iFi Audio Appreciation Thread

[Murcielago]

The iFi iCan Pro with built in iTube section will be interesting.

 

[TeamStereo]

“Overflowing With Features!”
says Potatoe94 of Head-Fi about the iDSD Micro!​

Pros: Superbly clean output , Lots of Power , Dynamic , Practical , Features ( 3D Holographic & XBass) , Battery Life , Construction , Design , Value.

“All of their products have performance which far exceeds their price point, making every purchase, worth it….i do own many of them, and i am very much impressed with every single one of them….i could simply hook it to my android phone by OTG direct….the XBass, increases the depth and body of your bass and sub bass, this really brings bass shy headphones or IEM to life, giving them alittle more volume and warmth….The 3D holographic switch not only widen the soundstage, and improves imaging , but also extends a little of the treble and increases it’s presence and improves imaging , but also extends a little of the treble and increases it’s presence….needless to say, its really beautiful and at this price point, it certainly beats many 1-2k desktop DACs and amps already.”

Potatoe94’s conclusion; “Until now, iFi has never made a product that disappoint, they are a truly remarkable company which makes remarkable products, The iDSD Micro design features was brainstormed with the community in mind, seeking suggestions from the fellow users here in head-fi, which i think is a really beautiful thing to see, the company putting the users first and listening to what the user wants, and includes them in their design, all companies should learn from this. The iDSD certainly is a monster packed full of features, made with quality and made to impress.”

“There is really nothing not to love about it. I hope that iFi continues to make excellent quality products as such, and i look forward to your next product in the iFi line !”

Thanks Potatoe94 and Head-fi

http://ifi-audio.com/reviews/overfl...ys-potatoe94-of-head-fi-about-the-idsd-micro/

 

[GoDSLaYeR]

iFi Audio Pre-Order Special Bundle Promotion!

iDAC2 + iPurifier at $519!

Visit or PM us for more info.

If pre-order, when is the expected date of arrival?

 

[TeamStereo]

If pre-order, when is the expected date of arrival?

Earliest this coming May. We'll give an update once we have the latest.

 

[austy]

Sony

Hi Austy

The Cowon J3 doesn't have a dedicated line-output nor does it support a digital output, the J3 only has a 3.5mm headphone output, so although you could use the iDSD micro with the J3 the sound might not be optimal as you will be doing "double amping" by connecting J3's headphone out to iDSD micro 3.5mm input, furthermore you won't be utilizing iDSD micro DAC section

but as always, you could come down our store and try it for yourself and see if it works for you

if you are looking to improve the sound, you can look into upgrading your audio player as well, you could look at DAP like the:

- iBasso DX90
- Fiio X5
- A&K AK100 II

we have those for auditioning as well

Or can i use Sony A17 for source. Do you any experience from the A17 using the idsd?

 

[StereoLoft]

Or can i use Sony A17 for source. Do you any experience from the A17 using the idsd?

Hi Austy

We do not have the Sony A17, but our guess is it will work with iDSD micro provided you use the Sony WMC-NWH10 cable, and if it works you will utilize both iDSD micro's DAC and headphone amp section.

 

[TeamStereo]

HeadMania impressed by the iDSD Micro!​

The tests were performed with iFi iDSD Micro, Sennheiser HD800, Audeze LCD-X, HiFiMAN HE-560, Shure 535-LTD, Sennheiser IE800, FiiO X5, FiiO E12A.

“Looking at the specs I was really impressed….Indeed, the unit is very versatile. You can use it just as DAC, just as headphone amp, pre-amp and dac/amp combo of course. The unit can also be used as USB converter as it has a spdif output as well. Besides the above, iFi still had some stuff that impressed me even further…..As I expected, the battery ads clarity and detail to the sound and it is not something hard to notice. The unit sounded very good when it was powered from usb as well and it seemed a little warmer / more analogue….My Shure 535 LTD are very sensitive and I have rarely found an amplifier not to present a small hiss in the background. With iFi the noise disappeared completely proving to be a good match with it….One of the strong things about this unit is that it sounds very natural….The Micro packs a good amount of details. I could hear some subtle things in the songs like only a gentle stroke over a guitar string, a car passing by the recording studio and even an artist scratching his face during the song….iFi Micro iDSD was a really nice surprise. I never expected this quality at that price. I didn’t feel like I was listening to a portable unit at all. I felt like listening to a full blown desktop rig. Actually, I think it might beat a lot of more expensive and bigger desktop rigs.”

Thanks Headmania!
http://ifi-audio.com/reviews/headmania-impressed-by-the-idsd-micro/

 

[Shutterbox]

When is ifi pro coming?

 

[Gaghiel]

Using idac, what option do I have on amp improvement if higher current needed? To drive AKG K7XX and similar cans.

Or upgrade is not required

 

[Murcielago]

When is ifi pro coming?

http://www.head-fi.org/t/702376/ifi-audio-pro-desktop-line-discussion-thread/555#post_11596451

 

[TeamStereo]

Using idac, what option do I have on amp improvement if higher current needed? To drive AKG K7XX and similar cans.

Or upgrade is not required

We've sent you a PM.

 

[alamakazim]

got news when this coming?

 

[TeamStereo]

got news when this coming?

Hi bro! We are expecting it to arrive earliest on June. Any latest updates, we will give a shout out, kindly stay tuned.

 

[TeamStereo]

4 wheels moves your body…..iDSD Nano moves your soul!​

” One of the brands creating a stir has been iFi – particularly with its iDSD range…..Before I go any further I’d like to tell you that I came into this review expecting to be slightly underwhelmed…..Well the good news is that the Nano ticks all of my boxes for a great DAC. It is musical, but without losing detail. It is smooth, but not too warm and the overall sound has a nice sense of spaciousness for the price and size of the Nano…..Given that the DAC was already very good, an overly warm amp stage could have sunk the Nano’s performance, but iFi nailed the balance here and the end results are smooth, musical, detailed and enjoyable. In short, the Nano is an amazing auditory package as a stand-alone device…..Overall, the Nano has wowed me. It looks great, it’s tiny for what it is and does, and the fact that it offers native DSD playback, variable line-out USB to SPDIF conversion, and a great in-built amp all make it a hands-down winner in my book. I was expecting to be underwhelmed by the Nano, but I absolutely love it and will be sad to see it go… so much so that I might be $300 poorer after this exercise (but musically richer for owning an iFi Nano iDSD).”

Thanks Passion for Sound & MaxMedia (iFi:Australia)!

http://passionforsound.lachlanfennen.com/?p=1483

 

[TeamStereo]

iCan Micro: Class A amp for a Class A guy!​

“Going back to the iCAN Micro. A lot of people will ask why one would even need the iCAN if you have already got iDSD Micro which has a very capable headphone output. After adding the iCAN Micro after iDSD Micro the sound becomes sweeter and warmer….I think it might have something to do with its Class A circuit. I am a Class A guy. My main stereo has a set of Pass Labs XA60.5 Class A mono amps, and i also use First Watt J2 Class A amp for my desktop system. To me a class A amp (well designed of course) just sounds more musical and more effortless. It brings you closer to the music. iCAN did exactly that. I also enjoyed the 3D and Xbass feature. For 90% of the time i listen at Xbass Mid setting and 3D Max setting. I really like iFi’s implementations with both as their effects are subtle….I am currently using this set as my office setup. I am completely satisfied and have no intention to make any change, nor do i think that i can do any better without spending significantly more money. I highly recommend this combo to anyone who is looking for a good and flexible desktop setup as well as with some portability.”

Thanks Eric / Blankdisc!

http://www.head-fi.org/t/654405/ica...-soundstage-and-more-detail/405#post_11444884

 

[TeamStereo]

Richardo of Flickr says “Once you’ve tried iFi, there’s no going back”​

“After adding a dac to my system, it’s impossible to go back, for some years I was trying to add one. Finely brought one. iFi iRack completes the setup, iFi iDSD, transforms a not bad sound in Harman Kardon GLA-55 in an Audiophile computer heaven, I did not even believed that the GLA-55 could be so much better, but believe me, the iFi iDSD, iFi Dac, are something amazing. You need a good hi resolution audio like the studio masters from linn, chesky or HD Tracks to listen real hi res sound in pure nirvana. It can also listen to acc from iTunes with better quality, but acc or mp3 show all limitations after listen studio masters, there is no going back. iUSB takes the noise from the usb signal, interesting as this really works, more precise sound. iRack is only cosmetic for me, but beautiful.”

Thanks Richardo!

Check out Richardo’s profile here! https://www.flickr.com/photos/macdesktops/

 

[TeamStereo]

Germany’s prestigious AUDIO magazine rates Retro as Reference Class.​

Introduction

AUDIO test thoroughly and are one of the major authorities for comparative reviewing in Germany.

In the history of AUDIO, the Retro is the first ‘realistically priced component’ to ever be awarded ‘Reference Class’.

Jeremy Clarkson got nuffin on this reviewer, Stefan Schickedanz. The following is a translation of the most salient aspects from the review.

Test, tube complete system (summary)

Not only for Hipsters: For looks, the charming system from iFi could have come straight from the middle of the last century, but it is packed chock full with technology of our current Millennium.

We LOVE the ‘BBC Top Gear’ homage on page 3. Damm, if audio journalism was on the whole as entertaining reading (said the iFi audio Stig).

Their “Best of the Best” list uses a rigid and reliable point based system for assessing sound quality, with “Standard Class” assigned up to 30 Points, “Middle Class” up 60 Points, “Upper Class” up to 75 Points, “Peak Class” up to 90 points and “High End” up to 100 Points. Equipment must gain over 100 points to be considered “Reference Class”‘.

The iFi Retro System joins the ranks of the reference class with 103 points, one of the least expensive complete systems possible at reference class level!

Reviewer Stefan Schickedanz declares the Retro System the “ultimate must-have gadget” and had a “Hammer Listening Experience” (as in very good) via all inputs, including MC Phono, Line and Digital.

He found the matching LS-3.5 speakers to “Surprise with how much bass they bring forth” and “to give a “deeply immersing” experience of the music.

Finally, while he will not (yet?) trade in his >> 100K US Reference System for the Retro System, he notes that if he was starting out from zero in High End Audio, “the Retro System would be the hottest candidate for pole position in his living room”.

The overall conclusion states positives as “Grooves, Swings and brings real bass, genius sound staging” and notes no negatives.

AUDIO’s Lab test noted the Signal/Noise ratio (a measure how much unwanted noise is added to the music) as exemplary.

Sound quality Assessment (as system): Reference Class at 103 points

Value For Money Assessment: Outstanding

Usability Assessment: Outstanding

Manufacturing Quality: Outstanding

Danke sehr! AUDIO and Stefan Schickedanz!
http://ifi-audio.com/reviews/germanys-prestigious-audio-magazine-rates-retro-as-reference-class/

 

[TeamStereo]

iFi Audio: ‘Compact and high-end sound’ says Asada Yosuke of Phileweb(Japan)!​

“In the United Kingdom iFI audio that has gained tremendous popularity in Japan, we are gradually increasing the degree of attention and as here in Europe “cutting-edge brand”. However, there is a little different from the Japanese market. It is not as portable applications, but it has attracted attention as a stationary audio equipment…..iFI audio, these no doubt that the “compact and high-end sound” that is a brand that has become the style of the detonator. Free design and extremely high spec. Lifestyle and iFI audio quality as a brand that was brilliantly both is likely to be a significant impact to the world of audio market in the future.”

Thanks Asada Yosuke and Phileweb!
http://www.phileweb.com/news/audio/201505/19/15912.html

 

[crazypaladin]

Of late, my Micro iDSD would occasionally not be recognised by my iMAC despite being connected via USB. This only happens when my iMAC wakes up from sleep, restart or after a fresh startup. However, once recognised, it will be recognised throughout the whole session, until my iMac goes to sleep, restarted or startup from fresh again. I have to unplug the USB connection and reconnect again for it to be recognised and this is getting irritating. Any solutions?

 

[musicdreamer]

Of late, my Micro iDSD would occasionally not be recognised by my iMAC despite being connected via USB. This only happens when my iMAC wakes up from sleep, restart or after a fresh startup. However, once recognised, it will be recognised throughout the whole session, until my iMac goes to sleep, restarted or startup from fresh again. I have to unplug the USB connection and reconnect again for it to be recognised and this is getting irritating. Any solutions?

This issue seems to be related to the iMac's USB port...as I previously had similar issues

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3228681?tstar...

See this thread as an example. It looks like when in sleep mode that the USB function is shut off which would result in dropping the driver or device, meaning unplugging and connecting again resolves this.

You may need to look into the settings to prevent this from happening. Usually this can be related to the power settings.

Example; in sleep mode to save power it might drop the USB. Hope this helps.