iBasso Kunlun – GaN Desktop Headphone Amplifier

Pioneering GaN Desktop Amplifier

As the industry’s first to apply GaN in an affordable desktop headphone amplifier, Kunlun signifies iBasso’s exploration of front-line technology. GaN FETs boast electron mobility (up to 2000 cm²/Vs) surpassing traditional MOSFETs and silicon transistors, demonstrating higher electron velocities and lower conduction losses at high frequencies.

GaN FETs have a significantly smaller total parasitic Miller charge (QGD), enabling faster switching speeds. When applied to audio amplification, this results in improved transient response, dynamic performance, and control.

High Current, Low Internal Resistance

GaN’s ultra-low Rds(on) allows higher current drive capability. As a powerful desktop amp, Kunlun’s output impedance is as low as 0.12Ω and capable of accurately driving low-impedance in-ear monitors, delivering a dynamic layered sound. Its control strength is like a towering robot performing delicate ballet.

40 High-Performance Transistors

Kunlun utilizes premium components: 8 power transistors in the output stage and 16×2 configuration of the drive stage, totaling 32 transistors to build a super-large discrete amplification system.

Compared to traditional op-amp architectures, Kunlun’s current output capacity is several times higher, offering a greater dynamic reserve/headroom, with detailed clarity, while delivering both a powerful and delicate high quality sound equally.

Conquering All Challenges

In balanced mode at 32Ω load, each channel delivers up to 7400mW, enough to drive any high-impedance, low-sensitivity full-size headphone. Kunlun exhibits a robust dynamic range with a rich layered soundstage.

Linear Power Supply

Kunlun abandons switching power supplies, opting for linear transformers with high quality voltage regulators. This ensures smoother power delivery and a lower noise floor. iBasso’s linear power supply keeps the entire analog signal chain stable and quiet while presenting micro-textures and details with near “zero distortion”, enhancing the analog flow of music.

Analog Adjustment, Digital Control

Kunlun employs high-grade TI (Texas Instruments) volume control chips; at any volume, left and right channels maintain high consistency, with linear and delicate adjustments. At the same time, Kunlun utilizes an analog potentiometer for control, allowing users to experience the tactile feeling of turning the analog potentiometer.

A three-position stepped potentiometer allows hardware gain adjustment, matching various headphone sensitivities and effectively suppressing noise and distortion, keeping the sound pure and natural.

Additional Features

• Comprehensive DC Protection: The built-in DC protection circuit detects abnormal DC components and immediately cuts off output power, thus safeguarding your headphones from damage.
• Investing for Superior Sound: Every component in Kunlun is carefully selected, adhering to the philosophy of “in pursuit of perfection”. The device uses eight high-performance GaN FETs and a large number of audiophile-grade electrolytic and film capacitors, ensuring stable power supply and extremely low distortion.
• Plug and Play: Kunlun adopts pure analog audio design, requiring no drivers or complex setup, simply plug and play. Volume control and gain switch have an excellent tactile feel. Every detail is refined to bring users a secure, immersive experience.
• CNC Aluminum Chassis: The chassis is made with precision CNC machining of aluminum alloy, with anodized surface treatment for a hard, scratch resistant surface. Its sleek, classic appearance exudes a refined metallic texture. The top allows for good heat dissipation and combined with an optimized internal design, this assures a stable and efficient operation under high load conditions.
• Input and Output Interfaces: Inputs – XLR Balanced, RCA Single-Ended + 4.4mm Balanced | Outputs – XLR Balanced, 6.35mm Single-Ended + 4.4mm Balanced