Transform Your Space with Sound: Where Music Meets Magic

Sound QualityA good speaker will reproduce audio with clarity, accuracy, and richness across the frequency spectrum. High-quality speakers can deliver crisp highs, detailed midrange, and deep, well-defined bass, allowing you to fully appreciate the nuances of your music, movies, or games.

Immersive ExperienceWhether you're listening to music, watching movies, or gaming, a good speaker can create a more immersive experience by filling the room with sound. This immersive soundstage can transport you into the world of your entertainment, making you feel like you're part of the action.

VersatilityA quality speaker can handle a wide range of audio content, from music and movies to podcasts and video games. This versatility ensures that your speaker remains a valuable asset for various entertainment needs, whether you're hosting a party, enjoying a movie night, or simply relaxing with your favorite tunes.

LongevityHigh-quality speakers are built to last, with durable construction and reliable components. Investing in a good speaker means you're less likely to encounter issues like distortion, degradation in sound quality, or component failure over time, providing you with years of enjoyable listening experiences.

Enhanced AestheticsBeyond their audio performance, good speakers can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your living space. Many speakers feature stylish designs and premium finishes that complement your décor, turning them into visually pleasing additions to your home or office.

Connectivity OptionsModern speakers often come with a variety of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and wired connections. This flexibility allows you to easily connect your speaker to a wide range of devices, such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and TVs, without the hassle of cables or adapters.

Room-Filling SoundGood speakers are capable of filling a room with sound, delivering powerful and balanced audio even in larger spaces. This ensures that everyone in the room can enjoy the same high-quality listening experience, whether they're sitting right next to the speaker or on the opposite side of the room.

Overall, investing in a good speaker is essential for anyone who values high-quality audio and immersive entertainment experiences. Whether you're a music lover, movie buff, or avid gamer, a quality speaker can elevate your enjoyment and appreciation of your favorite content.

iBasso D18 CROTALUS Balanced Portable R2R + 20Bit Dual Discrete DAC & Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier

iBasso

iBasso D18 CROTALUS Balanced Portable R2R + 20Bit Dual Discrete DAC & Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier

Name: iBasso D18 CROTALUS Balanced Portable R2R + 20Bit Dual Discrete DAC & Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier
Brand: iBasso
Price: 649 SGD
Availability: InStock

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S$649.00

Why You Should Get It

Architecture:Uses iBasso’s 20-bit R2R + 4-bit String DAC design in an 8-channel fully differential layout, managed by FPGA-Master 3.0 and dual femtosecond clocks. [1]
Power Output:Delivers around 1.75W + 1.75W into 32Ω. [1]
Power Supply:Features an internal high-voltage battery alongside support for an external 12V DC power input. [1]
Connections:Equipped with 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm outputs. [1]
Design:Built in a compact portable chassis matching the style and size of gear like the PB6 amplifier.

Warranty

1 year warranty (local)

The D18 uses iBasso’s 20-bit R2R + 4-bit String DACin an 8-channel fully differential design, together with FPGA-Master 3.0 and dual femtosecond clocks. Balanced output is rated at around 1.75W + 1.75W into 32Ω, with an internal high-voltage battery and support for external 12V power.

DX270 has already given us a good idea of what iBasso’s R2R Ultra architecture is capable of. I associate that platform with good note weight, a natural and slightly romantic midrange, solid bass impact and enough treble extension to avoid the typical “soft and dark R2R” stereotype.

The D18 engineering sample I heard was noticeably more conservative.

It still has the density, smoothness and natural flow I expect from this R2R implementation. Bass has proper weight, vocals sound natural, and the overall balance is very easy to live with. Compared with DX270, though, the D18 currently feels a little calmer and less expressive.

That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. At this price, I already think the tuning is very mature. I just feel there is still some room to give it a stronger identity.

The first thing I would work on is front-to-back layering.

Stage width is already convincing, but I would like a little more depth between the vocal, lead instruments and the rear of the stage. I don’t think the D18 needs a wider stage. I would rather hear stronger depth cues, more stable centre imaging and better separation of ambience behind the main performance.

I would also like slightly better separation between the bass, mids and treble during busy passages.

The current presentation is very coherent, which is one of its strengths, but occasionally everything feels a little too blended together. I don’t want sharper edges or a more analytical tuning. What I would prefer is better microdynamic contrast and slightly clearer imaging, while keeping that smooth R2R flow intact.

Vocals are another area where I think iBasso could be a little more adventurous.

The current vocal image is fairly natural in size. Personally, I would make it slightly larger and give it a bit more note weight. I’m not talking about simply pushing the upper mids forward and making vocals more intimate. A little more lower-mid body, harmonic richness and microdynamic expression would make singers feel more substantial without changing their position too much.

This may become important once the D18 reaches the market, because it will almost certainly be compared directly with products like the MUB5.

I don’t think the D18 needs to win that comparison by simply being “more neutral” or “more balanced.” R2R Ultra already gives it a strong identity to build around.

I would rather see the D18 lean a little further into natural timbre, note weight, stage depth and dynamic contrast.

At the same time, I don’t think all of this needs to be locked into the launch tuning. If possible, I would really like iBasso to leave some room for future tuning through firmware, FPGA processing or filter options. The launch firmware can remain safe and mature, while later updates could offer a slightly more energetic or more spacious presentation.

There is also one hardware request I care about quite a lot:

Please keep a true fixed-level Line Out.

And if the chassis layout can still be adjusted, I would strongly prefer the D18 Line Out and the PB6 Line In to be on the same side.

Product Availability	Available (current model)
Product Type	Amplifier (Headphone)
Style/Type	Portable
Features	Line-out, Dual Headphone Output
Connectivity	Fully Wired
Op-Amp / Amplifier	DAC Architecture: 20-bit R2R + 4-bit String DAC in an 8-channel fully differential design
Amplifier Class	Class A/B
Power Amplification Type	Solid State, Vacuum Tube
Bluetooth Version	- N.A -
Max Output Power (mW / W)	1.75W + 1.75W into 32Ω
Input Connectivity Options	USB Type-C (USB-C) [Charging], 3.5mm Stereo, 4.4mm (5-Pole) [Balanced]
Output Connectivity Options	3.5mm Stereo, 4.4mm (5-Pole) [Balanced]
Battery Life (Hours)	Class AB mode: Up to 13.5 hours (balanced output, high gain, low bandwidth) Tube mode: Up to 9.5 hours (balanced output, high gain, low bandwidth)
Product Dimensions	140.7mm x 78.9mm x 19.6mm
Product Weight (g)	293g
Colour	Silver
Warranty	1 year warranty (local)

If you're based in Singapore,

spend $300 or more for free doorstep delivery¹.
($250 for Silver/Gold/Platinum VIP members)
add a few more bucks, for delivery during the night/weekend, or quicker prioritised delivery options².
self-collection is possible at our Showroom, based in Ubi (nearest to MacPherson MRT). Find out where, and how to get to us here.
and yes, you may arrange your own 3rd party logistics to pickup your purchases on your behalf.
GrabExpress, Lalamove, GoGoX, RydeSEND services are welcome.

View additional Terms & Conditions associated to local doorstep delivery service.

Friends from Overseas,

we do ship internationally.
shipping fees are calculated according to total gross actual or volumetric weight of all item(s) in cart, whichever higher.
shipping fees will vary depending on international carrier(s)³, and will be displayed during checkout.
do be aware of additional import tax/VAT that may apply.

Important Notice for Customers in the USA
Due to recent changes in U.S. trade regulations, additional tariffs are being imposed on products manufactured in China and imported into the United States. As many of our audio products are made in China, orders shipped to U.S. addresses may be subject to an added tariff charge at checkout, reflected as a "U.S. Import Tariff Surcharge". Please note that this surcharge amount is determined by U.S. import policies and may vary significantly depending on product categories and any future policy adjustments. These charges are necessary to ensure compliance with U.S. customs requirements and to allow us to continue serving our U.S. customers reliably. We strongly encourage you to review the total cost at checkout before placing your order.

Important Notice due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East
This surcharge is temporary but necessary during this period of significantly increased operational pressure as a result of the ongoing geo‑political situation in the Middle East.
Orders shipped to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Africa, US and EU regions may be subject to an added surcharge at checkout, reflected as a "Temporary Emergency Situational Surcharge". Please note that this surcharge amount is determined by our freight partners, and may subject to adjustments according to situational updates. We strongly encourage you to review the total cost at checkout before placing your order.

View additional Terms & Conditions associated to international door to door shipping service.

¹Terms and condition do apply for free delivery. For more information, click here to view.
²View our updated list of local delivery options.
³View our updated list of international carriers.

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