[ClieOS]

... (For most audio users the normal internal clock mode will be fine - so there is an element of overkill going on here.)

 
"Because overkill is underrated, my friend."

 

[sdolezalek]

Does the addition of DSD decoding from SPDIF (and AES/EBU) mean that, in theory, the Mini/Pro could be connected to the digital output of an existing SACD player and decode the DSD bitstream (rather than having to rip SACD's to digital files first?).  In other words does this allow the Mini/Pro to serve as the DAC for existing disc transports?

 

[iFi audio]

  Does the addition of DSD decoding from SPDIF (and AES/EBU) mean that, in theory, the Mini/Pro could be connected to the digital output of an existing SACD player and decode the DSD bitstream (rather than having to rip SACD's to digital files first?).  In other words does this allow the Mini/Pro to serve as the DAC for existing disc transports?

 
Hi,
 
Good question! Somebody has had their 3 Wheatabix today...
 
 
Short Answer
This is one of those typical theoretical "YES" situations, but in real-world practice, a big "NO".
 
 
Longer Answer
No, SACD Players do not output DSD via SPDIF at ALL. Sony and Philips made that impossible, SACD was designed to be as difficult as possible to copy/extract in the digital domain.
 
If one has the time and the inclination, DSD can only be sent via HDMI and then only with special security handshakes (read: sorry, there will not be an iFi Support pdf!

).
 
For the iDSD Pro, the DoP via SPDIF feature is useful for Media Players or other file-based sources that ONLY have SPDIF or AES/EBU outputs but not USB.
 
In this case they can either be set up to play DSD encoded as DoP or the DSD file may be re-encoded as DoP-FLAC file, which plays as standard 176.kHz PCM file but contains the native DSD datastream (if played without DoP decoding it sounds like white noise).

 

[Pacomarmor]

Will the new iDSD Pro with its >4W output, be adequate to drive directly High Efficiency Horn loudspeakers (In my case, Big Fun Horn / Lowther DX4 -about 99db/W)?
If this is the case, It will become a very promising solution for users like me with these type of systems. (maybe even the XBass could help a little bit here) 
Thanks in advance for your answer. 

 

[iFi audio]

  Will the new iDSD Pro with its >4W output, be adequate to drive directly High Efficiency Horn loudspeakers (In my case, Big Fun Horn / Lowther DX4 -about 99db/W)?
If this is the case, It will become a very promising solution for users like me with these type of systems. (maybe even the XBass could help a little bit here) 
Thanks in advance for your answer. 

 
Hi,
 
If a 16 Ohm Lowther, perhaps, the Speakers would have to be plugged into the Headphone jack on the front of the unit.
 
For this duty, probably a better candidate to drive this would be iCAN Pro...
 
Cheers.

 

[HalidePisces]

How's the iCan Pro coming along? Anything you can share with us regarding that?

 

[iFi audio]

How's the iCan Pro coming along? Anything you can share with us regarding that?

 
Hi,

 
What would you like to know of the iCAN Pro - Specs or Features?

 

[tf1216]

   
Hi,

 
What would you like to know of the iCAN Pro - Specs or Features?

 
Was it designed to stack on top or below the iDSD?
 
Will it be on par with a Micro stack?  BTW, the iTube, imo, is one of the most underrated pieces of gear out there.  I love what it does for my home stereo system.

 

[HalidePisces]

What would you like to know of the iCAN Pro - Specs or Features?

How about both? ^_^

 

[iFi audio]

   
Was it designed to stack on top or below the iDSD?
 
Will it be on par with a Micro stack?  BTW, the iTube, imo, is one of the most underrated pieces of gear out there.  I love what it does for my home stereo system.

 
Hi,
 
Will be a whole new iRACK for it.
 
From bottom up, iDSD > iTUBE > iCAN.
 
Just like in the current "Little Big Rig".

 

[h1f1add1cted]

   
Hi,

 
What would you like to know of the iCAN Pro - Specs or Features?

 
Nice!
 
Any idea about pricing and release date?
 
Perfomance from the amp should be almost or more as the micro iDSD on Turbo mode I guess?
 
Is there a detailed spec and feature list for preview?
 
My wallet is already scared from iFi but I need more

 

[earfonia]

   
Hi,

 
What would you like to know of the iCAN Pro - Specs or Features?

 
I would like for iCAN Pro to have 2 different outputs, one fully solid state, the second one is hybrid tube and solid state. So it can accommodate both warm and analytical headphones 

One sound signature from one big box is boring....

 

[iFi audio]

Hi All.
 
Thank Crunchie it is Friday.
 
There are the latest specs, they are subject to change and we may throw in one or two surprises (cos we know you like surprises).
 
Have confirmed iwth the R&D people that this is what we can divulge.
 
 
iCAN Pro
 
Here you go:
 
Key features are:

• Balanced Output options on 3-Pin & 4-Pin XLR plus 6.3mm Jack on front panel.
• Unbalanced outputs on 6.3mm Jack (direct) and two 3.5mm Jacks with built-in fixed iEMatch attenuation on front panel to drive IEMs etc. (same attenuation as in iDSD micro).
• Balanced XLR & RCA outputs on back can carry Headphone out signal (for use as preamp or with Electrostatic Energiser) or loop through signal from inputs (for use with external pre-amp).
• 1 pair of XLR Inputs and three pairs of RCA Inputs.
• 20V maximum output, > 600mW into 600 Ohm headphones, appx 16,000mW maximum into 16 Ohm and appx. 6,000 mW continuous output into 16Ohm.
• Three levels of gain selectable from Front Panel.
• Balanced ALPS Volume control with remote control.
• 3D Holographic® for Headphones and XBass® (each adjustable in 3-Levels + Off).
• Class A operation for all stages up to 240mW/600 Ohm, circuitry derived from professional tube-based studio equipment, implemented in a hybrid design mixing J-Fets, Bipolar transistors and Mosfets (as in Micro iCAN).
• Full Dual-Mono design including internal power supplies, supplied with 15V/4A Ultra Low Noise PSU (Generation 2 design as also the updated PSU for Micro).
• Optional Electrostatic Headphone Energiser in separate Box will be introduced, 1,700V Peak-Peak maximum output, Bias selectable for Stax HiFi/Pro, Sennheiser and others, Output Levels selectable, 3 * Stax Pro & HiFi Sockets fitted.

 

Balanced Headphone Amplifier
PowerSource:	External DC 15V/4A
Inputs (Back):	1 x XLR True Balanced Stereo
	3 x RCA Stereo
Output Front):	4-Pin XLR Headphone Balanced
	Dual 3-Pin XLR Headphone Balanced
	6.3mm Headphone x2, single ended or balanced
	6.3mm to 3.5mm adapter included
	3.5mm iEMatch attenuated x 2
Output (back):	XLR selectable Loop or HP Out
	RCA selectable Loop or HP Out
Volume Control:	Motorised ALPS 6-Way potentiometer in unique extended range series/shunt operation
Analogue Processing:	X-Bass, +3dB at 80Hz, 160Hz, 320Hz
	3D Sound. 30/45/60 Degrees virtual Speaker angle
Gain:	0dB, 12dB and 24dB user-selectable
Signal to Noise Ratio:	>117dB(A)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD):	<0.003%
Frequency Response:	0.5Hz to 500KHz(-3dB)
Output Power (16R cont):	> 6,000mW
Output Voltage (600R):	>20V (Balanced); > 10V (single ended)
Size:	220mm x 62mm X 190mm (W X H X D including feet and connectors)

 

[iFi audio]

We're on a roll....

 
Here are some pictures of the PCB of the iCAN Pro (the "Mini" print will be updated to "Pro" in the future).
- Gold-plated
- 4-Layer (uncommon)
- Mil-spec
- bank of 10pcs Elna Silmic Capacitors provisioned
 
It has of course not been populated yet...
 
We'll let the pictures do the talking.
 
We hope you like 'em.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Esprit]

   
Hi,

 
What would you like to know of the iCAN Pro - Specs or Features?

 
A "pro" line in black?