ESS9298 DAC
PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD128.
IKKODONGLE DAC
IKKO Zerda ITM01 Portable Headphone Amplifier
Music, movies and games.
A compact dongle with an ESS9298 DAC, music, movie and game modes, a magnetic cable and USB-C or Lightning versions.
Regular price
£54.99
Unit price
Order now for next day delivery, with you by Tuesday 17 November .
THE AMP3 DIFFERENCE
Great gear. Even better service.
Order by 2pm, Monday to Friday, for next day delivery. Destination and stock availability apply.
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IKKO Zerda ITM01 Portable Headphone Amplifier
A little extra. A better pairing.
Better together.
Hand-picked pairings for this product. Choose one — we'll add them together.
MEET THE Zerda
Music, movies and games.
A compact dongle with an ESS9298 DAC, music, movie and game modes, a magnetic cable and USB-C or Lightning versions.
Three modes
Switch between music, movie and game modes.
Plug and play
Works with PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox and phones, no driver needed.
A DEEPER DIVE
Inside the Zerda.
The IKKO Zerda ITM01 is a pocket-sized USB DAC and headphone amplifier that sits between your phone, computer or games console and your wired headphones. Inside is a custom ESS ES9298 DAC with ultra-low noise and a high-current power supply, driving a 3.5mm output with 2V, or 125mW into 32Ω. Three sound modes, for music, films and games, change at the press of a button, and IKKO’s customised magnetic cable snaps on as soon as it gets close. Choose the USB-C or Lightning version.
An ESS ES9298 DAC
The ES9298 is a high-performance DAC chip customised for IKKO. It plays PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD128 (DoP), with a 118dB signal-to-noise ratio, 0.0006% distortion (THD+N) and a 20Hz to 40kHz frequency response.
Three modes: music, movie and game
Each mode tunes the sound for a different use. Hold the middle button for about three seconds to change mode, and a light under the buttons shows which one you are in: yellow for music, blue for movies and purple for games. The three buttons also give you play/pause and volume, and the cable is slightly longer than usual so the controls stay within easy reach.
A customised magnetic connection
The ITM01’s cable is detachable and magnetic: bring it close to the socket and it attaches itself. IKKO designed the connection to shield interference and keep the audio data flowing quickly and cleanly, and it makes swapping cables quick and easy. A USB-A cable is also included, so you can plug into a computer or a console as well as a phone or tablet.
Plug and play, almost everywhere
A built-in adaptive driver means there is nothing to install: connect it and it works, as an external sound card for your PC or laptop or a headphone amp for your phone or tablet. It is made for PCs, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, TVs, iPhones and Android phones.
Small and portable
At 58 × 22 × 11mm, the ITM01 is small enough to live in a pocket or a bag with your earphones.
| DAC | ESS ES9298 (customised for IKKO) |
|---|---|
| Formats | PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz · DSD128 (DoP) |
| Output | 3.5mm · 2V @ 32Ω (125mW @ 32Ω) |
| Performance | SNR 118dB @ 32Ω · THD+N 0.0006% · 20Hz–40kHz |
| Modes | Music (yellow) · movie (blue) · game (purple) |
| Connection | Detachable magnetic cable: USB-C or Lightning (choose version) plus USB-A |
| Size | 58 × 22 × 11mm |
Good to know
- Choose the Lightning version for an iPhone or iPad with a Lightning port, and the USB-C version for Android phones, computers, consoles and newer iPhones and iPads with USB-C.
- Consoles and TVs need to support USB audio for the ITM01 to work with them; if you are not sure, ask us.
- It has one 3.5mm headphone output (no balanced output).
- In the box: ITM01, detachable magnetic USB-C or Lightning cable (depending on your version) and a detachable USB-A cable.
In the box
- IKKO Zerda ITM01
- Detachable magnetic USB-C or Lightning cable (depending on the version you choose)
- Detachable USB-A cable
THE FINER DETAILS
Built for
better listening.
Know what you’re choosing.
Find the right fit for your setup.
- DAC
- ESS ES9298
- Headphone outputs
- 3.5mm
- Output power
- 2V @ 32Ω (125mW @ 32Ω)
- Frequency response
- 20Hz–40kHz
- Hi-res support
- PCM 384kHz/32-bit · DSD128 (DoP)
- Signal-to-noise ratio
- 118dB @ 32Ω
- Distortion (THD+N)
- 0.0006%
- Inputs
- USB-C or Lightning (choose version), magnetic detachable cable
Specifications are based on manufacturer information and may change.
The press, on the Zerda
Independent ears.
Their verdict.
A different perspective on your next listen.
02 / Expert reviewsMajor HiFi
I like the design of it a lot, and it comes packaged with great functionality and a great sense of stability.
Alex Schiffer
Read reviewAudio Reviews
worth considering as a very inexpensive, general-purpose, entry-level dac-amp dongle
Alberto Pittaluga
Read reviewSelected excerpts from published reviews. Scores are each publication’s own. Follow the links for their full verdicts.
FROM FELLOW LISTENERS
Customer reviews.
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GOOD TO KNOW
A little clarity.
A confident choice.
Something else on your mind?
How does free delivery work?
Every UK order has a free delivery option, and orders of £50 or more qualify for free next day delivery. Order by 2pm, Monday to Friday, for next day delivery; orders placed after 2pm, at the weekend or on a bank holiday are dispatched on the next working day. Stock availability and destination also affect arrival — check the options shown at checkout.
Pre-orders ship when stock arrives; the next day service starts after dispatch. Full delivery information
What if it’s not right for me?
Return within 14 days for any reason, or within 30 days if faulty, with free return postage. See our full Returns Policy for conditions and how to start a return.
Can you help me choose headphones?
Absolutely. Tell us what you listen to and the headphones you have — or the ones you’re considering — and we’ll help you find a suitable pairing. Chat with us
How do I request a Price Beat?
Use the Price Beat option on this page to send us the competing offer. The team will review your request; it isn’t an automatic discount. How Price Beat works
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