iFi Audio Micro iDSD Signature Edition DAC/Headphone Amp

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 better–meet the micro iDSD Signature.

Since launching in 2017 as an upgraded version of the original micro iDSD, the micro iDSD Black Label has been iFi’s top-of-the-range battery-powered DAC/headphone amp. The new Signature edition builds on its predecessor’s 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 iFi’s 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 iFi’s 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
• iFi’s 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 iFi’s GMT (Global Master Timing) femto-precision clock and the intelligent memory buffer.

The micro iDSD Signature also comes with iFi’s 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 iFi’s 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:

• Digital Inputs: USB3.0 B (USB2.0 compatible) / S-PDIF (coaxial/optical) / Bluetooth 5.0
• Supported Bluetooth Codecs: AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX LL, LDAC, LHDC/HWA Codec
• Supported Digital Formats: DSD512/256/128/64, DXD (768/705.6/384/352.8kHz), PCM (768/705.6/384/352.8/192/176.4/96/88.2/48/44.1kHz), MQA, Bluetooth 96kHz
• Digital Inputs: USB 3.0 type A “OTG” Socket (USB2.0 compatible/with iPurifier® technology built-in), S/PDIF (3.5m coaxial/optical)
• Outputs: Balanced: 4.4mm, SE: 6.3mm/RCA
• DAC: Bit-Perfect DSD & DXD, PCM DAC by Dual-core Burr Brown
• Clock: Ultra low jitter GMT Femtosecond Clock
• Digital Formats: DSD512/256/128/64, Octa/Quad/Double/Single-Speed DSD, DXD (768/705.6/384/352.8kHz), Double/Single-Speed DXD, PCM (768/705.6/384/352.8/192/176.4/96/88.2/48/44.1kHz), MQA
• DSD Filter: Extreme/Extended/Standard Bandwidth
• PCM: Bit-Perfect/Minimum-Phase/Standard
• DXD: Bit-Perfect Processing
• Dynamic Range (Line): >117db(A)
• THD+N (Line): <0.003%
• Output Boltage (Line): >2V
• Output Impedance: <240Ω
• Jitter (Correlated): below AP2 test set limit
• Headphone Output Turbo: 10.0V/4,100mW (Max), >1,560 mW @ 64 Ohm, >166 mW @ 600 Ohm (Continuous)
• Headphone Output Normal: 5.5V/1,900 mW (Max), >100 mW @ 300 Ohm, >950 mW @ 32 Ohm (Continuous)
• Headphone Output Eco: 2.0V/500 mW @ 8 Ohm (Max), >250 mW @ 16 Ohm (Continuous)
• Dynamic Range (HP): >115dB(A) Eco Mode 2V Out
• THD+N (HP 500mW/16R): < 0.008%
• Output Voltage (HP): >10V Turbo
• Output Impedance: <1Ω (iEMatch not engaged)
• Max. Output Power: 4,100 mW @ 16 Ohm Load
• Continuous Output Power: 1,000 mW @ 64 Ohm Load
• Battery: Lithium-polymer 4800mAh
• Power System: Chargin via USB-C, BC V1.2 compliant up to 1500mA charging current
• Dimensions: 172 x 67 x 27 mm (6.8" x 2.6" x 1.1")
• Weight: 295g (0.65 lbs)
• Warranty period: 12 months

 

 

About iFi Audio

iFi Audio is an award-winning audio tech company dedicated to enhancing your music enjoyment. With a mission to improve sound quality and eliminate noise, distortion, and hiss, iFi Audio offers a wide range of products that cater to headphones, speakers, portable audio devices, phones, and TVs. By doing so, they aim to deliver studio-quality audio that allows you to experience music as the artists intended.

Since its establishment in 2012, iFi Audio has been driven by the love of music and a commitment to making a difference in people's lives. With over 50 meticulously designed and manufactured products, they ensure every detail meets their high standards. Sourcing parts from around the world, including Germany, the USA, and Japan, they bring together global expertise to create exceptional audio devices.

At the heart of iFi Audio's business are its customers. They prioritise delivering the highest quality audio wherever you are, whether in the comfort of your home or on the go. Their distribution centre in the USA serves renowned retailers such as B&H and etailz, expanding their global network and reaching more music enthusiasts.

iFi Audio takes pride in its eco-friendly practices, using recyclable materials like aluminium, paper, and recycled plastics for its products and packaging. They strictly adhere to environmental standards, ensuring their components are hazardous toxins-free.

With a focus on Class A analogue circuitry and maintaining the audio signal's integrity, iFi Audio's products offer exceptional performance without compromising environmental sustainability. They believe that how a product looks, performs, and impacts the environment all matter, and they strive to deliver audio solutions that meet these criteria.

Experience the difference of high-quality audio with iFi Audio and immerse yourself in the joy of music.