{"product_id":"ibasso-kunlun-gan-desktop-headphone-amplifier","title":"iBasso Kunlun GaN High-Power Desktop Headphone Amplifier","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe iBasso Kunlun is a desktop headphone amplifier built around gallium nitride (GaN) transistors, the prologue to iBasso’s high-end desktop range. It delivers 7,400mW per channel into 32Ω balanced, enough for the hungriest planar and high-impedance headphones, yet its very low output impedance and noise suit sensitive IEMs too. A linear power supply, a fully analogue signal path and DC protection complete it. It is named after Kunlun, the mythical home of celestial beings, a symbol of iBasso’s pursuit of high-end sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/ibasso-kunlun-gan-high-power-desktop-headphone-amplifier-69779958e7f50_20copy.jpg\" alt=\"iBasso Kunlun GaN desktop headphone amplifier\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGaN amplification\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Kunlun was the industry’s first very affordable desktop headphone amplifier to use GaN. GaN FETs have electron mobility of up to 2,000cm²\/Vs, higher than MOSFETs and silicon transistors, with higher electron velocity and lower losses at high frequencies, and a much smaller parasitic Miller charge (QGD) than MOSFETs of the same Rds(on), so they switch faster. In an audio amplifier that means better transients, dynamics and control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGaN’s very low Rds(on) also allows more current. The output impedance is as low as 0.12Ω, so the Kunlun can drive low-impedance IEMs accurately, with a dynamic, layered sound: in iBasso’s words, a towering robot performing a delicate ballet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/ibasso-kunlun-gan-high-power-desktop-headphone-amplifier-69779931ce158_20copy.jpg\" alt=\"iBasso Kunlun with open-back headphones\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e40 transistors, 7,400mW per channel\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEight GaN power transistors in the output stage and 32 transistors in the drive stage (16 × 2) form a large discrete amplifier with several times the current of an op-amp design, for more dynamic reserve and headroom: powerful and delicate at once. Balanced into 32Ω, each channel gives up to 7,400mW, enough for high-impedance, low-sensitivity full-size headphones, with a wide dynamic range and a rich, layered soundstage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLinear power, DC protection\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstead of a switching supply, the Kunlun uses linear transformers and high-quality regulators for smoother power and a lower noise floor, keeping the whole analogue chain stable and quiet so micro-details come through. A DC protection circuit detects abnormal DC and cuts the output at once, protecting your headphones. Eight GaN FETs and many audiophile-grade electrolytic and film capacitors give stable power and very low distortion, for a clean, delicate, warm and engaging sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAnalogue feel, digital precision\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTexas Instruments volume chips keep the left and right channels closely matched at every level, with smooth, linear adjustment, while you turn a real analogue potentiometer. A three-position stepped switch sets the hardware gain to suit your headphones’ sensitivity while keeping noise and distortion down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/ibasso-kunlun-gan-high-power-desktop-headphone-amplifier-69779936d736b_20copy.jpg\" alt=\"Volume and gain controls of the iBasso Kunlun\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eConnections and build\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFront: 4-pin XLR and 4.4mm balanced outputs and a 6.35mm single-ended output, with the volume knob, gain switch and power button. Back: RCA, 4.4mm balanced and XLR balanced inputs, plus the mains switch, fuse and IEC inlet. The chassis is CNC-machined aluminium with a hard, scratch-resistant anodised finish, and the ventilated top and internal layout keep it cool and stable under heavy loads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/IBASSOKUNLUN_e25a44a6-a0d4-4e8d-9063-b8ef1bfd06db.jpg\" alt=\"Inputs and outputs of the iBasso Kunlun\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/ibasso-kunlun-gan-desktop-headphone-amplifier-5.jpg\" alt=\"iBasso Kunlun on a desk with headphones and an iBasso player\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBalanced (4.4mm, XLR)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7,400mW + 7,400mW @ 32Ω · 16Vrms · SNR 122dB · dynamic range 123dB · THD+N −117dB (no load), −111dB (600Ω) · crosstalk −109dB · 10Hz–40kHz ±0.2dB · output impedance 0.35Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e6.35mm single-ended\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1,900mW + 1,900mW @ 32Ω · 8Vrms · SNR 118dB · dynamic range 119dB · THD+N −107dB · crosstalk −111dB · 10Hz–40kHz ±0.1dB · output impedance 0.12Ω\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eInputs\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRCA · 4.4mm balanced · XLR balanced\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDesign\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8 GaN FETs + 32 transistors, discrete · TI volume control · 3-step gain · linear power supply · DC protection\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSize and weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e239 × 223 × 64mm · about 2.38kg\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGood to know\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIt is an amplifier only: connect a DAC, player or streamer with a line output.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn the box: Kunlun, user manual, power cable, 3.5mm to RCA cable and 6.35mm adapter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"iBasso","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62725116264835,"sku":"IBASSOKUNLUN","price":599.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/3199\/8339\/files\/ibasso-kunlun-gan-desktop-headphone-amplifier-1.jpg?v=1790785785","url":"https:\/\/www.advancedmp3players.co.uk\/products\/ibasso-kunlun-gan-desktop-headphone-amplifier","provider":"amp3","version":"1.0","type":"link"}