6th-gen Korg Nutube
A triode tube stage for rich overtones and an engaging sound.
IBASSOAMPLIFIER CARDCustomer reviews (0)
iBasso AMP13 Amplifier Card
Nutube sound, two ways.
A Nutube amp card for the iBasso DX300 and DX320, with dual 3.5mm outputs: low-noise tube output and high-power output.
Regular price
£239.00
Unit price
Including VAT
Free next day UK delivery
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iBasso AMP13 Amplifier Card
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MEET THE AMP13
Nutube sound, two ways.
A Nutube amp card for the iBasso DX300 and DX320, with dual 3.5mm outputs: low-noise tube output and high-power output.
Dual 3.5mm outputs
Low Noise Tube (2.5Vrms) for tube character, or Maximised (4.1Vrms) for drive.
Three-channel design
An actively driven ground lowers noise; hand-matched on an Audio Precision analyser.
Read the full description
The iBasso AMP13 is a plug-in amplifier card that brings real tube sound to iBasso’s DX300, DX320 and DX340 players. Built around a sixth-generation Korg Nutube 6P1, a modern miniature triode, it has two 3.5mm outputs, one for the purest tube character and lowest noise, the other for maximum drive, and a three-channel design with an actively driven ground.
A sixth-generation Korg Nutube
Made by Korg and Noritake, the Nutube 6P1 works exactly like a conventional triode vacuum tube and creates the same rich overtones that are sought after in triodes, while using far less power and space. In the AMP13 the Nutube does the voltage amplification, for an engaging, unique tube sound with excellent linearity.
Two 3.5mm outputs, two characters
The Nutube’s voltage gain is limited, so higher output needs a second amplification stage. To offer both a stronger tube signature and higher power, the AMP13 has two 3.5mm single-ended outputs. The Low Noise Tube output (2.5Vrms) is taken after the first stage, the Nutube followed by volume control and current amplification, for the strongest tube character and excellent noise control. The Maximised output (4.1Vrms) adds a second voltage and current stage for better drive with headphones and IEMs.
Three-channel amplification
Ordinary single-ended outputs amplify only the left and right channels. The Nutube’s low output and noise control have always been a design challenge, so the AMP13 uses three-channel amplification, with an OPA1622 amplifying the output ground signal: the noise floor drops substantially, dynamics improve and the Nutube performs better.
Advanced circuit design
- A Toshiba 2SK209 field-effect transistor, inherited from the AMP9, buffers the Nutube’s signal.
- Signal ground and shield ground are separated to prevent noise interference.
- Carefully set negative feedback reduces distortion and extends the bandwidth.
- A dedicated JRC NJU72315 ultra-low-noise volume control lowers the noise floor at low volumes and in quiet passages, and improves transparency.
Its own power supply
The amp section of the DX300 and DX320 has its own battery, ideal for the AMP13: two high-performance Linear Technology DC-DC chips provide four supplies, 1.8V for the Nutube’s cathode through a low-noise LDO, 21V for its anode, and +8V and −8V to give the op-amps a 16V swing.
Hand matched
Every AMP13 is tested and matched on an Audio Precision analyser, and engineers hand-calibrate three multi-turn potentiometers on the board for the Nutube’s best performance, for a clean, extended treble and a sweet, engaging sound.
| Tube | Korg Nutube 6P1 (6th generation) with Toshiba 2SK209 buffer |
|---|---|
| Outputs | 3.5mm Low Noise Tube (2.5Vrms) · 3.5mm Maximised (4.1Vrms) · Pentaconn sockets |
| Circuit | Three-channel (OPA1622 active ground) · JRC NJU72315 volume · 4 DC-DC supplies (1.8V, 21V, ±8V) |
| Compatibility | iBasso DX300, DX320 and DX340 |
Good to know
- Update the player’s firmware to the latest version before fitting the AMP13, for optimised support.
- Both outputs are 3.5mm single-ended; there is no balanced output on this card.
- In the box: AMP13, Torx screwdriver and storage case. See also the iBasso DX340.
In the box
- iBasso AMP13 Amplifier Card
- Torx screwdriver
- storage case
THE FINER DETAILS
Built for
better listening.
Know what you’re choosing.
Find the right fit for your setup.
- Design
- Replaceable amp card for iBasso DX300/DX320
- Headphone outputs
- Dual 3.5mm single-ended (Pentaconn)
- Output power
- Low Noise Tube output 2.5Vrms · Maximised output 4.1Vrms
- Compatibility
- iBasso DX300, DX320 and DX340 (update the player’s firmware first)
- Amplification
- Korg Nutube 6P1 with Toshiba 2SK209 FET buffer · three-channel (OPA1622 active ground) · JRC NJU72315 volume
- Power
- Independent battery supply
- Finishes
- BLACK
Specifications are based on manufacturer information and may change.
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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 12 noon, Monday to Friday, for next day delivery; orders placed after 12 noon, 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
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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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