iFi Audio Appreciation Thread

[TeamStereo]

iFi Audio iDSD Nano + iPurifier write up by suinspire of Earmass.com​

Most Affordable DSD Solution!
” iDSD never disappointed me, not a tiny bit at all…. iDSD is very good on its own, the sound is forward, punchy and very meaty. iDSD is capable to render music with lots of detail, in a analog way. The overall sound is quite smooth and you can’t find any harshness in them, bass is punchy and present, impressive for a little device, it can do what DACs that are bigger in size can do, and sometimes outperform them…. I attached the iPurifier to the iFi Audio iDAC, the differences are spot on, first of all, the sound is much less noise and less harsh, means music is more quiet now. In short, sound is cleaner and clearer after the iPurifier….I can tell you that iDSD is definitely a very good and worthy product, very suitable for beginner and for enthusiast, they won’t be disappointed how good iDSD Nano is, too. ”

Special thanks to suinspire of Earmass.com!

Link - iDSD Nano : Most Affordable DSD Solution! | Earmass

 

[TeamStereo]

iDSD Nano: Top-class says John Fernandes via wintech.pt!

iDSD Nano: Top-class says John Fernandes via wintech.pt!​

” Whether it’s high resolution PCM signals (32bit/384kHz), DSD (6.2MHz) or DXD (384kHz) reproduced from computer or iPhone / iPad / Android devices, the result is always the same: awesome. It’s like a new world of audio quality high end suddenly stay within reach of a whole new generation of users….IDSD is so extraordinary “on the street” to feed headphones or earphones with high quality sound, as connected to a computer or even a Hi-Fi system of high quality domestic, as it offers not only a stereo output through two standard RCA plugs as well as a coaxial digital output for connection to receivers A / V or any other system of high fidelity…IDSD is at the forefront of this technological trend….A DAC with these capabilities is extremely difficult to find in the market, in any form and at any price, and more difficult even when we know the IDSD represents the state of the art at an affordable price.”

Thank you John Fernandes of wintech.pt for this post!

http://wintech.pt/54-noticias/hardw...positivos-moveis-com-a-ajuda-do-ifi-nano-idsd

 

[TeamStereo]

iFi nailed it: Customer Michael’s words about the Nano iDSD!

iFi nailed it: Customer Michael’s words about the Nano iDSD!​

“The iDSD DAC uses a Burr Brown DAC which handles PCM and DSD close to their own terms….iFi also provides everything you need to get going including a USB cable, RCAs, and a small travel pouch. Nice. But all of that doesn’t add up to a hill of beans if the iFi iDSD DAC doesn’t make music worth listening to. Luckily for us lascivious music listeners and lovers, it sure does….the iFi iDSD DAC announced itself with a nice, rich, round sound. It offered a lovely dimensional quality to the music it reproduced that I’ve come to associate with a handful of mostly more expensive DACs….There was a consistent, rich, warm, lively, and inviting sound with the iDSD DAC that led me from album to album, as opposed to track to track, or even worse part-of-a-track to part-of-a-track. The iFi engendered the kind of listening that is driven by musical joy….I’d say iFi nailed this one.”

Thanks very much for the review Michael Lavorgna of Audiostream.com!

Cont'd: iFi nano iDSD DAC/Headphone Amp | AudioStream

 

[TeamStereo]

Watt magazine gives the iPHONO 6 stars (Top Score)!

Watt magazine gives the iPHONO 6 stars (Top Score)!​

In the first part of the PDF Roy Ervin Solstad writes that ifi Micro is from a new company using the technology from the English high-end company Abbingdon Music Research (AMR).

“AMR PH-77 is often recognized as one of the best phono-equalisers in the world.”

“First of all it is very fun to listen to. The dynamics is impressive and you can easy listen within the most complex parts of pieces of music….Kari Bremnes sounds like Kari Bremnes and not like Twiggy or Aretha Franklin….The best thing with this amplifier is that it does not do a few things very good, while other parts of the sound reproduction suffer. Conclusion: If there is an absolute no-brainer among phono-equalisers in today’s market, it must be the IFI iPhono. It would be a bargain even at a double price. Run out and buy before the manufacturer discover (that the price is much to low.)"

WE LIKE: Incredible flexible – Excellent sound – Price

WE DON´T LIKE: Absolutely nothing

WATT THINKS: This phono-equaliser has a sound and a price that makes it a coup (a bargain).

In Watt the best products get 6 stars; iPhono got 6 stars."

Special thanks to Watt Magazine (Nr), Audio Aktøren (iFi: Norway) and Roy Ervin Solstad!

 

[TeamStereo]

iFi Audio Nano iCAN - Small in Size. Tremendous in Technology.

They are now back in stocks only at Stereo Electronics!

We back this up with our 7-days 100% Money Back Guarantee which allows you time to ensure you made the right choice. Terms and conditions apply.

 

[kkphon]

Hi,
Need some help here. Whenever I turn on the itube and amp, there is loud humming noise coming from the speaker even music isn't playing. When I started playing music, the noise is louder and more obvious.

Swap cable and dac and power point to test, noise is coming from the itube. Appreciate if anyone can tell what went wrong. Does stereo provide servicing?

 

[artemov]

Can I check if the iusb power can be used to power the Squeezebox Touch? I have read conflicting info online.

 

[TeamStereo]

Hi,
Need some help here. Whenever I turn on the itube and amp, there is loud humming noise coming from the speaker even music isn't playing. When I started playing music, the noise is louder and more obvious.

Swap cable and dac and power point to test, noise is coming from the itube. Appreciate if anyone can tell what went wrong. Does stereo provide servicing?

Best to drop by our stores with the iTube and let us have a check ya. Will send you a pm on this.

Can I check if the iusb power can be used to power the Squeezebox Touch? I have read conflicting info online.

Should be able to. Good if you can drop by with the Squeezebox Touch and try them out in our stores.

 

[TeamStereo]

iDSD Nano upgrade featured on Theabsolutesound!

iDSD Nano upgrade featured on Theabsolutesound!​

“iFi-Audio, maker of several very interesting miniature audio components, has upgraded their battery-powered portable iDSD nano DAC and headphone amplifier to play quad-speed DSD256 computer audio files…. iFi-Audio identified some Japanese jazz piano DSD256 recordings that I downloaded and tried. They were very clean, spacious, highly nuanced and sounded a whole lot like someone playing a piano in a moderately reverberant room. Through the upgraded iDSD nano, my Audeze LCD-X headphones sounded a bit tonally richer than before the upgrade. If you enjoy the iDSD nano as much as I do, this is a worthwhile upgrade.”

Thanks Absolutesound!
iFi-Audio Upgrades iDSD nano Portable DAC/Headphone Amp | The Absolute Sound

 

[TeamStereo]

iCAN Micro video review by Arly Borg of Youtube!​

“The iFi iCAN Micro is a gorgeous looking piece of kit that packs a lot of features into a small form factor.”

“Besides having quite competent sonics the iCAN also provides a very well done bass boost that’s well controlled and, generally speaking, clean. It also utilizes a type of cross feed circuit that when used will help expand sound stage which comes in handy if you happen to own headphones that sound claustrophobic. If that weren’t enough the iCAN delivers enough juice to easily drive high impedance 600 ohm headphones but can also drive highly sensitive IEM’s by utilizing power output switches, located on the bottom of the amp, which reigns in the juice.

Overall, the iCAN is a good all arounder sort of amp which is fun to play around with if you like to experiment with its various boosts on different gear. A good buy for the new enthusiast looking to get his feet wet whose seeking out their first desktop amp.”

 

[TeamStereo]

iDSD nano makes a statement in HiFi Statement

iDSD nano makes a statement in HiFi Statement​

Dirk Sommer, an elder statesman of audio reviewers, puts the iDSD nano through its paces:
“The days of having to invest huge sums in high-end audio equipment, are fortunately over. A computer, a smartphone or a tablet is present in almost every household. This along with a couple hundred euros for an app and the iDSD, one has a source that can inspire even in a very high-quality chain. Good sound has never been so affordable!”

Dank Sehr Mr Sommer!
HIFISTATEMENT | netmagazine - AMR ifi iDSD nano

 

[TeamStereo]

iFi Audio Micro iDSD Pre-Order @ $649!

Yes, you saw it right! Starting today, 4th July, Stereo Electronics is now accepting pre-orders for Micro iDSD.

Pre-order batch is extra special with a FREE T-shirt plus a unique "Red Hot Turbo" serial number that comes on each set. We are expecting the stocks to arrive by mid or end of this month.

Hurry and be one of the firsts 512-first batch unit owners worldwide and make a pre-order only at Stereo@Plaza Singapura or Stereo@ION Orchard!

​

Read up for more info:
iDSD micro Crowd-Design. Head-Fi

Micro iDSD. Stereo - The Headphone Concept Store

 

[sandman666]

iFi Audio Micro iDSD Pre-Order @ $649!

Yes, you saw it right! Starting today, 4th July, Stereo Electronics is now accepting pre-orders for Micro iDSD.

Pre-order batch is extra special with a FREE T-shirt plus a unique "Red Hot Turbo" serial number that comes on each set. We are expecting the stocks to arrive by mid or end of this month.

Hurry and be one of the firsts 512-first batch unit owners worldwide and make a pre-order only at Stereo@Plaza Singapura or Stereo@ION Orchard!

​

Read up for more info:
iDSD micro Crowd-Design. Head-Fi

Micro iDSD. Stereo - The Headphone Concept Store

Can I get a refund within 7 days if I don't like it?

 

[TeamStereo]

Can I get a refund within 7 days if I don't like it?

Yes, this is included with the 7-days Money Back Guarantee. Kindly check the Terms and Conditions for your reference.

 

[TeamStereo]

Kari of Inner-Magazine puts the iTUBE through its paces!

Kari of Inner-Magazine puts the iTUBE through its paces!​

“But given what the iTube can do, I’d be amazed if there were no interest in the device: the users of passive controllers, those that need a preamp for their computer audio systems, those not happy with the performance of their USB DACs, those that need a quality volume between the DAC and active speakers, those who would expect more from their computer speakers in terms of the stereo image. That is, I can see very many who would immediately benefit from inserting this IFi’s tool in their system. ”

Thank you Kari Nevalainen of inner-magazines.com!
Inner Magazine - iFi iTube - buffer/preamp

 

[TeamStereo]

Turrican2 of Head-fi re-discovers his music collection using iFi iDAC!

Turrican2 of Head-fi re-discovers his music collection using iFi Audio iDAC!​

“I first heard the iDac at the April 2013 head-fi meet in London. It was part of the full ifi stack (at the time) consisting of iUSB, iCAN and iDAC. I was amazed at the quality of the sound from this miniature setup and knew right there and then that I was going to own at least some of this gear…I have the iRack also, the iDac fits perfectly into my stack, that’s one of the things I love about iFi, their gear looks as good as it sounds…First thing I noticed was the BASS!…I’m hearing things I’ve never heard before with very familiar tracks. I find electronica in particular is a lot more musical with the iDAC leading to much longer listening sessions. I do love listening to gear which invites me to re-discover my music collection…the iDAC has a real authority about the sound which I love.”

Thanks for review Turrican2 of Head-fi.org!
“Amazing clarity and hefty bassâ€* - Turrican2’s Review of iFi iDAC DAC / headphone Amplifier

 

[TeamStereo]

iFi Audio Nano iDSD impresses Richard of HiFi Wigwam!

iFi Audio Nano iDSD impresses Richard of HiFi Wigwam!​

“After reading a rave review of the iFi iDSD Nano on the Audiostream site, I thought I would give that a go. I don’t actually really need another DAC, but at 165 pounds for the Nano, I thought ‘what the hell’….After listening to the iDSD for the past two or three weeks, I am incredibly impressed. It has a slightly sweeter, ‘richer’ sound than the HRT. It is very detailed without throwing the detail in your face – I find I can follow the words that people are singing very easily. The JBLs have a very solid stereo image and with the Nano, the image just sits there nicely in space. Acoustic instruments sound a lot like acoustic instruments – there is no artificial ‘digital brightness’, they are just detailed and rich, and yet powerful and dynamic.”

Thanks Richard Dale (Hifi Wigwam)!
JBL LSR305/iFi iDSD Nano/BeagleBone Black computer audio system

iFi Audio Nano iDSD DAC and Headphone Amp is retailing at $249 only at Stereo Electronics and comes with our 7-days 100% Money Back Guarantee. Terms and conditions apply.

 

[TeamStereo]

iFi Audio Micro iDSD pre-order for the Limited Edition 512 batch is now officially closed. Thank you for the overwhelming response.

 

[TeamStereo]

iFi Audio iUSB Power: Marvelous new upgrade for USB-powered DACs says George of Computeraudiophile!​

“the bottom line is that the original power source is the computer, or perhaps a powered USB hub; not the most prepossessing of power sources….The USB output of my laptop (which I use as a music server) fed into the input of the iUSB, and the DragonFly plugged into the “Music + Power” USB “A” output of the iUSB power supply. From then -on everything else was as before…I couldn’t believe the difference! The DragonFly v.1.2 was noticeably quieter – especially through ‘phones. But through speakers, the soundstage opened-up, image specificity became more precise, the bass tightened-up noticeably, and the top end became even smoother, and more open, with more “air” around the instruments. This is a dynamite upgrade to already great sounding DAC. I recommend that you try to hear it for yourself!”

iFi Audio iUSB Power​

Thanks George AKA gmgraves2@comcast.net of computeraudiophile.com!
Marvelous new upgrade for those using USB-powered DACs such as the DragonFly!

 

[TeamStereo]

HDPhonic tries the iDSD Nano at Munich!​

“At the iFi Audio booth there was only one new product: the Nano-iDSD, the smallest portable DA converter in the world that supports PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD up to 6.2 MHz with dual BB1795 chip developed exclusively by Burr-Brown Japan. The peculiarity of this DAC is the direct conversion of native DSD directly to analog without intermediate steps. We got to hear this DAC with both a LCD-2 and with our HD 600 thanks to the kindness and courtesy of Vincent Luke, marketing coordinator of iFi Audio. Our first impressions of the DAC using DSD files of records that we know quite well, were extremely positive as regards the overall sonic performance. The sound was spacious, clean and warm at the same time and very close to that of a studio master tape played back from a one-inch recorder. iFi Audio has put a product on the market that will be talked about not just because of its price of $ 189.”

Thanks HDPhonic!
Munich High End 2014 - HDPhonic