iBasso Nunchaku
Color:Red
Main Features:
- Tube/Class AB dual output modes.
- Dual Raytheon JAN6418 antique tubes.
- OPAMP+BUF Class AB amplifier, BUF634A*4.
- 525mW+525mW@32ohm output power.
- Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 Master HiFi™ DAC Chips.
- FPGA built-in and KDS Femtosecond oscillator.
- Support of PCM up to 32bit/768kHz.
- Support of Native DSD up to 512x.
- 3.5mm coxial output supports PCM up to 768kHz, and DoP DSD up to 256x.
- OLED screen.
- Knob operation quickly completes settings and volume adjustment.
- Dedicated UAC APP for Android devices, which allows adjustment of volume, channel balance, and digital filters.
- Aluminum CNC case with tempered glass panels on both sides.
- Detachable cable design.
- 4.4mm balanced output and 3.5mm single-ended output.
- Works as a USB-DAC for Android smartphones & tablets, Mac,Windows & Linux computers
Dual Raytheon JAN6418 Tubes 22.5V Anode Power Supply
The Nunchaku utilizes two Raytheon JAN6418 directly heated vacuum tubes, renowned for their compact size, low power consumption, and operational stability. Unlike most portable products that use 9V or 12V power supplies, the Nunchaku features a 22.5V anode power supply specifically for the JAN6418 tubes. This higher voltage provides increased headroom, ensuring the tubes operate at their full potential.
The dual JAN6418 tubes give the Nunchaku a distinctly analog sound, with a warm, laid-back, and smooth "tube flavor" that is pleasant to listen to. This allows the Nunchaku to present an analog musical experience.
TUBE and Class AB Output Modes
Tube Flavor & Precise Sound Are Switchable
In addition to the TUBE output mode, Nunchaku also has a Class AB amplification circuit, that allows users to switch between these two output modes. In TUBE mode, the sound sweet and warm, showing the amazing quality of tubes; Class AB mode has higher resolution with abundant dynamics.
* 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.
Dual OPAMP x4 + BUF634A x4
Luxury Configuration Comparable to Flagship Players
Unlike most dongles that use all-in-one headphone amplifier chips, the Nunchaku uses the OPAMP+BUF634 structure. This is often used in flagship audio players. The Nunchaku utilizes 2pcs Raytheon tubes + 4pcs TI high-performance dual OPAMPs + 4pcs BUF634A. In such a compact size, the Nunchaku presents a precision audio structure that far exceeds that of ordinary dongles, thereby achieving unprecedented sound performance.
525mW+525mW@32Ω
Overwhelming Output Power
The Nunchaku's TUBE mode output power is up to 525 mW + 525mW @ 32Ω, which can easily drive all types of flagship IEMs and most headphones. The Nunchaku utilizes 2pcs Raytheon tubes + 4pcs Tl high-performance dual OPAMP + 4pcs BUF634A, creating a powerful headphone amplifier in a very compact size. In addition, the Nunchaku's power consumption is excellent, with the power consumption of the tube mode as low as 120mA/5V, which is lower than most dongles. The Class AB output power consumption is indeed lower than 100mA/5V.
CS43198X2 Flagship DAC
A Highly Praised DAC Solution
Cirrus Logic's flagship DAC chip, CS43198, has an excellent reputation for resolution, sound reproduction, dynamic range and extremely low noise floor. iBasso has achieved perfection in tuning CS's chips and the Nunchaku adopts a dual CS43198 design further enhancing your musical experience.
JRC Hardware Volume Control
In TUBE mode, the Nunchaku utilizes a JRC hardware volume control. The DAC works at the maximum output state following a tube amplifier with hardware volume control. While lowing the volume, the noise is also being lowered thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio.
0.96" OLED Screen & Multi-function Knob
Simple & Straightforward Operation
The Nunchaku is equipped with a 0.96-inch OLED display and a custom encoder. Users can use the multi-function knob to achieve all functions. In addition, the Nunchaku also has an Android APP to achieve a variety of adjustments.
PORON Suspension
Following numerous attempts, we ultimately implemented a "hanging" installation utilizing PORON material to suspend the tubes within the chassis, therefore attaining effective shock absorption and reducing the microphonic effect.
Tube Selection With APX555
Manually Matching Tubes One by One
The production method for tubes has some limitations, thus there may be small variations in each tube. To guarantee that the variation in sound quality between each JAN6418 tube is manageable, our team uses the APX555 audio testing equipment to conduct SINAD pairing before each pair is used in manufacturing. Due to the extensive testing procedure, iBasso is capped at 50 tube pairings daily. The goal of all of these is to provide the highest quality audio output.
Couple words from iBasso Audio
This product offers two distinct output modes: TUBE mode and Class AB mode.
The TUBE mode, characterized by its distinctive tube qualities, delivers a rich and even harmonic distortion, resulting in a warm, sweet, and captivating sound experience. It is important to note that the filament structure within the tube may be susceptible to the microphonic effect resulting from vibrations during operation, which could lead to minor interference sounds when in proximity to a smartphone. The tube also exhibits a degree of background noise. Should you have any concerns regarding these characteristics, We recommend considering the following two solutions:
1. Purchase other dongle products of iBasso;
2. Switch to Nunchaku's Class AB mode.
The Class AB mode employs high-precision OPAMPs with BUF634A, delivering exceptional performance and standing out among comparable products. However, The distinctive tone delivered by the TUBE mode remains unmatched by other dongles. The warm and sweet sound performance exemplifies the distinct allure of the tube. We are confident that regardless of the mode you select, the Nunchaku will deliver an unparalleled listening experience.
Specifications:
- DAC Chipset: Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198
- PCM: Up to 32bit/768kHz
- DSD: Native DSD 512x
- Weight: 50g
- Size : 65mm*34.6mm*15mm
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
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
3.5mm Single-ended Output (AB Mode)
- THD+N：-115dB(0.00017%) @1kHz 600Ω Load
- 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 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
