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iBasso Kunlun GaN Desktop Headphone Amplifier

BH #IBKUNLUN • MFR #IBS-KUN
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iBasso Kunlun GaN Desktop Headphone Amplifier
Key Features
  • 8 GaN FETs, 40 Transistors Total
  • Up to 7400mW per side into 32 Ohms
  • Discrete Amplification Structure
  • Ultralow Output Impedance
Step into a mythological world of supreme sound quality with the iBasso Kunlun, a desktop headphone amplifier featuring eight GaN (galium nitride) FETs and 40 transistors total for exceptional analog sound quality. Sporting balanced I/O, including 4.4mm TRRRS and XLR 4-pin balanced headphone outputs, this headphone amp is an ideal choice for audiophiles seeking a premium listening experience.
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iBa o Kunlun Overview

Step into a mythological world of supreme sound quality with the iBasso Kunlun, a desktop headphone amplifier featuring eight GaN (galium nitride) FETs and 40 transistors total for exceptional analog sound quality. Sporting balanced I/O, including 4.4mm TRRRS and XLR 4-pin balanced headphone outputs, this headphone amp is an ideal choice for audiophiles seeking a premium listening experience.

Further I/O includes XLR 3-pin and unbalanced RCA inputs and a 1/4" TRS headphone output, providing three options total for headphone connectivity (XLR, 4.4mm, and 1/4"). The ultralow output impedance and maximum power output of 7400mW per side into 32 ohms ensures this amp can fully drive any type of headphones, from the smallest IEMs to the largest over-ear models. A discrete amp section, linear power supply, and TI 4-channel volume control provides impeccable sound quality with an incredibly low noise floor and minimal distortion The stylish CNC aluminum chassis offers efficient heat dissipation and durability. The Kunlun includes a power cable, a dual RCA to 3.5mm TRS audio cable, and a 1/4" TRS plug adapter.

Mythical Headphone Amplifier
Kunlun is the mythological abode of celestial beings and symbolizes utmost reverence. The iBasso Kunlun is named in this spirit—and represents their relentless pursuit of high-end sound quality. As a GaN desktop headphone amplifier, Kunlun integrates cutting-edge amplification technology and embodies a pioneering spirit of technological exploration and advancement.
Summit of Sound Quality
As the industry’s first to apply GaN (galium nitride) in an affordable desktop headphone amplifier, Kunlun signifies iBasso’s exploration of front-line technology. GaN FETs boast electron mobility (up to 2000 cm²/Vs) surpassing traditional MOSFET and silicon transistors, demonstrating higher electron velocities and lower conduction losses at high frequencies.

GaN FETs have a significantly smaller total parasitic Miller charge (QGD) compared to equivalent drain-source resistance (RDS(ON)) power MOSFETs, enabling faster switching speeds. When applied to audio amplification, this results in improved transient response, dynamic performance, and control.

 

High Current with Low Internal Resistance
GaN’s ultralow RDS(ON) allows higher current drive capability. As a powerful desktop amp, Kunlun’s output impedance is as low as 0.12 ohms and are capable of accurately driving low-impedance in-ear monitors, delivering a dynamic layered sound.
40 High-Performance Transistors
Kunlun utilizes premium components: eight power transistors in the output stage and 16x2 drive-stage configuration, totaling 32 transistors to build a large discrete amplification system. Compared to traditional op-amp architectures, Kunlun’s current output capacity is several times higher, offering greater dynamic reserve / headroom, with detailed clarity, while delivering both a powerful and delicate high-quality sound equally.
Conquering All Challenges
In balanced mode at a 32-ohm load, each channel delivers up to 7400mW, enough to drive any high-impedance, low-sensitivity full-size headphone. Kunlun exhibits a robust dynamic range with a rich layered soundstage.
Linear Power Supply: Digital Rectification Rejected
Kunlun abandons switching power supplies, opting for linear transformers with high-quality voltage regulators. This ensures smoother power delivery and a lower noise floor. The linear power supply keeps the entire analog signal chain stable and quiet while presenting micro textures and details with near-zero distortion, enhancing the analog flow of the music.
Comprehensive DC Protection
Built-in DC protection circuits detect abnormal DC components and immediately cuts off output power, thus safeguarding your headphones from damage.
Investing Heavily for Superior Sound
Every component in Kunlun is carefully selected. The device uses eight high-performance GaN FETs and a large number of audiophile-grade electrolytic and film capacitors, ensuring stable power supply and extremely low distortion, resulting in clean, delicate, warm, and engaging sound.
Analog Adjustment, Digital Control
Kunlun employs high-grade TI (Texas Instruments) volume control chips; at any volume, left and right channels maintain high consistency, with linear and delicate adjustments. At the same time, Kunlun utilizes an analog potentiometer for control, allowing users to experience the tactile feeling of turning the analog potentiometer. A three-position stepped potentiometer allows hardware gain adjustment, matching various headphone sensitivities and effectively suppressing noise and distortion, keeping the sound pure and natural.
CNC Aluminum Chassis
The chassis is made with precision CNC machining of aluminum alloy, with anodized surface treatment for a hard, scratch resistant surface. Its sleek, classic appearance exudes a refined metallic texture. The top allows for good heat dissipation, and when combined with an optimized internal design, this assures a stable and efficient operation under high load conditions, which prevents overheating that can affect sound.
EAN: 6971585541995

iBa o Kunlun Specs

Key Specs
Number of Headphone Channels
Single Channel
Recommended Headphone Impedance
Not Specified by Manufacturer
Headphone Output Power
Up to 7400 mW (XLR 4-Pin)
Up to 7400 mW (4.4 mm)
Up to 1900 mW (1/4")
Audio I/O
1/4" / 4.4 mm Balanced / XLR 4-Pin Balanced (Headphone)
XLR / RCA / 4.4 mm (I/O)
Digital Audio I/O
No
USB
No
Wireless
No
Power Requirements
AC Input
Form Factor
Tabletop
Number of Headphone Channels
Single Channel
Recommended Headphone Impedance
Not Specified by Manufacturer
Headphone Output Power
XLR 4-Pin:
7400 mW per Side into 32 Ohms
4.4 mm:
7400 mW per Side into 32 Ohms
1/4":
1900 mW per Side into 32 Ohms
Digital Chipset
No
Analog Circuitry
Op-Amp:

Transistor:
Custom GaN FETs
Volume IC:
PGA4311
EQ
No
Display
No
Connectivity
Analog Audio I/O
1x 1/4" TRS Unbalanced Headphone Output
1x 4.4 mm TRRRS Balanced Headphone Output
1x XLR 4-Pin Balanced Headphone Output
2x XLR 3-Pin Balanced Line Input (1 Stereo Pair)
1x Stereo 2RCA Unbalanced Aux Input
1x 4.4 mm TRRRS Balanced Line Input
Digital Audio I/O
No
USB
No
Wireless
No
Performance
Frequency Response
10 Hz to 40 kHz
Maximum Output Level
Headphone Outputs:
8 Vrms
Balanced Headphone Outputs:
16 Vrms
Dynamic Range
Balanced Headphone Outputs:
123 dB
Headphone Outputs:
119 dB
Impedance
Headphone :
0.12 Ohms
Balanced Headphone :
0.35 Ohms
THD+N
Balanced Headphone Outputs:
-117 dB (No Load)
-111 dB (600-Ohm Load)
Headphone Outputs:
-107 dB (600-Ohm Load)
SNR
Headphone Outputs:
118 dB
Balanced Headphone Outputs:
122 dB
Crosstalk
Balanced Headphone Outputs:
-109 dB
Headphone Outputs:
-111 dB
Power
Power Requirements
AC Input
AC Input Power
100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz
Ground Lift
No
AC/DC Power Adapter
No
Physical
Dimensions
9.4 x 8.8 x 2.5" / 23.9 x 22.3 x 6.4 cm
Weight
52.5 lb / 23.8 kg (without Accessories)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
6.69 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
12.1 x 11.3 x 4.6"

iBa o Kunlun Reviews

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