A tube amplifier DAC costs just over 100 USD but has two JAN6418 bulbs, a 4.4 mm balanced input and a capacity of up to 480 mW. Is it enough to make traditional semiconductor DAC dongles wary?
MUSE HiFi officially introduced the M3 Ultra on June 2, 2026. According to information released by MUSE HiFi itself, this is a DAC and portable headphone amplifier using a vacuum tube, aiming to bring the sound characteristics of a tube amplifier into a device small enough to use with phones, tablets and computers. (MuseHiFi)
1. Two JAN6418 vacuum bulbs in the pocket device
The biggest difference of the M3 Ultra lies in the pair of JAN6418 vacuum bulbs. MUSE HiFi says these are two military-grade JAN6418 bulbs and the circuit system is designed to be fully balanced. The company also developed a silicone vibration reduction mechanism combined with multi-level processing to limit the microphonic effect, which is a notable problem when inserting a vacuum bulb into a device that often vibrates while moving. (MuseHiFi)
The design called World Gate by MUSE HiFi directly exposes two light bulbs through the window on the body. This structure is not only aesthetic, but according to the manufacturer, it also helps protect the ball and dissipate heat. This is also the factor that makes M3 Ultra clearly different in appearance from most USB DAC dongles today. (MuseHiFi)
2. ESS ES9028Q2M DAC and ES9603Q amplifier
The technical processing part of the M3 Ultra uses the 32-bit ESS ES9028Q2M DAC, ES9603Q amplifier chip and SA9137L USB receiver. The device supports PCM up to 32 bit 384 kHz with Native DSD256. MUSE HiFi claims a signal-to-noise ratio of 121 dB and a THD+N of 0.0003 percent. (MuseHiFi)
MUSE HiFi M3 Ultra specifications
DAC ESS ES9028Q2M
ESS ES9603Q amplifier chip
2 × JAN6418 vacuum bulbs
USB SA9137L
PCM up to 32 bits 384 kHz
DSD Native DSD256
Maximum power 480 mW at 32 ohm
3.5 mm and balanced 4.4 mm headphone jack
Published SNR 121 dB
THD+N announced 0.0003 percent
Volume adjustment Yes
Devices compatible with Apple, Android, PC and laptop
The above parameters were announced by MUSE HiFi on the product page and the M3 Ultra introduction announcement. (MuseHiFi)
3. Power of 480 mW at 32 ohm is a notable detail
MUSE HiFi claims a maximum output power of 480 mW at 32 ohm load. With a compact portable amplifier DAC, this figure shows that the M3 Ultra not only targets IEM models with high sensitivity but also expands the ability to combine with some headphones that require greater power. However, the ability to pull a specific headphone well depends on the impedance, sensitivity, voltage requirements and load characteristics of each model, so it is not possible to rely solely on the 480 mW level to conclude the compatibility. (MuseHiFi)
The device provides both 3.5 mm and balanced 4.4 mm jacks. This is a configuration suitable for the current mobile audiophile market when users can continue to use popular 3.5 mm headphones or switch to4.4 mm balanced wire. (MuseHiFi)
4. Sound quality does not aim at absolute neutrality
MUSE HiFi positions the M3 Ultra around the signature vacuum tube sound experience with a richer, smoother sound and richer analog feel. Headfonics' independent review also describes the M3 Ultra as having an airy high range and a richer, larger-scale bass, creating an energetic performance. This is a subjective comment from the listening process, not absolute specifications. (Headfonics)
That also shows that the target audience for the M3 Ultra is not necessarily someone looking for a DAC that is as neutral and transparent as possible. The product's appeal lies more in the combination of high-resolution digital decoding capabilities with the JAN6418 tube amplifier stage in a portable design.
5. Official price is about 2.9 million VND
MUSE HiFi lists the M3 Ultra at $109.99. The reference conversion is about 26,000 VND per USD, equivalent to about 2.86 million VND, not including factors such as taxes, shipping and policies of each market. Actual prices in Vietnam may therefore vary. (MuseHiFi)
At this price range, the simultaneous integration of ES9028Q2M, ES9603Q, two JAN6418 bulbs, balanced circuit, 4.4 mm input and announced capacity of 480 mW at 32 ohm makes the M3 Ultra a notable configuration in the portable amplifier DAC segment.
6. It is necessary to distinguish between official information and viral posts
The shared photo shows that Headphone Zone X MUSE HiFi M3 Ultra has been released. However, through current verifiable official sources, MUSE HiFi confirmsreceived the MUSE HiFi M3 Ultra product and announced the launch date of June 2, 2026, but there are not enough official sources in the verification results to confirm that this is a separate collaboration version called Headphone Zone X MUSE HiFi M3 Ultra.
Therefore, the part that has been definitely confirmed is the existence, configuration, price and launch date of MUSE HiFi M3 Ultra. Headphone Zone X MUSE HiFi details should be considered as not fully verified information until there is an official announcement from Headphone Zone or MUSE HiFi.
The M3 Ultra shows an interesting direction for portable audio in 2026. Instead of just racing to newer DACs and higher specifications, MUSE HiFi brings the vacuum tube technology associated with bulky amplifiers into a pocket-sized device. If the JAN6418's vibration control functions effectively in real-world use, this could be a notable choice for those who want to experience tube tone without having to carry a separate amplifier system.
Primary sources of verification include MUSE HiFi's official launch announcement and product page and independent reviews by Headfonics. (MuseHiFi)
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