iFi audio iDSD Signature - The saga continues!

[531412]

Since you seem so excited about IFI DACS and IFI is unable to explain the differences in sound between in signature and a neo, it would be helpful if you could describe these dacs to help many people like me choose one of these. products and be as enthusiastic as you are and enjoy our music to the fullest. Pdta. I had Black label and I really liked it and now I want to upgrade to a new IFI DAC that complements my mojo

You should not make your purchase decision based on what someone writes in the forum.
Just test by your own and decide by yourself what you prefer.
Check what you need first:
Inputs, outputs, mobility, power, IEM compatibility, form factor, optic etc.

Once you know what you want, you can buy several devices and test and compare those by your own.

Example:
I like the Signature over the Black Label and Pro iDSD. But there are more than 10000 people in the world who would not agree with my opinion ... this is totally fine. It is just a very subjective hobby

 

[iFi audio]

I like the Signature over the Black Label and Pro iDSD. But there are more than 10000 people in the world who would not agree with my opinion ... this is totally fine.

It sure is.

You should not make your purchase decision based on what someone writes in the forum

I agree. Impressions of folks on forums and reviewers at their sites are all useful indicators of what to take into consideration. But eventually a product should be auditioned at home if possible.

 

[ijorgian]

Obviously the audio has a subjective component, there are also synergies in the rest of the components of the audio chain used, etc., but when it is not possible to audition prior to the purchase, having reviews of the products and opinions of the users is a great information tool. In this case, requesting the brand itself, IFI, to indicate the differences in the audio quality between two of its products, in order to acquire one of them, is something logical and reasonable and I understand that it is a bad image on the part of the company. brand not being able to offer that information. The characteristics, inputs, outputs, powers ... the numbers, as The Little Prince said, is something that I can read, but knowing what differences there are in the audio quality (soundstage, definition of treble, texture of bass, if it is more warm or analytical, etc.) is something that cannot be obtained from a few specifications and, however, it is most of the experience that we will obtain with the product. If we do not have the possibility of hearing the product (as is my case since my local supplier does not have a test unit), how difficult is IFI to answer this question in order to buy a neo or a signature? it is simply asking for their help to buy a product from them. We are already adults to know that the audio has a subjective component but opinions and comparisons are the only tool I have to make a decision in this case, so it is difficult for me to understand so much resistance to informing users about the differences in the audio of these two dacs to be able to make the best decision. Customer service is also a determining asset in the purchase and in this sense, when I wrote to Chord to ask about the differences between Mojo and Hugo 2, via email, they gave me an answer and I myself evaluated that the cost difference Between the two products it did not compensate me, for me (for another it could be different), the greater expense in Hugo 2 when my resources are limited. I am amazed at how difficult it is to get a similar comment from Ifi. In this case, then, I will have to paralyze the purchase and wait to be able to read reviews on specialized pages and comparisons by users. If Ifi wants to send me both models, to be able to listen to them and keep the one I like the most and return the other, I will be happy to accept your offer.

 

[iFi audio]

I am amazed at how difficult it is to get a similar comment from Ifi.

It's not difficult and I'll get back to this specific topic very shortly

 

[ijorgian]

It's not difficult and I'll get back to this specific topic very shortly

Thank you, I really enjoyed my Black Label and that is why I am so eager to acquire a signature or a neo that complements other Ifi products that I have (i purifier, audio cables, etc.), I will be eager to read you. Thanks a lot!

 

[MLGrado]

Your post reaks of fanboism, so any reviews done by you are hardly going to be objective. I am almost certain of that.
And I don't even know you.
So...

You don't like "Chinese", fine. Not everyone can keep an open mind. Then why not pitch againt other EU brands like the German RME? for thr desktop options. And maybe MOJO for the portable ones.
Give some validity to your statements. And actually help people make an informed decision. Shout between same brand products are pointless. More so when IFI themselves have confirmed here that their products performance scale with cost. At least that is how they designed then.

PS: Just so you know how far I am from a "hater". I order the Sig last week and waiting for it to arrive in another 7 days. I don't own anything else (as far as DAC or H-Amp goes). However it does not make me wear purple glasses.


EDIT: I see you just added that you will include a D90. That is more like it, but will that mean you are only comparing/reviewing the DAC parts? Why no A90 or similar? To make it round...

You don't know me, about the only true thing you quoted in my post. I am not sure why people have to hide behind a keyboard for their necessary cover for the inevitable onslaught of insults and other derogatory measures.

I never, ever once said I didn't like Chinese products. Go find it. Anywhere. As a matter of fact, iFi is ultimately made in China as well as several other products I have used and continue to use. My amplifier is from Icon Audio, which has a manufacturing factory in China, associated with Ming Da. And I love it. Hardly the case for someone who hates or is ignorant of Chinese products.

I am NOT an iFi fanboy. Unless fanboy means I enjoy the sound of iFi products, then count me a fanboy of RME, Ayre, and Arcam and SimAudio.

I did a several month long comparison between the RME DAC and the IDSD Pro. The iFi won. At the same time, I could have been happy with the RME if need be.

I am in the process of putting together a review station with Audio Precision software.

If someone is in the market for iFi, I thought it may be helpful to have a review (with measurements) comparing the iDSD Micro Black Label, iDSD Signature and the iDSD Neo. Said review would outline the type of person each is marketed to, as well as compare relative performance along with measurements.

In addition to that, there will be a review of similar competition from Topping, SMSL, etc, as well as RME, which will always be something of a 'litmus' test that many, many people can relate to.


So. other than an arrogant personal attack, I can't see any value to your response.

I would think many a head-fi member that is interested in iFi products would love a rundown of the rather similarly priced entries, their differences, similarities, both in how they sound, how they measure, and how they are intended to be used.

Then a comparison to other similarly priced brands is warranted if one REALLY wants an informed opinion. Including Chinese products like Topping, SMSL, (insert name here) and German products like RME, which I own and LOVE.

Then you start going off the rails and am I not sure what you mean. Yes, I will be reviewing both the DAC 'parts' and the head-amp 'parts'. Together and separate.

Finally, I never thought the day would come on this site that someone would be attacked for reviewing a slew of relative equipment with top of the line Audio Precision software in other to HELP the large groups of people who would otherwise never be able to make comparisons on their own and rely on third parties for some idea what to expect.

Biased against Chinese products.... lol. Yes, I love the iFi sound and think it is voiced very well and has chosen minimal DSP to achieve their result. All the while being mass produced where???? China.

 

[MLGrado]

Since you seem so excited about IFI DACS and IFI is unable to explain the differences in sound between in signature and a neo, it would be helpful if you could describe these dacs to help many people like me choose one of these. products and be as enthusiastic as you are and enjoy our music to the fullest. Pdta. I had Black label and I really liked it and now I want to upgrade to a new IFI DAC that complements my mojo

Why all of a sudden am I being crucified for liking the iFi house sound?? And yes, it has a sound. Has iFi been unable to describe the differences? What about differences in applications? I know very little about these new products.

At this point one needs to start taking a look at the features before making any choices. I have not had enought time to peruse through either to say one way or another.

All I have said to this point is I am investing in an Audio Precision testing suite to go along with my reviews. Which should mean I am NOT a fanboy as accused a couple posts above.

It may be a couple months before I have a report ready for the rest of you that haven't written me off already as 'ifi fanboy'.

 

[ijorgian]

[QUOTE = "MLGrado, publicación: 15970354, miembro: 393124"]
[/CITAR]

If you read my message a little more carefully, you will see that it is not a personal attack. In fact, I tell him that it would be great if he could make a comparison because at least to me, I am very interested. You declare yourself a fan of Ifi and that's not bad. I myself really enjoyed the black label and I am in a post from an Ifi DAC, because I have a real interest in the product. For my part, I will greatly appreciate if you make a comparison between black label, signature and Neo. And if it also expands to even more products that you have been able to try, I will have to include your publication in favorites

 

[mwhals]

Apple iPhones are made in China and they are great. The manufacturer requirements is what make successful products regardless of where they are manufactured.

I want to purchase the iDSD Micro Signature, but am waiting for it to get to USA Amazon where I can use my Amazon gift card money.

 

[utdeep]

I tested the following amp/dacs in the last few days since I had them all in my collection. I'm not going to post a very detailed review, because I've come to realize that we all have different tastes in music, different preferences for sound, different headphones, and different ideas of price/performance.

• Woo Audio WA7 2nd Gen with Solid State Power Supply ($999)
• iFi Hip-Dac ($130)
• iFi Signature ($699)

My favorite headphones are pre-Fazor Audeze LCD-3. To make a long story short, I preferred the WA7 the most because of the tubes (just used stock tubes). They make things far from neutral and add distortion that makes things fun. They're also insanely powerful. It's a desktop only system that's gorgeous.

The Hip-Dac is incredible. Honestly, the price to performance ratio is out of this world. It is decent powering planar magnetic headphones with the 4.4mm balanced output. Uses USB-C and has MQA. It's so small and so well-built.

The iFi Signature is my keeper. It's probably 6 times the size of the Hip-Dac. It's powerful. It uses USB-C, has MQA. It doesn't sound as good as the WA7, but I don't find it lacking. It's transportable. I don't have enough time to listen to my LCD-3s, but it's a perfect companion for when I do which could be anywhere in my house.

 

[GiullianSN]

Apple iPhones are made in China and they are great. The manufacturer requirements is what make successful products regardless of where they are manufactured.

I want to purchase the iDSD Micro Signature, but am waiting for it to get to USA Amazon where I can use my Amazon gift card money.

I have a gift card here from a local electronics store that I wish they sell audio gear. I have nothing there that I would buy.

 

[Condocondor]

Wait, that doesn't make sense... Why replace the regular production BL with a limited run unit? What else will there be? Perhaps @iFi audio can clarify, or someone can link me to a post if it was explained earlier on and I missed it.

Ah, it doesn't make sense until you consider what would replace a portable DAC/AMP like BL and Signature and be "a fair bit more"? Well a DAP would be a DAC/AMP/Music Player. Does this qualify as "a fair bit more"? Yes, it does. What if the BL and Signature became a music player with WiFi cababilities....and a powerful one at that? Imagine that? Now is it starting to come into focus why the Signature would have a limited run? Who the hell would want a iDSD Signature if it's replacement was a DAP with similar specs? Or even just added WIFI capability?

 

[jerick70]

The signature is in the house!!!! I'm very impressed by this update to an already great all-in-one in the iDSD BL. I owned a BL for a few years and unfortunately sold it a few months ago. I've missed it and then heard about the Signature so I thought I'd jump.

I wanted to put out some first impressions to help others make a decision about this beauty, it's blue! ... I'm using Hifiman Anandas for transducers with a custom Hart Audio cable with the 4.4mm end and the factory iFi USB cable plugged into my computer PC running the Roon client.

The signature of this new DAC/amp from iFi is smooth and warm like it's predecessor the BL. There have been some refinements to the signature though. The first thing I noticed was the micro detail is much improved as is the instrument placement and air and sparkle of the upper registers. I use Almost Blue by Diana Krall to test this criteria. The reverberation of the piano hammers at the begining of the song, are much more precise and it is much easier to pin point where the hammers are placed in the overall picture the music paints. The overall signature is much more 3D and spatially acurate. This precision does come with a bit of treble brightness that the BL didn't have. This presents to me in the 6k - 7k range. I'm sensative to this range, and it may just be me. You may not even hear this. The improvements are so great that I'm overlooking the treble brightness and keeping this beauty. It's that good.

The next thing I wanted to mention is the physical size seems to be streamlined. It feels smaller in the hand. Also the switches for changing all the features are improved too. No more worrying if the switches will fall off when you make changes. I had this happen a lot with the BL.

There is a USB C charging port on the right side of the Signature that allows you to charge and listen at the same time!

That's all for now. I've only had this for a few hours and it's not burned in yet so things may change in the signature. I'll post other observations as I listen.

 

[ijorgian]

The signature is in the house!!!! I'm very impressed by this update to an already great all-in-one in the iDSD BL. I owned a BL for a few years and unfortunately sold it a few months ago. I've missed it and then heard about the Signature so I thought I'd jump.

I wanted to put out some first impressions to help others make a decision about this beauty, it's blue! ... I'm using Hifiman Anandas for transducers with a custom Hart Audio cable with the 4.4mm end and the factory iFi USB cable plugged into my computer PC running the Roon client.

The signature of this new DAC/amp from iFi is smooth and warm like it's predecessor the BL. There have been some refinements to the signature though. The first thing I noticed was the micro detail is much improved as is the instrument placement and air and sparkle of the upper registers. I use Almost Blue by Diana Krall to test this criteria. The reverberation of the piano hammers at the begining of the song, are much more precise and it is much easier to pin point where the hammers are placed in the overall picture the music paints. The overall signature is much more 3D and spatially acurate. This precision does come with a bit of treble brightness that the BL didn't have. This presents to me in the 6k - 7k range. I'm sensative to this range, and it may just be me. You may not even hear this. The improvements are so great that I'm overlooking the treble brightness and keeping this beauty. It's that good.

The next thing I wanted to mention is the physical size seems to be streamlined. It feels smaller in the hand. Also the switches for changing all the features are improved too. No more worrying if the switches will fall off when you make changes. I had this happen a lot with the BL.

There is a USB C charging port on the right side of the Signature that allows you to charge and listen at the same time!

That's all for now. I've only had this for a few hours and it's not burned in yet so things may change in the signature. I'll post other observations as I listen.

do you realize you just created a need for me?

 

[jerick70]

do you realize you just created a need for me?

Sorry mate. The iDSD Signature is going to facilitate a lot of wallet thining. It's hella good IMO.