FJORD natural landscape was incorporated into the design, but it was structurally difficult. The design direction was clear. It was a destruction of the existing vacuum tube amplifier style. And, although the appearance was important, I paid more attention to the invisible interior. Since I knew that the sound definitely changed depending on the structure of the device, there was a lot of trial and error.
The P150 power amplifier is based on a 3-layer aluminum frame structure inside, just like the Magico speaker. The black aluminum on the side is not just a pillar, but acts as a heat sink that dissipates heat.
The C100 and A100 have the same style. The most noticeable part is that there are no visible screws on the exterior. When you open the interior, it is gorgeous and neatly organized, reminiscent of the engine room of a supercar. The internal assembly has a structure that is installed upside down, and the base chassis and auxiliary chassis are separated, providing more solidity in terms of actual sound. Special UTS technology is also applied here, using a method of mounting the vacuum tube upside down and fixing it with a vibration-elease Ring and a 10mm thick aluminum cover.
When developing new equipment, the priority is sound optimization, and considerable attention is paid to power supply design, focusing on Zero Feedback, Class A, and differential balance configuration.
Were there particular audio designers or brands that influenced or inspired your work, either in Korea or internationally?
As a CTO, there are people and brands I respect. They are Dan D’Agostino and Boulder. The C100 preamplifier was designed after being inspired by Dan D’Agostino’s Momentum preamplifier. Although it is a tube amplifier, it made me realize the importance of full balance, class A, zero feedback design.
The workmanship, details, and power inside the product are inspired by Boulder’s style. You will understand it right away when you open the product. You can see how much effort was put into developing it from the circuit to the internal structure. What is surprising is that it is a tube amplifier, not a solid amplifier.
What challenges have you faced starting an audiophile company in Korea, and how have you overcome them?
Korea has famous brands for digital audio, but there are no famous brands for genuine high-end amplifiers. And, although development was not difficult in Korea, it is not easy to manufacture and manage vacuum tube amplifiers in Korea. I overcame this by directly investing in a factory in China, and I am proceeding without difficulty in entering the global market.
When audiophiles listen to Fjord Audio products, what do you want their experience to be— both sonically and emotionally?
Each model has a clear purpose. In the case of the P150 power amplifier, since it uses a Class A method with a complete full-balanced input and Zero Feedback, the sound is clean and it delivers a clear sound without distortion even when the output is increased. And, because it has a very powerful power bank, the low-frequency response speed and energy transfer are quite excellent.
In the case of the C100 preamplifier, it shows its advantage in orchestral reproduction. The clear distinction of each instrument part and the energy of each part are felt intact. The purpose is to create depth in the stage through this.
The A100 phono amplifier provides a sound completely differentiated from the phonos I have experienced before. It is the most dynamic and has a wide stage, and the output level is quite high and the SNR is excellent, so there is no need to worry about hum. It is possible to connect three turntables, and of course, it provides four curves including RIAA.
Looking ahead, what are your ambitions or dreams for Fjord Audio in the next five years? Are there particular products or innovations you’re excited to pursue?
Our goal is to become a top 10 vacuum tube amplifier brand in the world within 5 years. And we want to convey the essence of true analog sound. Please show us a lot of interest. We are currently designing a special integrated amplifier and are also considering a hybrid method.