iBasso Nunchaku Portable USB DAC and Amp with dual CS43198 DACs, switchable tube and Class AB modes, and high power balanced output. It packs Raytheon JAN6418 vacuum tubes with a dedicated high voltage supply for warm analog sound. The compact titanium build includes an OLED display and volume wheel for easy control while supporting PCM 768kHz and DSD512.
About iBasso Nunchaku
The iBasso Nunchaku brings a unique hybrid approach to portable audio with its dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DAC chips working alongside dual hand-matched Raytheon JAN6418 vacuum tubes. This setup uses a dedicated 22.5V anode power supply so the tubes operate at their best. Users enjoy warm tube sound or switch instantly to precise solid-state Class AB mode for different listening preferences. The fully balanced amplifier design with TI dual op-amps and BUF634 buffers delivers rich detail while keeping the signal clean.
Balanced 4.4mm output reaches up to 525mW per channel at 32 ohms in tube mode while the 3.5mm single-ended port doubles as coaxial S/PDIF digital output. This flexibility lets the device drive demanding headphones or send digital signals to external gear without extra adapters. High power output combined with the switchable modes makes it versatile for both sensitive IEMs and full-size headphones during daily use.
A compact titanium alloy chassis keeps the unit pocketable and durable for on-the-go listening. The 0.96-inch OLED display clearly shows current settings while the multi-function volume wheel with end-stopper lets users quickly change modes or select among five DAC filters. USB-C input pulls digital audio and power directly from smartphones, computers or dedicated players so setup stays simple.
Support for PCM up to 32bit/768kHz and native DSD512 ensures the Nunchaku handles the highest resolution files with ease. The FPGA master clock system paired with a femto-second oscillator reduces jitter effectively for accurate sound reproduction. In Class AB mode signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range reach 130dB which brings excellent clarity across the frequency range.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| DAC Chips | Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 |
| Vacuum Tubes | Dual Raytheon JAN6418 |
| Amplification Modes | Tube and Class AB |
| Balanced Output Power | 525mW at 32 ohms (Tube) |
| Single-ended Output | 3.5mm with S/PDIF |
| PCM Support | Up to 32bit/768kHz |
| DSD Support | Native DSD512 |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 130dB (Class AB) |
| Dynamic Range | 130dB (Class AB) |
| Display | 0.96-inch OLED |
| Volume Control | Multi-function wheel |
| Chassis Material | Titanium alloy |
| USB Input | USB-C |
| Master Clock | FPGA with femto-second oscillator |
| Price | $299 |
Reviews
Really enjoy the warm sound from the tube mode on my daily walks. The balanced output drives my headphones with plenty of power and the switch to Class AB gives cleaner detail when I want it. Controls feel smooth and the small size fits easily in my pocket.
Love how this portable DAC brings rich tube character without any extra bulk. High resolution files sound fantastic through the 4.4mm port and the display makes mode changes quick. Battery drain on my phone stays reasonable even during long sessions.
The build quality feels solid and the volume wheel works great for quick adjustments. Tube mode adds nice warmth to vocals while Class AB keeps everything precise. It handles my demanding IEMs well and the overall performance surprised me positively.
