I think you are asking about the preamp section. It’s a hybrid analog/digital volume control. It analog down to -30 db. Below that it’s digital. The preamp sounds good, but most people use an outboard one. I’m debating about that. Just enjoying the sound for now. For sure my last DAC.

re. the difference in volume between L and R channel - could be due to the volume control on the amp. I have noticed that with my iFi DSD nano and micro and iTube. At the VERY lowest volume one of the channels fades quicker than the other. I'm not complaining though. I compensate with just a...

I would also recommend saving for the iDSD micro. I have both. The Nano is fantastic! It was my best sounding DAC until I got the Micro. Micro plus iTube  even better- is a great match in my system. 

I second that.... Ditch SPDIF and run the other way as fast as you can! I have a Transporter in my closet along with an old MSB dac, Schitt Gungnir (thats another story for another time). So it goes in audiophiledom. USB is the go to protocol at all levels of audio these days outside of...

Hi Max - for the 500 to 1000 euros I would go for the iTube. I found it to be a significant upgrade to the iDSD micro preamp (assuming you are using the iDSD preamp for the headphones).   Re. Dixter post above about DSD upsampled redbook - I have heard that 'improvement' in sound with the DSD...

I'm finally getting around to commenting on the iFi iDSD micro. I have both the Micro and the Nano. The Nano is impressive in its own right for less than 200 slams, but the Micro gives what I experienced as an honest view into ultra high end digital audio. I have not had the occasion to hear the...

Poor neglected Nano! - There are many of us who still love you!

No - I havent run it down to nothing, but the iDSD seems to get strange when the battery gets low. -  I think that it is true, in general, to not run LiPo's down to nothing. As a hobbiest I have been using battery power in several of my kits amps, DAC's etc. Its hard to go back to mains power...

The only way I can get my Nano to fully charge is with some high amps on the charging side (I use a Sony CycleEnergy battery pack) it does 3.6amp max at 5v. It still takes it some hours to charge from dead. Most of the time, a top off takes less than an hour, and the pack will sense when charge...

Your computer is too slow - you need a JMark around 3000 to do DSD reliably. CPU load has nothing to do with it. There are cache issues, speed of ram, etc. It shouldnt matter if you have other programs running in the background as long as you are not trying to do something crazy like edit video etc.

Another purpose for the nano is to occasionally put it back in the signal path and tell the rest of us what you find to be the differences between the two.

I wouldnt get to uptight about what those guys say. I think the sound of their equipment speaks for itself.

Speaking of the nano battery... It seems to me that the nano sounds better running off the battery than it does from the PC, even with the iPurifier in place. I havent done much of a comparison though, just a quick test. Wonder if anyone else has noticed the same?

Wow! this has been a great, and stimulating, conversation/argument - I'm like pissing myself...

I'm a big fan of the iPurifier! It seemed to take some time to 'burn in' if you will, but very good results with the iDSD Nano (my first impression was "well worth the $99"). Smart move by iFi to include it with the Micro. Pulling out all the stops!

I agree with the above - Its about the sound. - We tend to be paranoid about being 'ripped off', some of that is justified, and some is not. If you want to talk about snake oil in audio, I would look at the $5K+ kit thats out there. I would argue that most of that high priced audio jewelery is a...

Dont mean to be a fly in the ointment to the resident experts on this site, but I have, yet again, confirmed the superior sound of redbook upsampled to 2xDSD vs playing native. I can qualify the difference, although very subtle yet very noticeable with very good recordings (Dire Straits) when I...

I have tried some DSD content via some free sample downloads etc. I'm not a classical fan so the whole DSD thing is kind of mute.   Its hard to evaluate how 'good ' the DSD sounds for me because I cant evaluate the music that I'm not familiar with. It sounds 'good' to me but not better than a...

Wow - lots of options to play with. The more the better IMO. With the "Preamp/Direct" - I assume that switch works the same with the HP out and the line out, and does that mean that the "direct" out is powered just by the chip or are there Opamps in there etc. Just curious. - thanks

Interesting kit you have there! - lots of stuff to play with... Curious as to how the iDSD Nano sounds with and without the Aurieges? My guess would be weaker yet, but I know the Aurieges is pretty even handed for a tube pre. - thanks

Lots of talk about wondering if DAC A++ sounds better than DAC A within a particular brand, and if its worth it, and should I wait etc.   IMO, its those reasons why a manufacturer needs to introduce a very reasonably priced piece, like the Schiit's, Wryd's, iFi's, M2Tech, Wadia's etc, have...

For those on the fence about getting JRiver, there is a very cool $9 app for the iPhone/android called JRemote that lets you use your phone as a remote. Game changer for me. I use it all the time, and its WiFi so you can control the music anywhere in the house etc.

People hear differences in all kinds of things, from wire to capacitors, resistors, pots, DAC chips etc. It doesnt make them "crazies".