iFi Audio Micro iDSD Signature DAC and Headphone Amplifier

Description

• Exceptional Condition
• Original Box and Packing
• Includes RCA Cable
• Includes USB 3.0 Cable
• Includes Manual
• Includes USB-A to USB-C cable
• Includes USB-B to USB-A converter
• Includes Optical Toslink adapter

iFi Audio Micro iDSD Signature Edition DAC/Headphone Amp

Sporting a host of enhancements both inside and out, one of the most highly acclaimed hi-res DAC/headphone amps on the planet just got even bettermeet the micro iDSD Signature.

Since launching in 2017 as an upgraded version of the original micro iDSD, the micro iDSD Black Label has been iFis top-of-the-range battery-powered DAC/headphone amp. The new Signature edition builds on its predecessors reputation for exceptional sound quality and versatility with enhanced circuitry in critical areas and a new 4.4mm Pentaconn headphone output, among other upgrades.

The new model is housed in the same 177x67x28mm extruded aluminium enclosure as the Black Label version, like all products in iFis longstanding micro range has been. But, rather than black, the micro iDSD Signature sports a Space Blue finish a new colour reserved for Signature versions of some of iFis most popular products, of which there will be more.

Although powered by a built-in rechargeable battery, the micro iDSD Signature is more of a desktop-sized device than pocket-sized one a transportable DAC/headphone amp that can easily be moved around without requiring a mains socket. Being battery-powered gives it a performance advantage over mains-powered products, too ultra-clean and stable DC power, negating the issues that can be introduced by AC mains electricity with its dips, spikes and noise-inducing RFI/EMI pollution.

The battery delivers 6-12 hours of playing time, depending on the type of headphones connected and the performance mode engaged. If the battery runs low whilst in use, it can be plugged into a power source to charge and play at the same time.

Features

• 2 x Burr-Brown True Native® chipset
• High-res Audio Support with True Native® playback
• MQA Support
• Custom OV Series operational-amplifier
• iFis exclusive S-Balanced® circuit
• 3D+ Holographic®
• XBass+®
• Texas Instruments low-noise ICs
• Panasonic OS-CON caps
• DirectDrive®

Finely Tuned

Based around two Burr-Brown DAC chips in a custom interleaved configuration, the digital engine has four pairs of differential signals two pairs per channel. This means

• a lower noise floor
• improved channel separation
• finer musical detail and micro-dynamics

The micro iDSD Signature handles up to PCM 768, DSD 512, 2xDXD and MQA. All this is done natively. Both PCM and DSD remain bit-perfect.

Precision Personified

Extensive jitter-eradication technologies are applied to the digital engine, including iFis GMT (Global Master Timing) femto-precision clock and the intelligent memory buffer.

The micro iDSD Signature also comes with iFis GTO (Gibbs Transient Optimized) digital filter installed. And exclusive firmware available on iFi’s website means you can change digital filters as you wish.

Curl, now a technical consultant for iFi, has worked with iFis in-house technical team, headed by Thorsten Loesch, to produce a circuit design of exceptional quality for such an affordable phono stage. A fully balanced, ultra-low-noise design of this kind is unprecedented at such a lowprice point.

Circuit Training

With up to 4100mW of power the micro iDSD Signature can drive all manner of headphones with aplomb, from highly sensitive in-ear monitors to current hungry planar headphones.

The signal path has been refined to maximise sonic texture. High spec components featuring class-leading qualities such as low ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance), high stability and low distortion mean top-notch sound quality and maximum musical enjoyment.

Add in the direct-coupled nature of the circuit no coupling capacitor is present and the micro iDSD Signature definitely runs rings around the competition.

Versatile Sonic Tailoring

One size no longer fits all when it comes to quality listening. The digital stage of the micro iDSD Signature features a variety of filter settings:

• Standard, Minimum Phase and Bit-Perfect for PCM files
• Standard Bandwidth, Extended Bandwidth and Extreme Bandwidth for DSD

The amp stage also has three settings to adjust power and gain. As well as Normal, you get

• Turbo to ramp up the level of drive for current-hungry headphones
• Eco to dial down the power to suit high-sensitivity in-ear monitors and/or to extend battery life

Complete this with iFi’s iEMatch technology that adjusts output level and their XBass+ and 3D+ signature sonic tweaks, and the micro iDSD Signature is flexible to the max.

Get Connected

The micro iDSD Signature features two digital audio inputs USB Type-A and an S/PDIF socket that accepts both electrical, via a 3.5mm connector, and optical signals adapter supplied.

It also houses a pair of RCA analogue outputs to connect to a pair of powered speakers or a power amp to act as a DAC.

There is a 6.3mm output for headphones that have a standard single-ended connector (headphones with a 3.5mm jack can be connected using an adapter) and a 4.4mm Pentaconn output for headphones offering balanced connection.

Both headphone outputs utilise iFi’s S-Balanced output circuitry. This delivers the sonic benefits of balanced connections with all headphone/earphone types even those with single-ended connectors cutting crosstalk and associated distortion in half.

Specifications