iBasso AMP19 for DX340 Features Nutube Tubes and 2W Output

The iBasso AMP19 was made available for testing during the 20th Shenzhen International Audio Show (SIAS 2026). It is a new amplifier card designed for the iBasso DX340 DAP (Digital Audio Player). The AMP19 stands out for its hybrid architecture, combining Korg Nutube 6P1 vacuum tubes with solid-state (SS) amplification. Below are all the details about this new release from iBasso.

Update (September 9): The specifications and price of the iBasso AMP19 have been added.

Update (September 21): The iBasso AMP19 is now available through iBasso’s official AliExpress store.

AMP19 Brings Back Korg Nutube Vacuum Tubes

Previously used in the AMP13 and AMP14 amplifier cards, Korg Nutube 6P1 vacuum tubes have once again been implemented by iBasso in the new AMP19. Since electrical differences between the pair of triodes are common, iBasso manually selected the units with the best measurements. The measurements were performed using an Audio Precision APx555 audio analyzer.

High 2W Output Power

The hybrid amplification circuit of the iBasso AMP19 is capable of delivering up to 2,000mW (2W) into 32 ohms. To deliver this level of power, it is highly likely that the current/buffer and power stages are handled by the solid-state (SS) amplification circuitry. The Nutube vacuum tubes, meanwhile, are likely responsible for preamplification (the gain stage), providing the characteristic sonic signature associated with vacuum tubes.

Internal 12V Power Supply With Supercapacitors

Inductors and switching power-supply circuitry can be seen on the back of the AMP19 card. It is likely that DC-DC converters are used to generate the voltages required by the different stages of the circuit.

Hardware-Based Analog Volume Control

To adjust the volume, the AMP19 card uses a dedicated IC from JRC (Japan Radio Company), rather than relying solely on digital volume attenuation. The benefits of this implementation include noise attenuation during volume adjustment and fine adjustment across 100 volume levels.

4.4mm and 3.5mm Outputs With Isolation

The AMP19 card’s 3.5mm single-ended (SE) and 4.4mm balanced outputs feature dual isolation to prevent interference from affecting the sound.

How Does the iBasso AMP19 Sound?

“Mydindindong,” a user of the Chinese social media platform Rednote, described the sonic characteristics of the AMP19 card when used with his iBasso DX340 DAP. He says that he has tested virtually all of the amplifier cards and was able to identify some differences in the sonic signature of the new AMP19.

According to “Mydindindong,” the AMP19’s main highlight is its reproduction of vocals in music. He said:

“Like the AMP14, the AMP19 continues to follow a modern approach to tube amplification, but it has clearly taken vocal reproduction a significant step further.

The vocal presentation is very large and extremely close to the listener, with an almost exaggerated sense of presence.

The bass, meanwhile, is fuller and more voluminous, with a soft, relatively slow presentation.

The overall pacing is also more relaxed.

Compared with the AMP17 and AMP18, it does not have an advantage in terms of transients, perceived speed, or overall control.”

“Mydindindong” further describes the AMP19’s sonic qualities:

“With certain songs, as soon as playback begins, the vocals seem to move immediately in front of you, with body, emotion, and atmosphere pushed to the maximum. This works especially well with recordings that already emphasize vocals, making the experience extremely engaging and easy to get carried away by.

Among the amplifier cards currently available for the DX340, this type of sound is truly unique. One could even say that it is not trying to be a ‘versatile’ option at all.”

In terms of tonal balance, “Mydindindong” explains that the AMP19 is quite limited. He said:

“There is an excess of bass, the vocals are excessively forward, and the overall presentation is slow. As a result, it is highly selective when it comes to musical genres. Personally, it would not be my first choice for listening to music with complex arrangements or material that requires speed and good separation between layers. However, if you enjoy a presentation that is extremely focused on vocals, especially large, intimate, full-bodied vocals with an obvious sonic coloration, then you can practically buy the AMP19 without thinking twice.”

iBasso AMP19: Specifications

General Parameters

• Tube: Nutube 6P1 (Korg × Noritake), with a lifespan of approximately 30,000 hours
• Modes: Tube Mode / Super Class A Mode
• Super Class A stage: 20 dual transistors, with an output current of up to 2 A
• External power: Patented 12 V DC power input (boosted to ±12 V)
• Volume control: JRC hardware-based analog volume control with 100 steps
• Tube suspension: PORON “hanging” mount (to reduce microphonics)
• Requirement: DX340 firmware V1.08 or later

Super Class A Stage Parameters

Super Class A Mode – 4.4 mm Balanced Output

• Output level: 8.3 / 5.8 / 3.8 / 1.8 Vrms (Super/High/Mid/Low gain)
• Output power: 2150 mW + 2150 mW into 32 Ω (12 V DC power) · 1000 mW + 1000 mW (battery)
• THD+N: −109 dB (A-weighted, 300 Ω)
• Signal-to-noise ratio / Dynamic range: 121 dB / 121 dB
• Crosstalk: −114 dB
• Frequency response: 10 Hz–40 kHz ±1 dB
• Output impedance: 1.4 Ω

Super Class A Mode – 3.5 mm Single-Ended (SE) Output

• Output level: 4.15 / 2.92 / 1.89 / 0.89 Vrms
• Output power: 500 mW + 500 mW into 32 Ω (12 V DC power) · 260 mW + 260 mW (battery)
• THD+N: −105 dB (A-weighted, 300 Ω)
• Signal-to-noise ratio / Dynamic range: 110 dB / 110 dB
• Crosstalk: −114 dB
• Output impedance: 0.7 Ω

Tube Stage Parameters

Tube Mode – 4.4 mm Balanced Output

• Output level: 7.7 / 4.53 / 2.92 / 1.55 Vrms
• Output power: 1850 mW + 1850 mW into 32 Ω (12 V DC power) · 590 mW + 590 mW (battery)
• Output impedance: 1.4 Ω

Tube Mode – 3.5 mm Single-Ended (SE) Output

• Output level: 3.7 / 2.3 / 1.49 / 0.79 Vrms
• Output power: 428 mW + 428 mW into 32 Ω (12 V DC power) · 165 mW + 165 mW (battery)
• Output impedance: 0.7 Ω
• Frequency response: 10 Hz–40 kHz ±1 dB

Release Date, Price, and Availability

The iBasso AMP19 is now available internationally for US$388.33 through iBasso’s official AliExpress store.