{"product_id":"ibasso-nunchaku","title":"iBasso Nunchaku | Vacuum Tube Portable DAC and Amp","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 50%;\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/ibasso-logo-horiz.jpg?v=1681845587\" alt=\"iBasso logo horizontal\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIntroducing iBasso's Latest Portable Dongle DAC and Amp, Nunchaku, Featuring Dual New Old Stock Vacuum Tubes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePortable DAC and headphone amplifier\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeatures 2x \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.cirrus.com\/products\/cs43198\/\" title=\"CS43198 Audio D\/A Converter Data Sheet\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCS43198 Flagship DAC\u003c\/a\u003e chipsets and 2x Raytheon JAN6418 vacuum tubes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDual output modes: Tube and Class AB\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBalanced 4.4mm + single-ended 3.5mm outputs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCurrently not compatible with iPhone 17 due to \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003epower output limitations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/ibasso-nunchaku-lifestyle-four.webp?v=1741377202\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1360\" alt=\"iBasso Nunchaku DAC and amp laying on side on wooden table plugged into iems and phone\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable width=\"90%\" bgcolor=\"”#f6f6f6”\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #a30e0b;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBloom's Take\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bloomaudio.mom\/blogs\/articles\/tube-in-your-pocket-ibasso-nunchaku-review\" title=\"Tubes in Your Pocket?: iBasso Nunchaku Review\"\u003eRead the full review here\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eNunchaku: A World Class Portable Tube DAC\/Amp\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Nunchaku offers audiophiles a versatile, portable solution with the perfect blend of modern precision and analog warmth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/ibasso-nunchaku-tube-spec.webp?v=1737993551\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1280\" alt=\"3D render PCB and dual tube schematic with voltage diagram\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDual JAN6418 Tubes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*NOTE: Microphonic Effect\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTUBE Mode:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClass AB Mode:\u003c\/strong\u003e In Class AB mode, there is no microphonic effect, interference, background noise, or similar issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/ibasso-nunchaku-lifestyle-five.webp?v=1741377294\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1360\" alt=\"iBasso Nunchaku DAC and amp in silver standing upright showing tubes and in red laying down on wooden table 3 quarter angle\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUnleashing Power + Audio Excellence\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeparting 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNunchaku 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eJRC Hardware Volume Control\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"iBasso Nunchaku DAC and amp in red laying next to 64 Audio iems coiled with cable on black speaker top\" height=\"1360\" width=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/ibasso-nunchaku-lifestyle-six.webp?v=1741377279\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/ibasso-nunchaku-in-the-box.webp?v=1737497718\" width=\"2048\" height=\"2048\" alt=\"iBasso Nunchaku with included accessories bird's eye\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"iBasso","offers":[{"title":"Red","offer_id":41231057289291,"sku":"IBAS-NUNCHAKU-R","price":299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Grey","offer_id":41231057322059,"sku":"IBAS-NUNCHAKU-G","price":299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Grey - Open Box","offer_id":41535838584907,"sku":"IBAS-NUNCHAKU-G-OB","price":369.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Red - Open Box","offer_id":41801567436875,"sku":"IBAS-NUNCHAKU-R-OB","price":369.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0023\/9255\/5595\/files\/ibasso-nunchaku-red.webp?v=1736538514","url":"https:\/\/bloomaudio.mom\/products\/ibasso-nunchaku","provider":"Bloom Audio","version":"1.0","type":"link"}