Four matched JAN6418 tubes
A fully balanced 4-channel tube design with a 22.5V anode supply for rich, natural sound.
IBASSOPORTABLE TUBE AMPLIFIERCustomer reviews (0)
iBasso PB6 Amplifier with 4 x JAN6418 Tubes
Four tubes. Desktop-grade power.
A portable headphone amp with four JAN6418 tubes, Tube and Class AB modes and up to 2300mW per channel at 32Ω.
Regular price
£399.00
Unit price
Including VAT
Free next day UK delivery
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iBasso PB6 Amplifier with 4 x JAN6418 Tubes
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MEET THE PB6
Four tubes. Desktop-grade power.
A portable headphone amp with four JAN6418 tubes, Tube and Class AB modes and up to 2300mW per channel at 32Ω.
Purer battery power
An 8.4V battery pack reduces ripple for more stable power and dynamic range.
Precise volume control
A 4-channel NJW1195A volume IC adjusts in 0.5dB steps with perfect channel balance.
Read the full description
The iBasso PB6 Macaw is a portable headphone amplifier built around four military-grade Raytheon JAN6418 tubes in a fully balanced, four-channel design, with a Class AB solid-state mode as well. On battery it gives 1,600mW per channel into 32Ω from the 4.4mm output; with the 12V DC input that rises to 2,300mW, for performance comparable to a good desktop amplifier. It is an amplifier only: connect it to the line or headphone output of a player or DAC.
Four fully powered JAN6418 tubes
The PB6 uses four military-grade Raytheon JAN6418 directly heated pentodes in a fully balanced, four-channel architecture. A custom 22.5V anode supply gives them headroom and dynamic authority, and iBasso tests and matches every set of tubes on an APX555 analyser for channel balance and consistency, for a rich, warm, natural tube sound that is powerful yet effortlessly musical.
Tube or Class AB
In Tube mode, the four JAN6418s are the amplification cores, giving a delicate, rich, warm and smooth sound. In Class AB mode, a classic op-amp plus buffer circuit with four BUF634A chips for current amplification gives more resolution and dynamic range. A switch on the end panel changes mode.
High or low bandwidth
Two selectable output stages tailor the sound further: high bandwidth for excellent transient response, control and resolution, or low bandwidth for a softer, warmer soundstage, switchable at any time.
Precise four-channel volume
A high-precision NJW1195A four-channel volume chip adjusts in fine 0.5dB steps. As a hardware volume control it also helps lower background noise, and it keeps the left and right channels balanced across the whole range.
Suspended against microphonics
All four tubes are suspended in PORON damping material, isolating tube vibration from the sound, and a metal mesh cover shields them from electromagnetic interference in specific frequency bands.
Purer power, battery or DC
An 8.4V high-voltage polymer battery pack improves efficiency and transient response and, compared with standard 3.7V designs, reduces ripple from DC-DC conversion, for purer, more stable power and wide dynamic range. Connect the 12V DC supply and the voltage swing reaches 24V, unlocking the full 2,300mW per channel to drive full-size headphones with ease. On battery it plays for up to 13.5 hours in Class AB or 9.5 hours in tube mode, and charges in about 2.5 hours; a light shows the charge level.
3.5mm and 4.4mm inputs and outputs
Both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced inputs and outputs are provided, so even a source with only a 3.5mm output can drive the PB6’s balanced 4.4mm output, with an extra 6dB of gain, and benefit from balanced amplification.
| Amplifier | 4 × Raytheon JAN6418 (22.5V anode) · Class AB op-amp + 4 × BUF634A · NJW1195A volume · high/low bandwidth |
|---|---|
| 4.4mm in → 4.4mm out | 2,300mW @ 32Ω (12V DC) · 1,600mW (battery) · 9.5 / 8.5Vrms max · 1.2Ω · noise 2.3µV |
| 4.4mm performance | THD+N −112dB (Class AB) · dynamic range 125dB (AB) / 116dB (tube) · crosstalk 135dB (AB) / 100dB (tube) |
| 3.5mm in → 3.5mm out | 660mW @ 32Ω · 4.6 / 4.5Vrms max · 0.5Ω · noise 1.8µV · THD+N −110dB (AB) · crosstalk 121dB (AB) |
| Gain | Class AB +6 / +12dB · tube +8 / +14dB (4.4mm), +9 / +15dB (3.5mm) · +6dB more from 3.5mm in to 4.4mm out |
| Frequency response | 10Hz–80kHz (−0.1dB, Class AB) · 15Hz–80kHz (−0.5dB, tube) |
| Battery | 8.4V polymer · 13.5h (Class AB) · 9.5h (tube) · 2.5h charging · 12V DC input |
| Size and weight | 140.7 × 78.9 × 19.6mm · 293g |
Good to know
- It is an amplifier only, with no DAC: connect it to a player’s or DAC’s line or headphone output.
- Battery figures are iBasso’s, measured from the balanced output on high gain and low bandwidth.
- In the box (iBasso’s list): PB6, 12V DC power adapter, USB-C cable, 3.5mm and 4.4mm interconnects, three soft pouches, quick start guide and warranty card.
In the box
- iBasso PB6 Macaw
- 12V DC power adapter
- USB-C cable
- 3.5mm and 4.4mm interconnect cables
- Three soft pouches
- Quick start guide and warranty card
THE FINER DETAILS
Built for
better listening.
Know what you’re choosing.
Find the right fit for your setup.
- Headphone outputs
- 3.5mm single-ended · 4.4mm balanced
- Output power
- 2,300mW + 2,300mW @ 32Ω (4.4mm, 12V DC) · 1,600mW + 1,600mW (battery) · 660mW (3.5mm)
- Frequency response
- 10Hz–80kHz (Class AB) · 15Hz–80kHz (tube)
- Battery
- 8.4V polymer pack · up to 13.5 hours (Class AB) · 9.5 hours (tube) · 2.5 hours to charge · optional 12V DC input
- Gain modes
- Low / high (+6/+12dB Class AB · +8/+14dB tube)
- Distortion (THD+N)
- −112dB (4.4mm, Class AB)
- Output impedance
- 1.2Ω (4.4mm) · 0.5Ω (3.5mm)
- Crosstalk
- 135dB (4.4mm, Class AB)
- Size (H × W × D)
- 140.7 × 78.9 × 19.6mm
- Weight
- 293g
- Amplification
- 4 × JAN6418 tubes · tube or Class AB modes
- Inputs
- 3.5mm & 4.4mm analogue
- Power
- Battery or 12V DC input
Specifications are based on manufacturer information and may change. Battery life varies with use and settings.
The press, on the PB6
Independent ears.
Their verdict.
A different perspective on your next listen.
01 / Expert review
It has excellent synergy with a wide range of sources and plenty of power to drive demanding headphones
Marcus
Read reviewSelected excerpts from published reviews. Scores are each publication’s own. Follow the links for their full verdicts.
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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.
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