iBasso DC-Tonfa 8 Channel R2R Dongle DAC

Portable R2R Sound Without Compromise

The iBasso DC-Tonfa brings an ambitious desktop-style R2R design to a compact portable DAC and headphone amplifier. Developed in collaboration with Japanese audio specialist e☆earphone, it combines iBasso’s audio engineering with sound tuning focused on making music feel smooth, engaging and enjoyable.

Its carefully tuned presentation delivers natural texture, substantial vocal presence and powerful dynamics while preserving the spaciousness and fine detail associated with iBasso products. The result is a versatile sound that works particularly well with pop, rock and vocal-focused music, while remaining suitable for a wide range of headphones and musical styles. 

8-Channel Fully Balanced R2R DAC

At the heart of the DC-Tonfa is a discrete 24-bit, 8-channel R2R DAC arranged in a fully balanced differential architecture. Using separate R2R conversion channels throughout the balanced signal path helps reduce zero-crossing distortion and improve linearity when reproducing quieter musical details.

This advanced architecture preserves the smooth, natural character of R2R conversion while delivering excellent resolution, convincing dynamics and delicate low-level detail from a pocket-sized device. 

Powerful Headphone Amplification

The DC-Tonfa is designed to drive more than just sensitive earphones. Its substantial analogue stage uses two high-performance Texas Instruments dual operational amplifiers alongside four BUF634A buffers.

Through the 4.4mm balanced connection, it delivers up to 800mW + 800mW into 32 ohms, providing enough power and control for a broad selection of IEMs and full-sized headphones. A separate 3.5mm output is also provided for standard single-ended headphones and earphones. 

NOS and Four Digital Filters

Alongside traditional non-oversampling playback, the DC-Tonfa includes four FPGA-based digital filters, allowing the sound to be adjusted to suit different headphones, recordings and personal preferences.

Available modes include NOS, LL/S, LL/F, Fast and Slow, offering options ranging from the unprocessed character of non-oversampling playback to cleaner and more controlled presentations. 

Ultra-Low-Noise Power Supply

An Analog Devices LT3042 ultra-low-noise regulator provides the R2R DAC circuitry with a clean and stable power supply. With output noise rated at just 0.8μV and power-supply rejection of up to 100dB, the regulator helps the complex R2R conversion stage perform consistently without unwanted interference from the connected source device. 

OLED Display and Multifunction Dial

A clear 0.96-inch OLED display makes it easy to check volume, gain, digital filter and playback information. The multifunction control dial provides direct volume adjustment and access to the device’s main settings without needing to reach for an app.

The aluminium-alloy chassis and tempered-glass panels give the DC-Tonfa a premium finish while keeping its weight to just 45g. It is available in Black, Blue and Red. 

Flexible Device Compatibility

Switchable UAC 2.0 and UAC 1.0 modes allow the DC-Tonfa to work with a broad range of smartphones, computers and gaming devices. It also supports SPDIF digital output, allowing it to serve as a compact digital source for a separate DAC or audio system.

Android users can access additional options through the iBasso UAC app, including digital-filter selection, gain and channel balance. Windows and macOS users can change settings through iBasso’s browser-based control panel without installing a dedicated application. The iBasso UAC app is not available for iOS. 

MagSafe-Compatible Protective Case

The included protective case features built-in MagSafe compatibility, allowing the DC-Tonfa to attach securely to the back of a compatible phone or phone case. This keeps the DAC and smartphone together during portable listening while leaving the screen and controls accessible. 

Specifications

DAC architecture: 24-bit, 8-channel fully balanced R2R
Maximum USB decoding: PCM 768kHz, native DSD512
Headphone outputs: 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single-ended
Display: 0.96-inch OLED
USB modes: UAC 2.0 and UAC 1.0
Additional digital output: SPDIF
Dimensions: 61 × 34.6 × 15mm
Weight: 45g

4.4mm Balanced Output

Output power: 800mW + 800mW into 32Ω
Output level: 5.2Vrms high gain / 2.6Vrms low gain
Signal-to-noise ratio: 122dB
Dynamic range: 123dB
THD+N: 0.004%
Channel separation: 124dB
Output impedance: 0.5Ω

3.5mm Single-Ended Output

Output power: 219mW + 219mW into 32Ω
Output level: 2.6Vrms high gain / 1.3Vrms low gain
Signal-to-noise ratio: 118dB
Dynamic range: 115dB
THD+N: 0.0056%
Channel separation: 121dB
Output impedance: 0.2Ω

Frequency response:
10Hz–22kHz, -0.3dB
10Hz–40kHz, -0.8dB