[kugino]

   
Hi,
 
Firstly, we appreciate your patience - customer word of mouth from people like yourself we truly appreciate. It has led to strong demand for the nano iDSD - thanks to you all.
 
So we apologise for the initial wait you have just experienced. Thankfully it is not months and months!
 
 
Secondly, DoP is the industry standard for DSD to be transferred natively" That is, DoP does not carry out any format conversion, this transmission protocol ensures the USB Audio Data Package maintains the integrity of the DSD file as it remains unchanged.
 
Of course upon entering the actual DAC, one should also insist that the DAC itself INTERNALLY does not manipulate the data (as some DAC chipsets convert to PCM etc). In this regard, the nano iDSD ensures the DSD file remains DSD internally. Hence, 'True Native.'
 
 
 
Tech Background on SDIF-3 (not SPDIF!)
DoP was devised for PCs as the original protocol is to transmit DSD is called SDIF-3: (not SPDIF bty)
http://www.grimmaudio.com/site/assets/files/1088/sdif3v10.pdf
 
This transmission standard is NOT supported by any current PC based hardware nor is it supported by iOS devices. So this is a non-starter for the real-world of computer audio users.
 
In 2012, to work around this limitation in order to transmit DSD over standard USB Audio Links, DoP was developed by a number of Companies supporting DSD.
 
DoP uses Standard USB audio as a transport for the original DSD Data. The DSD data is NEVER processed nor altered, it is simply placed into USB Audio packages and recovered on the other end. 
 
The Output Data from DoP decoding is in effect SDIF-3 Data - simply making it electrically compatible with SDIF-3 produces a true SDIF-3 Output that is a perfect replica of the original DSD/SDIF-3 data at the recording (unless processing was applied in the studio).
 
 
Yup, iDSD uses SDIF-3 (not SPDIF)
You will be pleased to know that internally, when a DSD signal is rec'd, the iDSD uses SDIF3 to carry the signal throughout.
 
So as you can see, the nano iDSD has serious technology going on beneath its aluminium chassis to ensure the sound quality is the very best that it can be.
 
Interestingly, there seems to be more misunderstanding in the West (while Japanese customers seem to be much more knowledgeable on the finer points of DSD-probably thanks to Sony et al).
 
We shall therefore produce a whitepaper covering these aspects in a few weeks. It will be published in the FaceBook tech notes section.
 
 
 
thank you

thanks for the clarification...those here who are interested in DSD probably know the difference between spdif and sdif-3, but it's good education nonetheless...i have an idsd coming in the next few days and am excited to hear what this little guy can do. 

 

[smial1966]

iFi audio,
 
Whilst it's good news that sales of the nano range are so brisk, please explain why UK orders still remain unfulfilled. As a British company surely pre-orders from UK nano purchasers should have received prioritization or at least equity with other countries distribution schedules, yet it seems that we're in fact last in the queue to receive our units!  

  
 
Quote:

  iDSD is no1 seller in Japan!
 
Yoroshiku iFi Japan!
 
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=649138701788542&set=a.461191017249979.95398.460963790606035&type=1&theater&notif_t=photo_comment
 
Holy cowabunga!  This really made our day!
 

If you would like to watch the e-earphone video...
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/43157048
(see 00:09:36 for the sales chart)

Note to all: around the globe, there is still a waiting list as demand continues to outstrip supply of the nano products in particular the iDSD. We simply have been unable to satisfy the exponential demand. Some countries have already pre-sold their future shipments! 
 
From all of us here at iFi, we would like to make a huge heart felt THANK YOU for your custom & patience. We truly appreciate it.
 
 

 

 

[iFi audio]

 

Hi,
 
1. Some countries ordered in October, some after and others way later. Some countries still wont receive until March. We dont prioritise the UK over another country or any country over any other country for that matter. It is just a straight forward queuing system.
 
2. UK customers who pre-ordered should started to receive their units so if you pre-ordered and haven't received, just drop us an email and we'll chase that particular dealer for you. We do not have access to each and every pre-order list at the dealer level.
 
Hope this clarifies - just drop us a PM and we'll look into it for you and give you a call back.
 
thank you for your patience and understanding

 

[earwaxxer]

So, a question for the iFi folks - When the iDSD is receiving DSD on the front end what is available on the SPDIF output? I know its not DSD but will it be 24/192 or 24/96 PCM etc. - thanks

 

[kugino]

So, a question for the iFi folks - When the iDSD is receiving DSD on the front end what is available on the SPDIF output? I know its not DSD but will it be 24/192 or 24/96 PCM etc. - thanks

I believe it's 24/192 PCM.

 

[iFi audio]

  So, a question for the iFi folks - When the iDSD is receiving DSD on the front end what is available on the SPDIF output? I know its not DSD but will it be 24/192 or 24/96 PCM etc. - thanks

 
Hi,
 
No output. 
 
We apply NO processing or DSP to the DSD and DXD signals and DSD cannot be transmitted via SPDIF. Neither incidentally can data rates greater than 192KHz, so no output with DXD either.
 
To have any kind of output from DSD, it would have to be transcoded to PCM. In this case it is definitely more preferable to do that in the PC (via JRMC which has this feature for example).
 
An alternative scenario would be to use the existing SPDIF DAC would handle PCM up to 192KHz and the iDSD is used to handle DSD/DXD:
 
- the iDSD to input DSD/DXD via USB Input to put out an analogue signal to an existing setup
- the existing DAC receives PCM
 
This would allow to "dip one's toe into the DSD/DXD water" without abandoning existing and preferred setups.
 
In such a case the iDSD is connected to the PC Source and drives the existing DAC via SPDIF and both DAC's are connected to separate inputs of the Preamplifier/Amplifier or use a analogue switchbox if (for example) single input active speakers are used.
 
PM or email us for more info for recommendations.
 
thank you

 

[iFi audio]

........By having a decent SPDIF out on the iDSD you can use it to drive for example an existing DAC (even something super duper high-end costing £££) up to the speedlimit on that DAC and try Hi-Rez,DSD, DXD easily via the iDSD.
 
The entry cost is only that of the iDSD, get USB to SPDIF for YOUR existing DAC as an added bonus, gratis.
 
Hope this now makes sense why we did what we did.
 
 
 
Of course, you need to level-match but cant beat this for an 'on-the-fly' comparison and avoid switching DACs.
 
note: Actually JRMC is pretty good at changing DSD>PCM - without impacting the SQ much. PM us for more settings info on this.

 

[kugino]

thanks for the info. it makes more sense now...i thought that there was some DSD->PCM conversion going on for digital output via SPDIF, but that seems not to be the case. 

 

[earwaxxer]

Thanks as well for the info - What I'm currious about is trying to replicate what I'm doing now, which is using the Wyrd4snd ULink as a USB/SPDIF converter and having the two digital outputs - one to run a DAC for my main speakers and one to run a DAC for my subwoofer, except I would use the iDSD analog out for the mains.
 
Currious if that can be done with the iDSD -  with say 32/384 coming in over USB to the iDSD using the iDSD analog out for the main speakers and using the SPDIF out for the subwoofer DAC. Would it downsample the 32/384 to 24/192? - thanks much for all the info -

 

[iFi audio]

  Thanks as well for the info - What I'm currious about is trying to replicate what I'm doing now, which is using the Wyrd4snd ULink as a USB/SPDIF converter and having the two digital outputs - one to run a DAC for my main speakers and one to run a DAC for my subwoofer, except I would use the iDSD analog out for the mains.
 
Currious if that can be done with the iDSD -  with say 32/384 coming in over USB to the iDSD using the iDSD analog out for the main speakers and using the SPDIF out for the subwoofer DAC. Would it downsample the 32/384 to 24/192? - thanks much for all the info -

 
Hi,
 
SPDIF is limited to PCM and 192KHz max, so this scenario will not work at DSD or sample rates above 192KHz.

If you do not mind our saying, but it is always easiest to integrate a subwoofer if it is supplied from speaker levels signals. Try it out and let us know.

 

[earwaxxer]

   
Hi,
 
SPDIF is limited to PCM and 192KHz max, so this scenario will not work at DSD or sample rates above 192KHz.

If you do not mind our saying, but it is always easiest to integrate a subwoofer if it is supplied from speaker levels signals. Try it out and let us know.

Agreed with above... - I dont do things the easy way though! My sub sits behind the listening area, and taking analog signal back there has never proved to be a very good sound vs. going digital over the 20ft or so that I need. No bid deal though. Many different ways to skin the proverbial cat! It will still be interesting to compare the iDSD with my current set up playing 24/192 that I am using now. Lots of toys, too little time!

 

[smial1966]

Just curious, has any UK nano purchaser received their unit yet?!?  

 
Interesting how some American and Japanese customers have had their nano's for a couple of weeks already. 

 

[Turrican2]

Just curious, has any UK nano purchaser received their unit yet?!?  :confused_face_2:

Interesting how some American and Japanese customers have had their nano's for a couple of weeks already. 

I'm waiting patiently still. If you've pre - ordered with mcru I would think you'll be likely to receive within the next week. I was informed that the shipment which left China destined for our shores was due to arrive within the past week. Not sure how long customs clearance takes.

 

[smial1966]

I pre-ordered from MCRU too when the nano was officially available, so find it strange that some overseas customers have already received their units.  

 
Quote:

I'm waiting patiently still. If you've pre - ordered with mcru I would think you'll be likely to receive within the next week. I was informed that the shipment which left China destined for our shores was due to arrive within the past week. Not sure how long customs clearance takes.

 

[Rob N]

I ordered from MCRU and it has shipped today