Manufactured by KORG and Noritake, the 6th Gen Nutube operates exactly as a conventional triode vacuum tube and creates the same characteristic rich overtones that are sought after in triode tubes. At the same time, Nutube achieves substantial power savings, miniaturization, and quality improvements when compared with many conventional vacuum tubes. Voltage amplification is achieved with the Nutube, which results in a captivating and distinctive vacuum tube sound, all while maintaining exceptional linearity.
The PB5 utilizes six batteries to establish a robust power supply system. The Nutubes are powered by 2 batteries while the other 4 batteries function as the power supply for the secondary amplifier. With an efficient and pure power supply, you will experience immersive and crystal-clear sound.
Extremely diminutive 24 position, 4 section stepped attenuator. Optimal analog volume control enhances the ability to showcase the distinct analog characteristics of our vacuum tube amplifier. Channel imbalance is within a range of less than +/-0.1dB. When adjusting the volume, the noise floor is simultaneously attenuated.
The two-step suspension absorbs vibration mechanically and minimizes microphonic effect. The cathode input reduces the impedance, resulting in reduced signal interference from external sources.
I initially ordered the iBasso D16 after reading all the glowing reviews. I used it with my Focal Utopia 2022 and it sounded very good but coming from a Magico-based 2-channel system, I wasn’t wowed. I figured you can only get so much performance from a portable/transportable set-up. Out of curiosity, I ordered the PB5 with the expectation the tubes would add warmth but not much else. Boy was I wrong. Within seconds, I knew this was a game changer: the soundstage exploded in every direction, it became easier to hear the recording venue, the music flowed effortlessly, and the timbres became much more full-bodied and life-like. What it didn’t do was make the sound euphonic and tubey. The D16 + PB5 + Utopia 2022 is a highly synergistic combination and a provided a musical experience as engaging as anything I have ever heard