Headphone Zone, in collaboration with Muse HiFi, has introduced the M3 Ultra portable vacuum tube DAC and headphone amplifier in India. Priced at ₹9,999, the device is designed to bring genuine vacuum tube audio to a compact, portable form factor, offering audiophiles an accessible way to experience tube-based sound without the size and cost associated with traditional tube amplifiers.
Genuine Vacuum Tubes in a Portable Design
The M3 Ultra features two JAN6418 military-grade vacuum tubes, originally produced by Raytheon. Muse HiFi has incorporated the tubes into a compact design aimed at making tube-based audio more accessible to portable audio enthusiasts.
Unlike digital tube simulations, the M3 Ultra uses physical vacuum tubes as part of its audio architecture. The device weighs just 55 grams and measures 65mm × 16mm × 46.5mm, allowing it to be carried alongside a smartphone, IEMs or headphones.
Tube Warmth Meets Modern DAC Technology
The M3 Ultra combines its vacuum tube architecture with modern digital audio components. It features an ES9028Q2M DAC chipset and a dedicated ES9603Q amplification stage on a fully balanced circuit.
According to the company, the combination is designed to deliver the characteristic warmth and richness associated with tube audio while retaining detail, soundstage and clarity.
The DAC supports PCM audio up to 32-bit/384kHz and native DSD256, making it suitable for high-resolution music playback.
Designed to Keep Tube Audio Portable
Portable tube devices can face challenges related to vibration, microphonics and heat. The M3 Ultra addresses these through Muse HiFi’s Triple Anti-Vibration technology, which operates across the circuit, software algorithm and physical system.
The device uses a patented silicone damper and a “World Gate” open-frame structure around the tubes. The design has also undergone drop, impact and vibration testing.
The low-power JAN6418 implementation is designed to keep operating temperatures relatively low. The company states that the device reaches around 33°C after five hours of listening, while its compact 55-gram construction makes it suitable for mobile use.
Up to 480mW Output
The M3 Ultra is designed primarily for IEMs and efficient headphones. Its fully balanced architecture delivers up to 460mW at 32Ω through the 3.5mm output and 480mW at 32Ω through the 4.4mm balanced output.
The device has a stated THD+N as low as 0.0003%, a noise floor of -115dB or lower, and an SNR of up to 121dB.
It features both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs, giving users flexibility depending on their headphones or IEMs.
USB-C Connectivity
The M3 Ultra connects to compatible devices through USB-C and works with Android smartphones, PCs and laptops without requiring additional drivers or complicated setup.
It also features independent volume control and remembers the volume level when powered off, adding convenience for regular use.
Headphone Zone X Muse HiFi M3 Ultra: Key Specifications
Price and Availability of M3 Ultra Portable Tube DAC and Headphone Amplifier
The Headphone Zone X Muse HiFi M3 Ultra is available in India for ₹9,999. It can be purchased through Headphone Zone.
With genuine JAN6418 vacuum tubes, high-resolution audio support, balanced outputs and a 55-gram portable design, the M3 Ultra is positioned as an entry point for listeners who want to explore tube-based audio without investing in a conventional desktop tube amplifier.
Leadership Comment
“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.” – Raghav Somani, Founder and CEO, Headphone Zone.
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