The portable DAC and headphone amplifier brings genuine JAN6418 vacuum tubes, balanced audio output, Hi-Res playback and a compact 55-gram design to Indian audiophiles at a price of Rs. 9,999.
Headphone Zone, in collaboration with Muse HiFi, has launched the M3 Ultra in India, a portable vacuum tube DAC and headphone amplifier designed to bring traditional tube-based audio characteristics to a compact, portable form factor.
Priced at Rs. 9,999, the device is aimed at audiophiles and headphone users who want to experience tube-based amplification without investing in a conventional desktop amplifier. Unlike digital simulations of tube sound, the M3 Ultra uses two genuine JAN6418 military-grade vacuum tubes originally produced by Raytheon.
The compact device combines the vacuum tubes with a modern digital-to-analogue conversion and amplification architecture, bringing together tube-based tonal characteristics with high-resolution digital audio support.
Real vacuum tubes in a portable design
At the heart of the M3 Ultra are two JAN6418 vacuum tubes. According to the companies, Muse HiFi developed the design over several years to integrate the tubes into a portable device while addressing issues associated with vibration and microphone effects.
The audio architecture pairs an ES9028Q2M DAC with a dedicated ES9603Q amplification stage on a fully balanced circuit. The combination is designed to provide the tonal character associated with vacuum tubes while retaining detail and soundstage characteristics expected from modern portable DACs.
The device supports PCM playback up to 32-bit/384kHz and native DSD256. It includes both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs, catering to a range of in-ear monitors (IEMs) and headphones.
The M3 Ultra can deliver up to 460mW at 32Ω through its 3.5mm output and up to 480mW at 32Ω through the balanced 4.4mm connection. The manufacturer cites distortion as low as 0.0003% and a noise floor of -115dB or lower.
Designed for portable listening
To address the sensitivity of vacuum tubes to movement and vibration, the M3 Ultra incorporates Triple Anti-Vibration technology operating across the circuit, software algorithm and physical damping system. A patented silicone damper is combined with the device's circuit design and processing algorithm to minimise unwanted vibration-related effects.
The tubes are housed behind a “World Gate” open-frame structure that allows users to see the tubes while providing protection. The device has also undergone drop, impact and vibration testing.
The portable amplifier uses a low-power JAN6418 configuration, with the company stating that its surface temperature remains around 33°C after five hours of listening. At 55 grams and measuring 65mm x 16mm x 46.5mm, the M3 Ultra is designed for use on the move.
Connectivity is handled through USB-C, with support for Android smartphones, PCs and laptops without requiring additional drivers or setup. An independent volume control is included, along with power-off volume memory.
"For years, if you wanted to hear what a tube does to your music, you needed a big amplifier on a desk and a serious amount of money. Most people never got that chance. That is what makes the M3 Ultra special. Two real tubes, in something you can slip into your pocket, at a price that finally makes tube sound something you can just try. Once you hear the difference, it is hard to go back to an ordinary amp," said Raghav Somani, Founder and CEO, Headphone Zone.
The Headphone Zone X Muse HiFi M3 Ultra is available in India at Rs. 9,999 through Headphone Zone.
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