iBasso D17 'Atheris' R2R+1bit Dual Discrete DAC with Dual Nutubes Headphone AMP

IBASSO
SKU:  D17
Available for demo

$2,949.00
In stock Click & Collect
R2R + 1bit Dual Structures

The D17 utilizes iBasso’s in-house developed discrete R2R and 1bit DAC. It features a four-channel fully balanced symmetrical R2R discrete component DAC, utilizing a total of 284 high-precision film resistors with an accuracy of 0.01%. The R2R decoding provides a natural, delicate sound with a natural analog presentation, offering a unique lively listening experience. iBasso’s in-house developed 1bit DAC employs 8 sets of 8E, totaling 64 PWM-DACs, delivering a landscape of rich musical details and extremely high-resolution audio playback.

D17 DAC Modes:

  • NOS Mode (PCM utilizes R2R DAC decoding, DSD utilizes 1bit DAC decoding)

  • All to R2R (OS mode, all to PCM format)

  • All to 1bit (SD mode, all to DSD format)

 
Four-Channel Fully Balanced Symmetric Architecture R2R with 284pcs High-Precision Resistors

The D17 adopts a four-channel fully balanced symmetrical R2R architecture, with 284 meticulously selected ultra-precise film resistors featuring a tolerance of one ten-thousandth. Equipped with iBasso’s hardware resistor compensation circuitry and software compensation algorithms, the D17 achieves a THD+N of -104dB in R2R mode, outperforming mainstream R2R devices by over ten decibels and competing with flagship R2R desktop DACs. R2R decoding offers a rich analog voicing, producing a warm, delicate sound with exceptional musicality.

 
64 PWM-DAC, 1bit Architecture: Opening the Door to Acoustic Realism

In 1bit mode, the four channels (L+, L-, R+, R-) each have 16E, totaling 64 PWM-DAC units working together. Controlled by iBasso’s FPGA-Master 3.0 with nanosecond-level precise I/O delay management while compensating for "wiring delay," the design ensures that the signal edges arriving at the DAC are aligned and strictly synchronized. This not only achieves an impressive THD+N of -114dB but also significantly enhances sound detail and density.

 

FPGA-Master 3.0: Nanosecond-Level Precise Control, Global Clock Regeneration

The D17 is equipped with iBasso’s FPGA-Master 3.0 architecture, deeply integrated with two Accusilicon ultra-low phase noise femtosecond oscillators to create a pure, unified single clock source. Through nanosecond-level high-precision delay control and real-time clock regeneration technology, the system can simultaneously compensate for R2R and 1bit decoding, reducing clock jitter and distortion to extremely low levels. This ensures highly accurate sound reproduction, with every detail presented in its original form.

 

Dual Korg 6P1 Nutubes: Fully Balanced Headphone AMP With Incredible Power

The two Nutube 6P1 tubes on the D17 impart a unique tube character and a warm, mellow yet dynamic texture to the sound. The anode is powered by a 24V high-voltage supply, providing better linearity. Paired with the high-performance TI buffer amplifier BUF634A, it ensures a steady and powerful source of power. As a result, the D17 can deliver over 1200mW + 1200mW at 32Ω, easily driving a wide range of flagship IEMs and high-impedance headphones.

 

Three-Layer Composite Seismic Isolation System: Secondary Reduction of Microphone Effect

The D17 employs a composite isolation system composed of a double-layer PCB combined with damping materials. The two PCB layers are connected via pin connectors, effectively dispersing and attenuating lateral stress while significantly reducing resonance. The tube is placed on the second PCB layer using damping materials, providing a secondary reduction of microphonic effects. Actual measurements show that the microphonic effect is below the threshold of human hearing. Among iBasso’s tube amplifier products, the D17 consistently performs at the forefront.

 

Dual Battery Architecture: Pure Sound Quality Even In Heavy Load Conditions

The D17 features a dual battery power supply architecture, with the DAC and headphone amplifier powered by separate batteries. This dual design ensures the headphone amplifier section receives a stable current supply while effectively isolating digital interference. Whether under high gain or heavy load, the D17 maintains a pure and stable output, significantly reducing distortion caused by unstable power supplies. This allows the D17 to deliver clear and pristine sound quality, presenting recordings with the utmost musical integrity.

 
24-Position 4-Section Stepped Attenuator

The D17 supports both analog and digital volume adjustments. The analog volume uses iBasso’s 24-position 4-section stepped attenuator, which is only one-tenth the size of traditional stepped attenuators while retaining all of their advantages. The difference between the left and right channels is less than ±0.1dB. Digital volume adjustment is performed via a professional DSP module. The combination of analog and digital volume control allows for more precise volume output.

Features

  • 284 high-precision film resistors with a low temperature coefficient of 0.01% (25ppm).

  • Two Nutube 6P1 vacuum tubes, with a lifespan of up to 30,000 hours.

  • Custom 24-position 4-section stepped attenuator, with channel tolerance less than ±0.1dB.

  • Two Accusilicon ultra-low phase noise femtosecond crystal oscillators.

  • Professional audio DSP chip, with a theoretical dynamic range of up to 192dB and THD+N reaching -174dB.

  • Ultra-low noise analog power supply, with noise as low as 0.6μV, lower than the 0.8μV of the LT304x by Linear Technology.

  • Dual battery architecture, with separate batteries powering the digital and amplification sections.

  • iBasso custom film capacitors and vintage SPRAGUE capacitors.

  • 1.3-inch OLED display.

Specifications

R2R DAC Mode:

4.4mm Balanced Phone Out

Specification Details
Output Level 7Vrms (AMP H Gain + DAC H Gain)
Output Power 1200mW + 1200mW @ 32Ω (Distortion <1%)
THD+N -76dB (Tube Amplification)
SNR 116dB (AES17-20K A-weighted)
Dynamic Range 116dB (AES17-20K A-weighted)
Crosstalk 129dB
Frequency Response 15Hz – 22kHz at -1dB
Frequency Response 15Hz – 40kHz at -2.5dB
Output Impedance 1.9Ω

3.5mm Single-Ended Phone Out

Specification Details
Output Level 3.5Vrms (AMP H Gain + DAC H Gain)
Output Power 320mW + 320mW @ 32Ω (Distortion <1%)
THD+N -70dB (Tube Amplification)
SNR 112dB (AES17-20K A-weighted)
Dynamic Range 112dB (AES17-20K A-weighted)
Crosstalk 125dB
Frequency Response 15Hz – 22kHz at -1dB
Frequency Response 15Hz – 40kHz at -2.5dB
Output Impedance 1Ω

 

4.4mm Balanced Line Out

Specification Details
Output Level (Low Gain) 2.4Vrms
Output Level (High Gain) 4Vrms
THD+N -104dB
SNR 126dB (AES17-20K A-weighted)
Dynamic Range 126dB (AES17-20K A-weighted)
Crosstalk 120dB
Frequency Response 15Hz – 22kHz at -1dB
Frequency Response 15Hz – 40kHz at -2.5dB

 

3.5mm Single-Ended Line Out

Specification Details
Output Level (Low Gain) 2Vrms
Output Level (High Gain) 2.4Vrms
THD+N -103dB
SNR 120dB (AES17-20K A-weighted)
Dynamic Range 120dB (AES17-20K A-weighted)
Crosstalk 100dB
Frequency Response 15Hz – 22kHz at -1dB
Frequency Response 15Hz – 40kHz at -2.5dB

 

1-bit DAC Mode:

4.4mm Balanced Phone Out

Specification Details
Output Level 3.5Vrms (AMP H Gain + DAC H Gain)
Output Power 340mW + 340mW @ 32Ω (THD <0.5%)
THD+N -76dB (Tube Amplification)
SNR 109dB (AES17-20K A-weighted)
Dynamic Range 109dB (AES17-20K A-weighted)
Crosstalk 123dB
Frequency Response 15Hz – 22kHz (-1dB)
Frequency Response 15Hz – 40kHz (-2.5dB)
Output Impedance 1.9Ω

 

3.5mm Single-Ended Phone Out

Specification Details
Output Level 1.7Vrms (AMP H Gain + DAC H Gain)
Output Power 87mW + 87mW @ 32Ω (THD <1%)
THD+N -70dB (Tube Amplification)
SNR 104dB (AES17-20K A-weighted)
Dynamic Range 104dB (AES17-20K A-weighted)
Crosstalk 118dB
Frequency Response 15Hz – 22kHz (-1dB)
Frequency Response 15Hz – 40kHz (-2.5dB)
Output Impedance 1Ω

 

4.4mm Balanced Line Out

Specification Details
Output Level (Low Gain) 2Vrms
Output Level (High Gain) 2.4Vrms
THD+N -114dB
SNR 118dB (AES17-20K A-weighted)
Dynamic Range 118dB (AES17-20K A-weighted)
Crosstalk 120dB
Frequency Response 15Hz – 22kHz (-1dB)
Frequency Response 15Hz – 40kHz (-2.5dB)

 

3.5mm Single-Ended Line Out

Specification Details
Output Level (Low Gain) 1Vrms
Output Level (High Gain) 1.2Vrms
THD+N -110dB
SNR 114dB (AES17-20K A-weighted)
Dynamic Range 114dB (AES17-20K A-weighted)
Crosstalk 100dB
Frequency Response 15Hz – 22kHz (-1dB)
Frequency Response 15Hz – 40kHz (-2.5dB)

 

Inputs

Input Details
USB-C (DATA) Supports PCM 768kHz / DSD512
3.5mm Coaxial Supports PCM 768kHz / DOP256
3.5mm Optical Supports PCM 192kHz / DOP128

 

Outputs

Output Details
4.4mm Balanced PO Yes
4.4mm Balanced LO Yes
3.5mm Single-ended PO Yes
3.5mm Single-ended LO Yes

 

Power & Physical

Specification Details
USB-C (Charge) Supports 5V/3A and QC3.0 quick charging
Charging Time 3 hours
Playtime 15 hours
Dimensions 145mm × 86.3mm × 31.6mm
Weight 470g
Loading...