This unit has been lent for review by iFi Audio and AT Consumers. By no means the thoughts and insights portrayed in this review are biased. These are my honest thoughts about it.


Introduction: The iFi iGalvanic3.0 is a device that completely breaks the noise channel of your computer, it is like a water purifier filter that does not allow impurities to pass through. Not a single one!

Unlike the iUSB3.0, which regenerates the water flow and reduces some impurities, the iGalvanic3.0 completely cleans the current, although it is true that it does not allow so much current to flow as it is self-powered.







How does it work?:

Breaking the ground connection in an audio equipment significantly reduces the noise level, but the USB standard does not work properly in the absence of ground connection, that is the reason why this device exists. Between the entrance and the exit of this device is the galvanic isolation: a wall of thousands of meters of height by which NO ONE can jump. And in the middle is the security gateway, controlled by a microcontroller. It exclusively allows the data to go through and blocks any type of noise greater than 0,5uV with absolute control.

The microcontroller contains a proprietary iFi algorithm to send the packets to the output with impulse, firm step and without getting lumpy (i.e. REclock, REgen2 and REbalance)



Effects:

Now our DAC receives the data with absolute precision and ... does that affect the sound?

In this tricky subject that is audio, each setup is a world. But knowing the effect that this device achieves, we can expect sound free of background noise, wider sound scene, more detail and less auditory fatigue in long listening periods: And it is exactly what I have perceived 100% of the time.




Tests:

My audio setup already had an iFi micro iUSB3.0, so, the effect of the iGalvanic3.0 was not so shocking Even so, with my iFi micro iDSD and Meze 99 Classics I perceived a pure black sound background and when making measurements with this iGalvanic3.0, I noticed the defects of my measuring equipment and noise circulation problems in my measurement method.

I will not show the results for that reason but 100% of the time I put the iGalvanic3.0 to power my audio interface for the measurements, the noise floor results had zero strange noise peaks. All audible frequencies remain pristine, and even up to 40kHz (testing with high sampling rates)



Sound:

As I said in the previous section, black background, and a second to none noise floor level and sound consistence. The effect of this device is also perceived through greater clarity, detail and sound spatiality. Everything gains a greater dimension, achieving practically the same effect as the iFi micro iUSB3.0, but a bit further.

And something really interesting is that as a musician, when recording by microphone or my bass guitar and electric guitar, the sound is much cleaner any problem of lack of ground or isolation in my instruments is no longer so relevant.






Conclusion:

If you have a noisy computer for your audio setup, this device will make a HUGE improvement. But don't forget that audio is like seeking a balanced and rich diet: Music is raw food, headphones and speakers are the chefs, the DAC sets the recipe, amplifiers cook the food and power supplies are the motivation and spirit behind everything. A better way of sending the recipe to the DAC is a great improvement but if the chef is bad, there's not so many room for improvement.

This unit has been lent for review by iFi Audio and AT Consumers. By no means the thoughts and insights portrayed in this review are biased. These are my honest thoughts about it.


Introduction:

The iFi AC iPurifier is a compact, high-tech device that exhaustively reduces the noise of that power outlet into which you plug in your audio equipment.






How does it work?:

You plug it to the AC mains wall outlet that supplies the audio system or into the mains extension block for the audio system separating analogue digital equipment, and it automatically takes samples of the current from your socket to perform an optimal filtering.

Through the ANC technology (Active Noise Cancellation) and WPS (Wireless Purification System), the AC iPurifier calculates and sends a signal back to the socket that cancels the perceived noises. On the other hand, it protects the equipment against voltage surges, detects lack of ground in the system and if the polarity is correct. And if that were not enough, it has an intelligent ground connection (Intelligent Earth) that you can use to connect the ground of all your audio equipment, but it only works if necessary, further avoiding more ground loops.



Effects:

All that technical section is great, but it also has a great impact on the sound of our equipment, especially with low-quality switched power supplies (SMPS) or a dirty power outlet. There is greater realism in the music, greater consistency and a lower ground noise. Of course, if our audio setup had hiss, it will still have it, although it will be much more consistent and less accentuated.



Tests:

I tried the two configurations suggested by iFi and the second one proved to be more effective (in the middle of the strip). I own a somewhat rudimentary analogue equipment (amplifier and speakers) (a JVC UX2000RGD) that shows hiss at high volume but in the digital section I use an iFi iGalvanic3.0 (provided by AT Consumers ) next to my iFi micro iUSB3.0 and connected to my iFi micro iDSD with some great Meze 99 Classics. The results have been conclusive although I was somewhat skeptical at first.



Sound:

During this time testing it, I have appreciated more consistency in sound and something more body in music. About the noise level, maybe I notice it a tad minor but it is difficult to appreciate in my headphone setup, since the iGalvanic3.0 and the micro iUSB3.0 fulminan any noise. Through my speaker system (the JVC) I perceive that reduced noise level and greater realism much more clearly.




Conclusion:

If you have a Mid to High-End audio setup, the AC iPurifier is a great tool for improving consistency and realism in music without the need of replacing all power supplies and getting crazy at diagnosing ground and polarity issues. But don't forget that audio is like seeking a balanced and rich diet: Music is raw food, headphones and speakers are the chefs, the DAC sets the recipe, amplifiers cook the food and power supplies are the motivation and spirit behind everything. Motivation and spirit are key, but worthless without resources to take action.

To begin with, I would like to thank iFi for making this great tour and allowing some of us to test this product.
 
I've been enjoying my original micro iDSD since January 2015 and it is really a piece to love. Its spacious natural sound, so efortless and delivering confindently in the serious Hi-Fi range... It scaled up as my setup did, unleashing deeper layers of detail by lowering it's USB noise (data and power wise) with a micro iUSB3.0, providing better dynamics and even better stereo presentation.
 
To be honest, up to date, I am very happy with it. I tweaked my source (laptop) for lower latency thus outputing lower USB packet jitter, I adjusted the polarity of the components of my system for even better dynamics and so far everything pays for the efforts.
 
Having said that, my system isn't complete yet, my speaker amp is kind of a bottleneck in here. I measured its noise and it doesn't even reach a S/N ratio of 70dB (Whereas iUSB3.0 offers an S/N ratio of almost 154dB). However, it can prove many points using it as a differential tool for both units, iDSD and iDSD BL.
 
With no further adue, let's get into the review .
 
 
For those of you who already know iFi, there's some key differences in this package over old products:
 
-Rubber feet are smaller and have an iFi logo on it (Cool addition)
 
-All accessories are now separed in two white mate carton boxes with satin iFi logo on it. I like it, cleaner and easier to pack.
 
-The blue USB cable seems kind-of darker now. And slightly sturdier.
 
And for those of you who happen to be first meeting iFi products, let me just say this: They give an Apple-like experience for the unboxing, simple and elegant.
But for the fortune of us, they give a ton more of accessories, and to be honest, not bad at all. 

*Fun fact: Their blue USB cable is the second best USB cable I have at home and I assure you it provides a nice smooth sound. Excellent considering it's built in!*
 
Here I leave you some photos of the whole unboxing experience.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
WARNING: Staring too much at the unit will seduce your mind with its attractiveness
 
Oh, here we are, look at that. Ain't that sexy? Sure this smokey black brother is catching your attention. (Yep, smokey as Johny Walker's Black Label, no coincidence)
Labeled with orange and dark grey silk-screen print, it seems iFi is playing elegant once more, but better refined. No coincidence whatsoever, it reminds me to this Black Label whiskey. I see a clear evolution throughout their products, specially in the design department this time, no detail has passed unnoticed, carefully improved from the bottom to the top.
 
 


 

 

 
 

 

 

Now, getting into the hardware, there are a lot of major changes, so let's recap:
 
-Digital engine upgraded - Op-Amp OV2028
 
-Analog section upgraded - Op-Amp OV2627
 
-Zero Jitter/Femto clock system upgraded for lower phase-noise/jitter
 
-3D+ and XBass+
 
-Ultra-low impedance OS-CON polymer capacitors and Panasonic audio-grade ECPU film capacitors.
 
I think it's going to be hard to discern where the improvements come from in each different scenario, but I'll do my best to find out what role plays each of these improvements in the final product. Let's call it reverse engineering
I could give you some technical details from their webpage, but that would it give this review any value, would it? So, instead of that, I'll sign to iFi philosophy, and let the ears do the talking. 
 
 

How does it perform solely as a DAC?
 
First, comparing it to the original iDSD, I sat both units in Direct mode (Fixed Line-Out at 2V) and swapped my Oyaide neo d+ Class S USB cable connected to a micro iUSB3.0 after each test. The results proved this new unit instantly superior to the old one, giving far better texture, a better detailed bass, smoother sound and a better defined stereo image. However, I found soundstage better on the original iDSD, but maybe it is just a matter of time, to burn-in the new BL unit. I suspect improvements mainly come from improved capacitors, lower jitter and due to its improved analog section.
By its own, without comparison, I would say it's one of the easiest DACs to listen I have tested. I listened to hours of music without noticing any disturbance in the sound. Which, by the way, happened to me sometimes with my original iDSD, sounding a little bit uncontrolled at highs.
 

 

 

 

 

 
 
How dows it perform as a DAC-Amp?
 
Well, I did some comparisons to original iDSD with the same source and the same blue cable and found out some interesting results. I used my micro iUSB3.0 as power supply and USB hub for both units:
 
At first I equated the volume using a sonometer app and a 1kHz test tone and Black Label required more volume to reach same decibels. Which are great news, we have better gain control now!
 
 *NOTE: I haven't used the Oyaide cable because when swapping, I would have to turn off the DAC, turn it on again and readjust the volume to  get it powered via USB, where the micro iUSB3.0 helps with its 0.1uV noise floor*
 
Taking into account the headphone amp, there's a major leap forward. A very significant difference, fixing a lack of bass texture and micro detail. I noticed a smoother sound, slightly better tone wise,
with much better controlled highs, providing a solid image. It sounds more natural, with better texture and dynamics. Overall, very cohesive. But I would say original iDSD has a bigger soundstage.
 

 
 
 
What about digital filtering?
 
I perceived a lesser degree of improvement when comparing straight to USB port with iUSB3.0 as source. It seems this overhauled version has lower jitter and better filtering. A very good job!
 
 
And now, talking about XBass+, there is also a very clear improvement. Bass boost is much more noticeable and fits quite nicely with many tracks. 3D Holographic + on the counterpart sounds slightly
more unrealistic, a very nice addition nonetheless.
 
 
 
Sincerely I would love to keep this unit with me. It sounds so great I don't wan't to stop music. It sounds so great I don't even have to worry about audio.
 
Thanks for reading me, I hope you liked the review!

As a beginning, I would like to thank Owen and Karina from iFi iClub for lending me this product.
 
To provide some solid base, here I leave you some information about my music tastes and my brief journey in audio.

 
 
 
Now, into the review, don't you love its warm orange light? I'm in love with it.
 
 
BUILD QUALITY

 
It comes packed in the famous iFi case, sign of "micro" range, with the same finishes as always. Robust switches, gold-plated connectors and their own-designed potentiometer improving the so acclaimed ALPS.
 
 

 


 
A nice quality board, with 4 layers and top notch rails and great quality resistors and capacitors. Such a beauty!
 

 

 

 
 
If we look at it upside down, we can see 8 DIP switches that allow us to select the gain (0dB/6dB) and whether using it as a pre-amp or as a buffer with the help of a flat screwdriver (like the one included). 
 

 

 
I already put the silicone feet to use it in my table more confortably but to my surprise, they changed them in favour of some smaller ones with an elegant logo. With these I no longer can workarround a way to stack them. But, in any case, for stacking iFi micro/nano devices, iRack is the best choice.
 

 
INTO THE EXPERIENCE
 
This little gem takes about 20 seconds to wake up, that's how valves work. I encourage you to wait until it is ready (look at |> led indicator).
 
We plug two pairs of RCAs as input and output and we are ready to rock. I have used the included cables by iFi which offer a respectable quality. No complaints.
 

 
 
It is now the moment when magic breaks in, mildly sparkles the elegant and impressive General Electric 5670, also sold apart by iFi for 6922 socket valve devices making use of a tailored ceramic adapter adhered to the valve. Top notch stuff! (More info here http://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/accessory-nos-6922-2/ )
 

 

 

 
Speakers engaged, we crank up the volume and we get lost in music... Guitars sound uncompressed, the piano flows dynamically, voices gain texture... Overall a nice effect.
 

WHY A TUBE BUFFER IMPROVES SOUND QUALITY?
 
I'll try to get into the reasons why this improves musical joy:
 
First, considering it is an active buffer/preamp, some of the spice comes from the 9v iPower SMPS (Switched-Mode Power Supply) which powers this 5670 with very low noise (1uV). Power supply improvements affect noise floor and dynamics.
 
The second reason of improvement is impedance matching. With its enormous input impedance of 1 Mega Ohm when used as a buffer and 100 kilo Ohms when used as a preamp, it fixes any possible impedance mismatch between source and amplifier. 
 
But let's get into business, we are here for the vacuum tube. It's been said by many audiophiles that tubes introduce distortion (harmonic, but they do) in an excessive manner but on the counter-part, tube fans claim solid state sounds unnatural due to odd-harmonics (IMD). So, who is right? Both! But in this particular case, iFi has deployed a very neutral and clean tube, with very low levels of harmonic distortion. The sound we get out of it is almost no colored but it provides a smooth musical experience, helping with some compressed recordings and staying true to original with uncompressed well recorded tracks.
 
 
Bass feels more real and has a slight bit more of dynamic. Overall, it has better texture.
 
Mids flow wonderfully, giving a very pleasant experience. Very smooth.
 
And highs stay neutral but less fatiguing when using bad recordings.
 
But I can assure you one thing, you will enjoy your music with this bad boy. For granted!
 
 
 
DIGITAL ANTIDOTE+ AND 3D HOLOGRAPHIC ADD-ONS
 

As a side note, I want to mention that Digital Antidote+ helped me masking out a "compressed sound" problem I had with the USB cable I was using with my micro iDSD. Fortunately I have already changed it in favor of an Oyaide neo d+ USB Class S, which not only solves this but improves SQ noticeably, but this is another topic... With this cable, this feature does no longer add a significant improvement with my micro iDSD (I think it does something similar to Minimum Phase filter, correct me if I am wrong)
 
 
And the last feature worth mentioning is 3D Holographic. It provides an outstanding improvement with bookshelf speakers, making them feel more spacious and bigger sounding. There are two modes: Low (*), for HiFi speakers, High(***), for bookshelf speakers and off. So you can find the one that suits you best. I used High(***) mode.
 
 
 

 
CONCLUSION
 
As a recap, this device is a nice addition to almost any setup, from Mid-Fi to some pricey Hi-Fi. Adds smoothness and joy to your music, pleasure is guaranteed!
 
I will leave you some more photos for you to enjoy