iBasso D17 Atheris

iBasso D17 Atheris

R2R meets 1-Bit: A portable DAC/Amp with real desktop power

The iBasso D17 Atheris is a breakthrough in portable audio. The device combines a discrete R2R-DAC, a 1-bit DAC and dual Korg Nutube amplification in one compact design. The result is lifelike, analog-inspired sound with the power to rival full-fledged desktop devices.

Key features

• Proprietary developed R2R + 1-bit dual discrete DAC design with tube amplification
• Fully balanced 4-channel R2R architecture with 284 precision resistors (0.01% tolerance)
• Dual Korg 6P1 Nutube vacuum tubes, powered on 24V for better linearity
• FPGA-Master 3.0 with nanosecond-accurate I/O and ultra-low jitter
• Delivers over 1200mW + 1200mW at 32Ω, suitable for both IEMs and high-impedance headphones

A new standard for portable DAC/Amps

At the heart of the D17 is iBasso's proprietary discrete R2R and 1-bit DAC system.

• The R2R stage uses 284 high-precision film resistors for a fully balanced four-channel architecture, providing a natural analog and refined soundstage.
• The 1-bit stage utilizes 64 PWM DACs for extreme resolution, rich detail reproduction and a smooth, lifelike soundstage.

This dual-DAC configuration gives the D17 a unique musicality without compromising on reference accuracy.

Three selectable DAC modes

• NOS mode: PCM via R2R, DSD via 1-bit DAC
• All to R2R (OS mode): all signals converted to PCM
• All to 1-bit (SD mode): all signals converted to DSD

Four-channel fully balanced R2R architecture

The D17's discrete R2R-DAC achieves exceptional accuracy through a combination of precision hardware and proprietary compensation algorithms. This results in an impressive -104 dB THD+N, better than many competing R2R-DACs, while maintaining warm, detailed and naturally musical sound.

Dual Korg 6P1 Nutubes

The D17 uses two Korg Nutube 6P1 vacuum tubes, powered at 24V to maximize linearity and dynamic expression. Combined with the TI BUF634A high-performance buffer, they add warmth and musicality without losing speed or power. The result is a rich, smooth and dynamic sound backed by a power output of 1200mW per channel at 32Ω.

FPGA-Master 3.0 & 1-bit precision

In 1-bit mode, the four channels (L+, L-, R+, R-) each operate with 16 PWM DACs, together accounting for 64 in total. FPGA-Master 3.0 provides nanosecond-accurate I/O, perfectly synchronizing signal edges and correcting wiring delay. This delivers an ultra-low -114 dB THD+N, with exceptional resolution and spatial precision.

Technical innovations

Triple composite insulation system

A unique triple-layer structure with dual PCBs and damping material minimizes resonance and suppresses microphonic effects, keeping the characteristic Nutube sound pure and undistorted.

Dual battery architecture

Separate batteries power the DAC and headphone amplifier, isolating digital interference and ensuring a stable, clean power supply even under heavy loads.

FPGA-Master 3.0 + Accusilicon femtosecond oscillators

With two ultra-low phase noise oscillators and real-time clock regeneration, the D17 reduces jitter and distortion to a minimum, ensuring extremely accurate timing for both R2R and 1-bit decoding.

Hybrid volume control

A 24-step analog attenuator with ±0.1 dB channel accuracy is combined with DSP-based digital control for flexible and high-precision volume control.

Premium components

• Every detail of the D17 is built for uncompromising performance:
• 284 ultra-precise 0.01% film resistors
• Dual Nutube 6P1 vacuum tubes with a lifespan of 30,000 hours
• 24-step analog attenuator with channel accuracy within ±0.1 dB
• Two Accusilicon femtosecond oscillators
• Professional DSP with 192 dB dynamic range
• Ultra-low-noise 0.6 μV power supply
• Dual battery system for pure, isolated power
• Premium capacitors, including iBasso film and vintage SPRAGUE models
• 1.3-inch OLED screen for intuitive operation

The new definition of portable high-end audio

With its unique combination of R2R and 1-bit architectures, dual Nutube amplification, FPGA-Master 3.0 clock management and high-quality components, the iBasso D17 Atheris is more than just a portable DAC/amp-it is a true pocket-sized desktop-class performer.