iCLUB Card – one of the privileges

HiFiGuy528 · Nov 22, 2014 at 1:42 AM

For those who are on the fence. Here's my unboxing video. See what it looks like in video and what you get before spending a dime. The iDSD gets an A+ from me!

WNBC · Nov 22, 2014 at 2:47 PM

I don't think it is the card we're getting. They are giving us black smoking jackets.

tf1216 · Nov 22, 2014 at 3:12 PM

Haha. That would be sweet. I'd wear the jacket to all headphone meet-ups.

Boris Bollokov · Dec 11, 2014 at 4:26 PM

On page 52, is IFI saying that using iUSB with micro iDSD will not benefit the sonic performance.

If I buy iUSB to provide power for micro iDSD will it benefit spnic performance, yes or no?

Thanks

technobear · Dec 12, 2014 at 3:34 AM

boris bollokov said:
On page 52, is IFI saying that using iUSB with micro iDSD will not benefit the sonic performance.

If I buy iUSB to provide power for micro iDSD will it benefit spnic performance, yes or no?

Thanks

I couldn't hear a difference using an Acer Aspire V11.

I guess it might depend on how noisy the computer USB lines are. They seem to be getting better in this regard. I sold my iUSBPower as I have nothing else to use it with.

I'm keeping my iCAN though. That makes a difference and adds useful extra functions.

Franatic · Dec 12, 2014 at 5:12 PM

boris bollokov said:
On page 52, is IFI saying that using iUSB with micro iDSD will not benefit the sonic performance.

If I buy iUSB to provide power for micro iDSD will it benefit spnic performance, yes or no?

Thanks

Hi Boris,
I created a high quality usb transport for my idsd nano. It is a Paul Pang usb cable > iusb power > gemini cable. This chain improved the SQ of the nano quite a bit. I was surprised to find that ifi changed the input connector on the micro from a USB B female to a USB A male. This meant I had to use the rather generic B to A adapter supplied. That being said, I still found the SQ to be better using my iusb chain than with their supplied USB "A" cable.

I have since upgraded the B to A adapter with this: http://www.lindy-usa.com/usb-30-adapter-71277.html
The new USB B to A adapter is a much better built 3.0 type. I am getting a slight SQ boost in detail and punch from replacing the adapter provided. I recommend this to anyone using the one provided by ifi. It is only $10.

Is the iusb power worth the investment with the micro? That depends. With the addition of a gemini cable it is almost $400. It is hard to recommend that for the amount of SQ improvement, but I'm keeping mine.

Franatic · Dec 12, 2014 at 5:22 PM

I forgot to mention, I am using the micro idsd strictly as DAC in my main home system. I use the RCA output to my main amp. By the way, this device is awesome!

Edric Li · Dec 24, 2014 at 4:21 AM

wisnon · Dec 24, 2014 at 5:47 AM

To me the iDSD is warm side of neutral.

BillsonChang007 · Dec 24, 2014 at 6:43 AM

wisnon said:
To me the iDSD is warm side of neutral.

Overall, as a DAC/amp combo, agreed!

Odd IO · Dec 27, 2014 at 2:20 AM

How does this compare to other DAC's in the $500.00USD range?

If I get it I'm planning on using it only in a home/non-mobile environment.

iFi audio · Jan 16, 2015 at 6:34 AM

iCLUB Card – one of the privileges

The iCLUB team has informed us that the iCLUB membership is ready to be sent out.

This is for all the iFi iCLUB members only.

Among other things, your personal membership card will be used to identify you at meetings and visits to dealers.
How to arrange to have your iCLUB card sent to you:

1. Please opening a new ticket in the iFi Customer Relationship Management database here:
http://iclubcrm.ifi-audio.com/

2. Once we have your delivery address, your concierge will then sign the card personally will be sent out to you.

All part and parcel of being in the iCLUB. If you have any questions, just ask your concierge!

We are sure you will be quite taken by the iCLUB card. It really is quite stunning.

We have also uploaded to the iFi website blog:
http://ifi-audio.com/iclub_blog/iclub-card-one-of-the-privileges/

BillsonChang007 · Jan 16, 2015 at 8:11 AM

Just opened the ticket. I am very excited about it ^_^

earfonia · Jan 16, 2015 at 10:25 AM

odd io said:
How does this compare to other DAC's in the $500.00USD range?

If I get it I'm planning on using it only in a home/non-mobile environment.

Honestly, I haven't tried many DACs. But I've done some comparison of ifi micro iDSD DAC section with Mytek Stereo192-DSD, Yulong DA8, and Audio-Technica AT-HA5050H here, if you're interested:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/749555/sneak-peek-of-audio-technica-at-ha5050h-pre-production-unit
Go to section 3, the comparisons section.

From my very limited experience with DACs, micro iDSD is probably among the best in $ 1k range, and competes well with some 4 figures DACs, at least from what I've tried so far. I don't find anything to fault from the DAC sound signature. You would probably need to spend many times micro iDSD price to get something better. micro iDSD DAC section is simply accurate, musical, and enjoyable. Please take note, I'm talking about the DAC section. Don't judge the quality of the DAC section using the headphone output, as I found the headphone amplifier section is rather behind the quality of the DAC section. The headphone amplifier is fine, ok for the price, but the DAC section quality is outstanding. So, use good quality amplifier to get the most of the DAC section.

maricius · Jan 16, 2015 at 10:53 AM

earfonia said:
Honestly, I haven't tried many DACs. But I've done some comparison of ifi micro iDSD DAC section with Mytek Stereo192-DSD, Yulong DA8, and Audio-Technica AT-HA5050H here, if you're interested:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/749555/sneak-peek-of-audio-technica-at-ha5050h-pre-production-unit
Go to section 3, the comparisons section.

From my very limited experience with DACs, micro iDSD is probably among the best in $ 1k range, and competes well with some 4 figures DACs, at least from what I've tried so far. I don't find anything to fault from the DAC sound signature. You would probably need to spend many times micro iDSD price to get something better. micro iDSD DAC section is simply accurate, musical, and enjoyable. Please take note, I'm talking about the DAC section. Don't judge the quality of the DAC section using the headphone output, as I found the headphone amplifier section is rather behind the quality of the DAC section. The headphone amplifier is fine, ok for the price, but the DAC section quality is outstanding. So, use good quality amplifier to get the most of the DAC section.

As a DAC only, do you find the iDSD to be more spacious with better imaging than the Mytek and Yulong?

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