Name: iBasso Nunchaku | Vacuum Tube Portable DAC and Amp
Brand: iBasso
SKU: IBAS-NUNCHAKU-R
Price: 299.0 USD
Availability: InStock

iBasso red Nunchaku DAC front quarter whitebox

iBasso grey Nunchaku DAC front quarter whitebox

iBasso red front and grey rear Nunchaku DACs whitebox

iBasso grey Nunchaku DAC rear quarter highlighting active tubes whitebox

iBasso red Nunchaku DAC rear quarter highlighting active tubes whitebox

iBasso Nunchaku bird's eye in yellow protective case with attached devices over burlap

iBasso red and grey Nunchaku bird's eye over wood table

$299.00

Color

Red

Grey

Introducing iBasso's Latest Portable Dongle DAC and Amp, Nunchaku, Featuring Dual New Old Stock Vacuum Tubes

Portable DAC and headphone amplifier
Features 2x CS43198 Flagship DAC chipsets and 2x Raytheon JAN6418 vacuum tubes
Dual output modes: Tube and Class AB
Balanced 4.4mm + single-ended 3.5mm outputs

iBasso Nunchaku DAC and amp laying on side on wooden table plugged into iems and phone

Bloom's Take

The iBasso Nunchaku delivers the unmistakable warmth of tubes in a sleek, pocket-friendly design. This compact amplifier infuses your music with rich harmonics, a spacious soundstage, and a natural, organic tonality. Its hybrid architecture ensures a smooth yet detailed presentation, making it a perfect match for IEMs and headphones alike. With its innovative approach to portable tube amplification, the Nunchaku strikes a perfect balance between vintage character and modern precision.

Read the full review here.

Nunchaku: A World Class Portable Tube DAC/Amp

The iBasso Nunchaku is a premium portable DAC and amplifier that combines cutting-edge technology with the charm of analog sound. Powered by two Raytheon JAN6418 directly heated vacuum tubes, it delivers a rich, warm, and engaging “tube flavor” in TUBE mode, while Class AB mode provides a clean, distortion-free experience. A dedicated 22.5V anode power supply ensures superior headroom and peak performance, enhancing audio fidelity.

At its core, the Nunchaku features a high-performance Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chip, a benchmark in conversion and renowned for its exceptional resolution, accurate sound reproduction, wide dynamic range, and exceptionally low noise floor. To minimize microphonic effects, the tubes are suspended using PORON material, reducing vibrations for pristine audio quality. Each unit undergoes APX555 testing to ensure meticulously matched tube pairs, with only 50 pairs completed daily, guaranteeing consistent, exceptional performance.

The Nunchaku offers audiophiles a versatile, portable solution with the perfect blend of modern precision and analog warmth.

3D render PCB and dual tube schematic with voltage diagram

Dual JAN6418 Tubes

The Nunchaku features x2 Raytheon JAN6418 directly heated vacuum tubes, valued for their compact size, low power use, and reliability. Unlike typical portable devices with 5V or 12V power supplies, it uses a 22.5V anode power supply, ensuring superior headroom and optimal tube performance.

These tubes deliver a warm, smooth “tube sound” for an authentic analog listening experience. To reduce microphonic effects, iBasso suspends the tubes with PORON material, effectively minimizing vibrations and ensuring pristine audio quality.

For consistent sound, iBasso carefully matches the tubes using advanced APX555 testing, a meticulous process limited to 50 pairs daily, guaranteeing outstanding performance in every Nunchaku.

*NOTE: Microphonic Effect

TUBE Mode: The Nunchaku’s sensitive tube design can produce a slight microphonic effect. If you tap the device’s chassis while music is paused, you may hear a ringing sound—this is normal. Additionally, there may occasionally be interference from nearby phones. However, when music is playing, these sounds are typically masked and do not impact the listening experience.
Class AB Mode: In Class AB mode, there is no microphonic effect, interference, background noise, or similar issues.

iBasso Nunchaku DAC and amp in silver standing upright showing tubes and in red laying down on wooden table 3 quarter angle

Unleashing Power + Audio Excellence

Departing from the typical all-in-one chip approach found in most dongles, the Nunchaku adopts a sophisticated OPAMP+BUF634 flagship architecture. This design integrates x2 Raytheon vacuum tubes, x4 TI high-performance dual operational amplifiers (OPAMPs), and x4 BUF634A buffers into a compact footprint.

Nunchaku delivers up to 525mW+525mW@320Ω in TUBE mode, effortlessly powering flagship IEMs and most headphones. Despite its power, the Nunchaku remains energy-efficient, consuming just 120mA/5V in TUBE mode and under 100mA/5V in Class AB mode.

JRC Hardware Volume Control

In TUBE mode, the Nunchaku incorporates a precise JRC hardware volume control. This innovative approach ensures the DAC operates at its MAX output level, followed by a tube amp stage and then volume control. This unique architecture effectively reduces noise as the volume is lowered, significantly enhancing the SNR and delivering a more refined listening experience.

iBasso Nunchaku DAC and amp in red laying next to 64 Audio iems coiled with cable on black speaker top

Specifications

DAC: Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198
PCM: Up to 32bit/768kHz
DSD: Native DSD 512x
Weight: 1.7 oz
Dimensions: 2.6" x 1.4" x 0.6"

4.4mm BAL Output (AB Mode)

THD+N: -119dB (0.00011%) @1kHz 200kΩ
Output Voltage
- 2.8Vrms (Low Gain)
- 4.1Vrms (High Gain)
Output Power: 450mW@32Ω
S/N: 130dB
Dynamic Range: 130dB
Crosstalk: 145dB
Frequency Response: 15Hz-40kHz ±0.5dB

4.4mm BAL Output (TUBE Mode)

Output Voltage
- 2.3Vrms (Low Gain)
- 4.5Vrms (High Gain)
Output Power: 525mW@32Ω
S/N: 107dB
Dynamic Range: 110dB
Crosstalk: 82dB
Frequency Response: 15Hz-40kHz ±1dB

3.5mm SE Output (AB Mode)

THD+N: -115dB (0.00017%) @1kHz 600kΩ
Output Voltage
- 1.4Vrms (Low Gain)
- 2Vrms (High Gain)
Output Power: 125mW@32Ω
S/N: 125dB
Dynamic Range: 125dB
Crosstalk: 116dB
Frequency Response: 15Hz-40kHz ±0.5dB

3.5mm SE Output (TUBE Mode)

Output Voltage
- 1.15Vrms (Low Gain)
- 2.25Vrms (High Gain)
Output Power: 150mW@32Ω
S/N: 112dB
Dynamic Range: 112dB
Crosstalk: 82dB
Frequency Response: 15Hz-40kHz ±1dB

In the Box

Nunchaku DAC
Protective case
USB-C to C cable
USB-C to Lightning cable
USB-A adapter
iBasso Nunchaku user manual

iBasso Nunchaku with included accessories bird's eye

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Tube flavor is wonderful to my ear.

I will be making additional purchases at Bloom Audio for the following reasons. Customer service is excellent and they give great advice.

Gorgeous but thin.

I met with Marty, Matt, and Sierra at CanJam and wanted to sample the Nunchaku. They were very kind and helped me with numerous DAC/AMPS and IEMs. The Nunchaku stood out as remarkable for its musicality. I deduct one star, however, because the bass is a tad weak. For lighter genres, like Jazz and Classical, this device proves lovely. For heavier genres, like Rock, Metal, and EDM, it thins out the bottom end, leaching some of the life out of it. I feel very grateful for the help of the staff.

Nice device, nice people

I bought iBasso Nunchaku from Bloom Audio. Highly recommended. it has very warm and musical sound. Really nice device and knowledgeable and friendly team of salespersons. Very satisfied.

Impressed

The Nunchaku is a great device. There was a small issue with the 1st one I received, but Bloom was quick to get it taken care of. The AB side is great, but the tube side is the main attraction. It is a treat, is compact, and easy to use.

good

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iBasso Nunchaku | Vacuum Tube Portable DAC and Amp