News, Tips & Reviews
B&H Gift Cards
The Professional's Source Since 1973
Ask Our Experts800-606-6969
Hello, Log InAccount & Orders
My Cart
Video Chat with a Pro Audio Expert - Live
Home

iBasso Nunchaku Hi-Res Portable USB Tube DAC and Amp (Grey)

BH #IBNUNCHAKUGY • MFR #NUNCHAKU-GRY
1 review
Print
iBasso Nunchaku Hi-Res Portable USB Tube DAC and Amp (Grey)
Key Features
  • For Computers, Phones, Music Players
  • Dual Raytheon JAN6418 Vacuum Tubes
  • Class-AB Output Amplifier
  • Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC Chips
Enjoy the smooth, warm amp sound that only analog tubes can provide with the Nunchaku from iBasso, a portable DAC and headphone amp loaded with two Raytheon JAN6418 tubes. Combined with dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chips and a high internal 22.5V voltage, this portable DAC provides you with incredibly musical audio reproduction and wide sonic headroom.
More Details
In Stock
No Store Display
$299.00
+
Save the Tax‡
or Pay $50/mo. suggested payments for 6 Mos.§ when you use the Payboo credit card. Learn More
Free 2-Day Shipping
Protect Your Gear
Add a protection plan from $42.99
See Options
Color
Grey
Red
Ask an Expert
800-606-6969

iBasso Nunchaku Overview

Enjoy the smooth, warm amp sound that only analog tubes can provide with the Nunchaku from iBasso, a portable DAC and headphone amp loaded with two Raytheon JAN6418 tubes. Combined with dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chips and a high internal 22.5V voltage, this portable DAC provides you with incredibly musical audio reproduction and wide sonic headroom.

The Nunchaku features two selectable output modes: TUBE mode utilizes the internal tubes to their maximum for a distinctly sweet and warm character, while Class-AB mode offers abundant dynamics and up to a high resolution of 32-bit / 768 kHz and DSD512x. The titanium op-amps and BUF634A output amps ensure superior sound quality and a high maximum output power of 525mW per side into 32 ohms. The 0.96" OLED screen and multifunctional control knob make onboard adjustments easy. The portable amp sports one 4.4mm Pentaconn output for balanced headphones and one 3.5mm output for unbalanced headphones. Further notable technical specs include smooth JRC hardware volume control, an in-house developed FPGA, and a KDS femtosecond oscillator. The Nunchaku includes a USB-C cable, a USB-C to Lightning cable, a USB-A to USB-C plug adapter, and a carrying case.

Dual Raytheon JAN6418 Tubes
The Nunchaku utilizes two Raytheon JAN6418 directly heated vacuum tubes, which are renowned for their compact size, low power consumption, and operational stability. Unlike most portable products that use 9 or 12V power supplies, the Nunchaku features a 22.5V anode power supply, with the higher voltage providing increased headroom for maximized sonic potential. The dual JAN6418 tubes give the Nunchaku a distinctive analog sound, with a warm, smooth tube flavor that's easy on the ears.
TUBE Output Mode
In addition to the selectable TUBE output mode, the Nunchaku also has a Class-AB amp circuit, and users can switch between TUBE and Class-AB output modes. In TUBE mode, the sound character is sweet and warm, showing off classic analog tube tones. With Class-AB mode, you get higher resolution with an abundance of dynamics.
Modular Headphone Amplification Chips
Unlike most DAC and headphone amp dongles that use all-in-one headphone amp chips, the Nunchaku utilizes an op-amp to BUF634 amp structure. This design is commonly used in flagship audio players. Two Raytheon tubes go into four TI high-performance op-amps before being fed into four BUF634A output amps. This setup provides precision audio that far exceeds your typical portable DAC.
Potent and Efficient Power
The Nunchaku's TUBE mode output power can get up to 525mW per side into 32 ohms, easily driving most types of flagship IEMs and headphones. In addition, the Nunchaku's power consumption is highly efficient, reaching as low as 120mA at 5V, lower than most dongles. The Class-AB mode output current at the same voltage is even lower, at a mere 100mA.
Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC Chips
Cirrus Logic's CS43198 DAC chip has an excellent reputation for resolution, sound reproduction, dynamic range, and an extremely low noise floor. iBasso has learned how to tune these CS chips for optimal performance in their DACs, adopting a dual CS43198 design for the Nunchaku.
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 JRC hardware volume control. This means that while the DAC lowers the output volume, the noise is also lowered, improving the signal-to-noise ratio.
0.96" OLED Screen
The Nunchaku is equipped with a 0.96" OLED display and a custom encoder. Users can utilize the multifunctional knob to control all internal features. In addition, the Nunchaku supports an iBasso UAC app for Android devices, to adjust a variety of settings even more easily.
PORON Suspension
iBasso implemented a hanging installation scheme for the Nunchaku, utilizing PORON material to suspend the tubes within the chassis, therefore attaining effective shock absorption and reducing the microphonic effect.

iBasso Nunchaku Specs

Key Specs
Number of Headphone Channels
Single Channel
Recommended Headphone Impedance
Not Specified by Manufacturer
Headphone Output Power
Up to 525 mW (4.4 mm)
Up to 150 mW (1/8" / 3.5 mm)
Audio I/O
1/8" (3.5 mm) / 4.4 mm Balanced Headphone
Digital Audio I/O
No
USB
USB-C
Wireless
No
Power Requirements
USB Bus Power
Form Factor
Portable
Number of Headphone Channels
Single Channel
Recommended Headphone Impedance
Not Specified by Manufacturer
Headphone Output Power
4.4 mm:
525 mW per Side into 32 Ohms (Max)
1/8" / 3.5 mm:
150 mW per Side into 32 Ohms (Max)
Digital Chipset
DAC:
2 x Cirrus Logic CS43198
Analog Circuitry
Tube:
2x
Op-Amp:
4x
Transistor:
4x BUF634A
EQ
No
Display
1x 0.96" OLED
Connectivity
Analog Audio I/O
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Unbalanced Headphone Output
1x 4.4 mm TRRRS Balanced Headphone Output
Digital Audio I/O
No
USB
1x USB-C (Digital Input, Power/Charging Input)
Wireless
No
Performance
Frequency Response
15 Hz to 40 kHz
Maximum Output Level
1/8" / 3.5 mm Headphone Outputs:
1.4 Vrms (Low Gain, AB Mode)
2 Vrms (High Gain, AB Mode)
1.15 Vrms (High Gain, AB Mode)
2.25 Vrms (High Gain, TUBE Mode)
4.4 mm Balanced Headphone Outputs:
2.8 Vrms (Low Gain, AB Mode)
4.1 Vrms (High Gain, AB Mode)
2.3 Vrms (Low Gain, TUBE Mode)
4.5 Vrms (High Gain, TUBE Mode)
Dynamic Range
4.4 mm Balanced Headphone Outputs:
130 dB (AB Mode)
110 dB (TUBE Mode)
1/8" / 3.5 mm Headphone Outputs:
125 dB (AB Mode)
112 dB (TUBE Mode)
THD+N
4.4 mm Balanced Headphone Outputs:
-119 dB / 0.00011% (200-Kilohm Load)
1/8" / 3.5 mm Headphone Outputs:
-115 dB / 0.00017% (600-Ohm Load)
SNR
1/8" / 3.5 mm Headphone Outputs:
125 dB (AB Mode)
112 dB (TUBE Mode)
4.4 mm Balanced Headphone Outputs:
130 dB (AB Mode)
107 dB (TUBE Mode)
Crosstalk
4.4 mm Balanced Headphone Outputs:
145 dB (AB Mode)
82 dB (TUBE Mode)
1/8" / 3.5 mm Headphone Outputs:
116 dB (AB Mode)
82 dB (TUBE Mode)
Digital Audio
Sample Rates
768 kHz
Bit Depths
32-Bit
OS Compatibility
Computer: Windows / macOS
Mobile: Android Only
Power
Power Requirements
USB Bus Power
Ground Lift
No
DC Input Power
5 VDC
AC/DC Power Adapter
No
Physical
Dimensions
2.6 x 1.4 x 0.6" / 6.5 x 3.5 x 1.5 cm
Weight
1.8 oz / 50.0 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
0.585 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
7.1 x 4.7 x 2.2"

iBasso Nunchaku Reviews

Tube goodness

By J
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-02-06

Hard to beat for classical and jazz

See any errors on this page?
Whatever You Need, We've Got It