[tf1216]

Does anyone know if it's possible to connect a Samsung S4 to the iDSD and utilize the DAC?

 

[HiFiRobot]

Does anyone know if it's possible to connect a Samsung S4 to the iDSD and utilize the DAC?

It works on Nano iDSD. But I only got it working with USB Audio Player PRO. Not any other player.

 

[earwaxxer]

i Another question—and sorry for being the Debbie Downer of this thread.
 
I love the sound of the iDSD Nano with my headphones and plugged into an external headphone amp, but find it a little tentative sounding when plugged directly into the preamp of my big speaker system, using the RCA outputs with the Nano's volume maxed (system: MBP->iDSD Nano->Shindo Aurieges->Shindo Montille->Tannoy Ardens; my other source is a Garrard 301 as well). The sound is a little weak, with diffuse imaging, poor dynamics and iffy bass, compared to my big NOS DAC with AC power and a toroidal transformer (MHDT Havana). With the big DAC, the images are higher and wider, the dynamics improved, etc. Is it safe to assume that this is a function of the differences in the power supplies? And is it fair to expect the Micro to operate as well as an AC-powered component in this context?
 
I understand the possibly absurd scenario of plugging a $190 Nano into a much more expensive system, but take it as a compliment—over headphones, the sound is that good. 
 
Thank you again for the quick and informative responses.

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

 

[maricius]

If the onboard amplifier is better than TOTL portable amplifiers like the CL Duet or the Vorzuge Pure II with regards to noise floor and extremely sensitive IEMs, I don't know what to do anymore.
 
I was originally planning on getting the iDSD Nano to pair with my Duet as dimensions-wise, they would stack well, performance-wise the CLAS -dB is getting outdated. Now with the advent of the Micro iDSD… I'm sure those who don't mind bringing triple stacks wouldn't mind lugging this around… especially if the sound could at the least compete. Something tells me we're going to have a new leader in the market though. I'm not expecting Chord Hugo quality but I'm expecting much closer than existing (trans)portable DACs or DAC/Amp combos.
 
 
*edit* HECK I can bring this to school and claim it's a charger for my iPad. "Unnecessary gadgets are prohibited" and they'd be none the wiser… hehe

 

[pekingduck]

When I demoed a prototype unit weeks ago with my Roxanne (119dB/mW) I didn't hear any hiss but it's not easy to fine tune the volume. I wish the final product could have the gain reduced a bit.

 

[guglia72]

Based on all info we have so far, do you think the new iDSD will take the best out of headphones like Sennheiser HD 700?
I'm planning to buy one of these but I read that a valve ampli should be preferred to get the best sound out of HD700/800.

 

[iFi audio]

  Another question—and sorry for being the Debbie Downer of this thread.
 
I love the sound of the iDSD Nano with my headphones and plugged into an external headphone amp, but find it a little tentative sounding when plugged directly into the preamp of my big speaker system, using the RCA outputs with the Nano's volume maxed (system: MBP->iDSD Nano->Shindo Aurieges->Shindo Montille->Tannoy Ardens; my other source is a Garrard 301 as well). The sound is a little weak, with diffuse imaging, poor dynamics and iffy bass, compared to my big NOS DAC with AC power and a toroidal transformer (MHDT Havana). With the big DAC, the images are higher and wider, the dynamics improved, etc. Is it safe to assume that this is a function of the differences in the power supplies? And is it fair to expect the Micro to operate as well as an AC-powered component in this context?
 
I understand the possibly absurd scenario of plugging a $190 Nano into a much more expensive system, but take it as a compliment—over headphones, the sound is that good. 
 
Thank you again for the quick and informative responses.

 
Hi,
 
Please excuse this small diversion on the nano iDSD and stuff:
 
1. Were the comparisons in the main system were done A/B directly switching between the DAC's and if levels were matched correctly?
 
The iDSD nano has much less output (1.65V) than the MDHT Havana (2.6V - appx. 4dB level difference) clearly changes of volume control setting are needed and this needs careful level matching. 
 
2. If A/B, were the two DACs fully level-matched?
- At the speaker terminals is best, using a precise AC Voltmeter at the Speaker terminals using Pink Noise (that is how we at AMR/iFi do it for listening tests). 
 
Otherwise you may wish to re-do the test for long-term listening instead of A/B and let us know.
 
Bty, this is Dirk Sommer's review - in his system, were Lumenwhite Speakers and Ayon Tube Amplifiers, which comes to slightly different sonic conclusions and is as close to your system as we have seen with the nano iDSD.
 
http://www.hifistatement.net/tests/item/1313-amr-ifi-idsd-nano
 
This just came out a few days ago.
 
Thanks

 

[iFi audio]

  nice! and the utility of this thing becomes even greater...maybe this should be the "swiss army knife" product, not the itube

 
Hi,
 
We were thinking more on the lines of SAS special forces knife?  

 

[iFi audio]

  When I demoed a prototype unit weeks ago with my Roxanne (119dB/mW) I didn't hear any hiss but it's not easy to fine tune the volume. I wish the final product could have the gain reduced a bit.

 
Hi,
 
Everybody is nudging towards....OTW #2. 

 
Hang fire. We are preparing the info for later this week. 

 

[iFi audio]

It works on Nano iDSD. But I only got it working with USB Audio Player PRO. Not any other player.

 
Hi to HiFi Robot and TF1216.
 
Bearing in mind the dynamic nature of Android and apps, we suggest stick with UAPP. They are also pretty good on product tech support which really helps.

 

[iFi audio]

Based on all info we have so far, do you think the new iDSD will take the best out of headphones like Sennheiser HD 700?
I'm planning to buy one of these but I read that a valve ampli should be preferred to get the best sound out of HD700/800.

 
Hi,
 
Please try and only when if you like, buy.
 
ProAudio Italia (iFi: Italy) are really nice people.
 
We leave you to contact them and bring along your HD-700s for an audition.
 
Grazie.

 

[HiFiRobot]

Hi to HiFi Robot and TF1216.

Bearing in mind the dynamic nature of Android and apps, we suggest stick with UAPP. They are also pretty good on product tech support which really helps.

But I want to use Spotify. To your defence I haven't got Android USB Audio working with Spotify on any Android Phone (tried S4, G2, Z1 Compact) or with any DAC. But hoping to find support for this in the future.

 

[guglia72]

   
Hi,
 
Please try and only when if you like, buy.
 
ProAudio Italia (iFi: Italy) are really nice people.
 
We leave you to contact them and bring along your HD-700s for an audition.
 
Grazie.

I contacted them some months ago when I was thinking about buying the iDAC+iUSB (before I knew the iDSD micro was on its way) and they told me they were trying to arrange some audition event around April here in Rome; but unfortunately it didn't happen.
ProAudio are nice people, I agree, but they are too far away from me and apparently there is no dealer in Rome selling iFi products. So I guess I have to rely on reviews, forums and blind trust your products :-D
 
BTW, since I still don't own the HD700 (I just read very good things of this HP) , I was considering if the Micro iDSD + HD700 is a good match or maybe I should reconsider one of the two. In this case I guess it will be much easier for me blind buying the iDSD, start using it with my ATH-M50, and then looking for a good HP (HD 700 or something else) to get the best out of my music.

 

[tf1216]

A very nice review was done about the iDAC, iCAN, and iUSBPower by "The Absolute Sound" magazine. Check it out here (http://www.theabsolutesound.com/buyers_guides/23/download/pdf/).

 

[guglia72]

A very nice review was done about the iDAC, iCAN, and iUSBPower by "The Absolute Sound" magazine. Check it out here (http://www.theabsolutesound.com/buyers_guides/23/download/pdf/
).

Thanks!