iBasso PB6 Headphone Amplifier with 4 x JAN6418 Tubes
£399

Features
- High Output Power Headphone Amp
- Powered by four Military-Grade JAN6418 Tubes
- Supports both Tube and Class AB output modes for different flavours
- 22.5V high-voltage drive
- Supports 12V DC-IN external power supply
- High output up to 2300mW + 2300mW @ 32Ω
- 3.5mm single-ended + 4.4mm balanced input/output
- Perfectly matched 4-channel output
- Desktop-grade performance
Specifications
|
Section |
Specification |
|
Model |
iBasso PB6 Macaw |
|
Modes |
Class AB Mode / Tube Mode |
|
Signal Paths |
4.4mm Input → 4.4mm Output · 3.5mm Input → 3.5mm Output |
|
Gain (4.4mm, Class AB) |
Low +6 dB · High +12 dB |
|
Gain (4.4mm, Tube) |
Low +8 dB · High +14 dB |
|
Gain (3.5mm, Class AB) |
Low +6 dB · High +12 dB |
|
Gain (3.5mm, Tube) |
Low +9 dB · High +15 dB |
|
Gain Note |
3.5mm input → 4.4mm output adds +6 dB gain |
|
Frequency Response |
Class AB: 10Hz–80kHz (−0.1 dB) · Tube: 15Hz–80kHz (−0.5 dB) |
|
THD+N |
4.4mm: −112 dB (2V, 300Ω, Class AB) · 3.5mm: −110 dB (1V, 300Ω, Class AB) |
|
Dynamic Range |
4.4mm: 125 dB (AB) / 116 dB (Tube) · 3.5mm: 125 dB (AB) / 110 dB (Tube) |
|
Crosstalk |
4.4mm: 135 dB (AB) / 100 dB (Tube) · 3.5mm: 121 dB (AB) / 100 dB (Tube) |
|
Max Output Level |
4.4mm: 9.5 Vrms (DC 12V) / 8.5 Vrms (Battery) · 3.5mm: 4.6 Vrms (DC 12V) / 4.5 Vrms (Battery) |
|
Max Output Power |
4.4mm: 2300mW+2300mW @32Ω (DC) / 1600mW+1600mW @32Ω (Battery) · 3.5mm: 660mW+660mW @32Ω (DC & Battery) |
|
Output Impedance |
4.4mm: 1.2 Ω · 3.5mm: 0.5 Ω |
|
Noise Floor |
4.4mm: 2.3 µV · 3.5mm: 1.8 µV |
Description
Four Military-Grade JAN6418 Tubes
The PB6 Macaw utilises four military-grade Raytheon JAN6418 directly heated pentode tubes in a fully balanced, 4-channel amplification design. Its custom 22.5V anode power supply delivers exceptional headroom and dynamic authority, while each tube is meticulously tested and matched using APX555 equipment to ensure perfect channel balance and consistency. The result is a rich, warm, and natural tube sound, powerful yet effortlessly musical.

Higher Efficiency + Purer Power
The PB6 is powered by an 8.4V high-voltage polymer battery pack, boosting efficiency and transient response. Compared to standard 3.7V designs, it reduces ripple interference from DC-DC conversion, delivering purer, more stable power for the faithful reproduction of musical nuances and an exceptional dynamic range, far beyond that of typical portable headphone amps.
High-Precision 4-Channel Volume Control
The amp is equipped with a high precision 4-channel volume control IC — NJW1195A — which offers fine adjustments with 0.5dB per step. This hardware-based volume control not only allows for precise volume control but also helps to reduce background noise, resulting in a pitch-black background inherently. PB6 ensures consistent left-right channel balance throughout the entire volume range, delivering a more accurate and reliable listening experience.

Desktop-Grade Performance
PB6 Macaw supports an external 12V DC power supply, which allows for a voltage swing of 24V. When connected to this external power source, the PB6’s output power reaches 2300mW+2300mW@32Ω, thereby fully unlocking its driving capabilities. This enables the PB6 to effortlessly power full-size headphones, achieving performance comparable to that of quality desktop-grade headphone amplifiers.
Tube + Class AB Dual Output Modes
The PB6 supports both Tube and Class AB dual output modes. In Tube mode, four JAN6418 tubes serve as the amplification cores, delivering a delicate, rich, warm, and smooth sound, showcasing the exceptional characteristics of vacuum tubes. In Class AB mode, the PB6 employs a classic OP+BUF headphone amplifier circuit, utilising four BUF634A for current amplification, which offers enhanced resolution and excellent dynamic range.

Customisable Sound
Tailor your sound with two selectable output stages: high-bandwidth and low-bandwidth, allowing users to customise their preferred sound signature. The high-bandwidth mode delivers excellent transient response, with superior control and sound resolution. The low bandwidth mode creates a softer, warmer soundstage. The seamless switching between high and low bandwidth modes caters to audiophiles’ personalised listening preferences, providing more fun and enjoyment with the auditory experience.

PORON Suspension Damping
To suppress microphonic effects, all four tubes in the PB6 are suspended using PORON damping material, effectively isolating tube vibrations from influencing the sound quality. Additionally, a metal mesh shielding cover is installed externally on the tubes to effectively block external electromagnetic interference within specific frequency bands.
Inputs + Outputs
The PB6 not only offers 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs but also supports both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced inputs. This dual-interface design enables some innovative applications: it allows the source with only a 3.5mm output to be connected to the PB6, thereby achieving 4.4mm balanced output and benefiting from the high resolution and powerful dynamics characteristic of balanced headphone amplification.
Warranty
Backed with 1-year of Manufacturer Warranty
Delivery Info

Delivery Information
As a company, our primary goal is to provide a seamless service that results in customer satisfaction. We aim to deliver within 3 working days. Unfortunately, there may be occasions where this time frame may not be met due to unforeseen circumstances; in this instance, we deliver product/s as soon as possible. All delivery charges are included within the prices quoted unless otherwise specified.
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