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
Equipped with (2x) Raytheon JAN6418 Vacuum Tubes
Dual output modes: Tube and Class AB
Balanced 4.4mm + Single-ended 3.5mm outputs

Dual JAN6418 Tubes

The Nunchaku features two Raytheon JAN6418 directly heated vacuum tubes, known for their compact size, low power consumption, and reliability. Unlike most portable devices with 5V or 12V power supplies, the Nunchaku uses a dedicated 22.5V anode power supply, providing enhanced headroom and peak tube performance.

These tubes deliver a warm, smooth, and laid-back “tube flavor,” offering an authentic and engaging analog listening experience. To reduce microphonic effects, iBasso suspends the tubes within the chassis using PORON material, effectively absorbing shocks and minimizing vibrations for pristine audio quality.

*Due to the sensitive nature of the tube, the Nunchaku has some microphonic effect when using TUBE mode. When you tap the chassis of the device while pausing the music, you may hear a ringing sound, which is normal. In addition, there may be occasional interference from the phone. When playing music, these sounds are usually covered and do not affect the actual listening experience.

* In Class AB mode, there is no microphonic effect, interference sound, background noise, etc.

Tube and Class AB Output Modes

In addition to its TUBE output mode, Nunchaku features a Class AB amplification circuit, allowing users to seamlessly switch between these distinct sonic experiences. TUBE mode delivers a sweet and warm sound, highlighting the exceptional quality of vacuum tubes. Conversely, Class AB mode offers higher resolution and abundant dynamics for a more detailed and impactful listening experience.

iBasso red Nunchaku with connected headphone on black wood bench

Unleashing Audio Excellence

Departing from the typical all-in-one chip approach found in most dongles, the Nunchaku adopts a sophisticated OPAMP+BUF634 architecture, a hallmark of flagship audio players. This meticulous design integrates 2 Raytheon vacuum tubes, 4 TI high-performance dual operational amplifiers (OPAMPs), and 4 BUF634A buffers.

Within its compact form, the Nunchaku boasts an audio circuit of unparalleled precision, surpassing the limitations of ordinary dongles and delivering an unprecedented level of sound performance.

Overwhelming Output Power

The Nunchaku delivers up to 525mW+525mW@320Ω in TUBE mode, effortlessly powering flagship IEMs and most headphones. Its potent amplifier integrates 2 Raytheon tubes, 4 TI dual OPAMPs, and 4 BUF634A buffers into a compact design. Despite its power, the Nunchaku remains energy-efficient, consuming just 120mA/5V in TUBE mode and under 100mA/5V in Class AB mode, outperforming many dongles in efficiency.

CS43198 Flagship DAC

At the heart of the Nunchaku lies a dual implementation of Cirrus Logic's flagship CS43198 DAC chip. Renowned for its exceptional resolution, accurate sound reproduction, wide dynamic range, and exceptionally low noise floor, the CS43198 is a benchmark in digital-to-analog conversion.

iBasso grey Nunchaku DAC in grass with active LED display

JRC Hardware Volume Control

In TUBE mode, the Nunchaku incorporates a precision JRC hardware volume control. This innovative approach ensures the DAC operates at its maximum output level, followed by a tube amplifier stage and then the JRC volume control. This unique architecture effectively reduces noise as the volume is lowered, significantly enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio and delivering a purer, more refined listening experience.

Hand-Selected Tubes

To ensure consistent, high-quality sound, iBasso meticulously pairs JAN6418 tubes using advanced APX555 testing to evaluate SINAD levels. This precise process, limited to 50 matched pairs daily, guarantees exceptional audio performance for every Nunchaku.

Specifications

DAC: Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198
PCM: Up to 32bit/768kHz
DSD: Native DSD 512x
Weight: 1.7 oz
Dimensions: 65mm x 34.6mm x 15mm

4.4mm Balanced Output (AB Mode)

THD+N: -119dB (0.00011%) @1kHz 200kΩ Load
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 Balanced 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 Single-ended Output (AB Mode)

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

3.5mm Single-ended 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

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

iBasso Nunchaku with included accessories bird's eye

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iBasso Nunchaku | Vacuum Tube Portable DAC and Amp