zero mention on the sound signature 

so much tech talk , where is the music ?

cheers

I did mention it, friend. I didn't elaborate because I didn't want to go on and on about the sound because it is so incredibly balanced.

This price from Amazon is $150 over msrp, probably because it is an import from China. It is available from other U.S. retailers at msrp of $500. I got mine from Todd the Vinyl Junkie, although there are others. I imagine ifi has a referral list on their website. Highly recommended device.

Yea man, you didn't write anything about how it sounds?  All you did was just listing the technical specs which already has on amazon and ifi website, then took some pictures and posted them?  I couldn't find anywhere in your review that you tell us how the Micro iDSD sounds as in Bass, Mids, Treble using your Headphone / IEM that you have?

I don't even know why someone would put this review on the front page when it doens't say anything about the sound?
Whoever put this on the front page needs to check the review first.

Sorry you feel that way. Please reference the section titled "sound in a nutshell"

Thanks for reviewing! I'm interested how it paired with DX80 as a transport - as I understand, iFi must be a much better source? And, was the sound any different from PC+iFi?

@jincuteguy  Its a dac, if it does its job and is neutral, not sure what else needs to be said about it? If its transparent, its transparent. How it sound at any one time is entirely dependant on the track being played. So I am not sure what the cause for your concerns is
 
I think you might be confusing headphone reviews with source gear reviews, as there are key differences on how you go about evaluating it. 
 
Anyway fantastic Job bro, was a fantastic read. Not gonna lie, I used to think that  the nano USB might have been snake oil marketing. Surprised to see it made an improvement! 

Great question mgunin. To my ears the Dx80/micro IDSD was a fabulous pairing. I consider the Dx80 to be more on the warm and bassy side of the spectrum. The micro IDSD is very true to whatever source it is paired with. To my ears the combination (via toslink cable) had the warm tilt of the dx80 and added clarity, detail and power of the micro IDSD. Long story short it was epic, having sound traits of both units in combination.

The tough part about the IDSD is its size. You can't throw something this size in your pants pocket (especially witg a DAP stacked on top of it).

If you can deal with the size of the stack, the sound is amazeballs.

Also, as for PC, the micro IDSD replaces the sound card of the laptop. As compared to the sound of the dx80 (connected audio out via toslink) the micro is taking information only and turning into uncolored music, where as with the dx80 it's taking an already colored digital audio signal and amplifying it. I think this is why the micro sounds more balanced through my laptop.

I might be wrong here. If I am someone please feel free to chime in.

Well I think this is a front page worthy review, clearly a lot of work was put into it! More than that, its actually a good quality review.
It was an enjoyable read, and I learned quite a bit about the iDSD, certainly more than had I just randomly scrolled through threads and posts.

Thanks for your kind words Tamal

@Hisoundfi thanks, I see that the source does matter too. The thing is that on PC/Mac, a player can add some coloration too (for example, I find Amara for Mac a bit more "analog" than Audirvana, and versions do slightly vary too).
 
Still, i guess iDSD can be a huge improvement for DX50 which I now use as a source. But the portability is a hard thing... On Mac, I use HRT Microstreamer, and iDSD must be a huge upgrade as well.

hefty work Hisoundfi! Still building up my deeper analysis on my Micro and my LG V10, however the iDSD Micro is indeed a damn solid piece of mechinery

@jincuteguy - I say this as a reviewer, not as a moderator.  I note your critique and disagree vehemently with it.
 
Too many people try to talk about bass. mids, highs on a DAC or amp - but in reality you're describing the headphones you pair with it - not the device. This to me is poor reviewing. The ideal would be to actually show measurements of its linearity and distortion - as that is what should matter to most people.  Power, impedance, size, portability, software (drivers) and the flexibility to pair with as many devices as possible.  And - for me anyway - neutrality (or close to it).  I haven't actually measured mine yet (will do when I eventually review it) - but I'd say Vince actually nailed it pretty well.  I personally perceive it as being slightly on the warm side of neutral - but I very much agree with him that it works wonderfully with everything I've thrown at it - from IEMs to my 600 ohm T1.
 
I'd suggest next time you critique a review, or indeed the admins for choosing front page material - you might want to think about how you would do better.  Then see if you can borrow a unit - and post your own review.  I shall look forward to reading it when you're done ........

Nice review! Detailed and informative Vince. If I had one comment it's that the iDSD isn't the only device (at any price) to do quad DSD and 2xDxD. Other than that great job!

Nice job on the review. You covered a lot. I use the nano iUSB3.0 and Gemini (along with other stuff) for my desktop rig, and I think it makes a subtle, but noticeably positive difference. I use the micro iDSD at work, and it's perfect for that environment.

Great review Vince!!!

Holy Schiit that is one heck of a review Vince! I have had mine done for some time but have been adding little things here and there. It will not compare to this in any shape or fashion! Great Job!!

I agree, this was indeed front page material mate, and I also love my Micro (listening to it as I type with my TH 600). I also echo exactly Brooko's sentiments, people seem to forget that in reality we are describing the whole chain not one device in isolation, and by far the headphone is/should be the part of the chain we most hear/interact with. Great review mate.