[397324]

Yes. There are a lot of alternatives on the market. I do not like the blue USB cable and never use it.

So what do you use?

 

[Currawong]

@Currawong thank you for not too long but still detailed, informative and pretty accurate review without much bias - something that I have a feeling is not very common in audio market. It also assured me that unfortunately Signature will not be replacing my iDac2 and I still will be traveling light with Mojo while I would love to have more power for LCD-1. Honestly speaking I can not understand why company such as iFi released another model of dac/amp with channel imbalance problem and in 2021 I still have to choose which firmware version I want to get one or another functionality considering Signature price tag.

Thanks. I wrote up a review on my site, which I'll copy here. I didn't give the 3D mode enough credit as I should in the video, it seems. Thinking about the channel imbalance, the Signature itself appears to be a tweak of an existing design. I reckon they'd do well to consider a more comprehensive re-design that includes separating the power switch from the volume control and improving resolution. One of the things I like about the Signature, is that they included the 4.4mm connector while not wasting effort making the circuit balanced (just for marketing) as you get the same power output from the 6.3mm socket as well. Balanced audio in portable gear has wasted a lot of peoples' time, chasing an unnecessary unicorn IMO.

 

[corgifall]

Balanced audio in portable gear has wasted a lot of peoples' time, chasing an unnecessary unicorn IMO.

But MOAR POWER

 

[397324]

Thanks. I wrote up a review on my site, which I'll copy here. I didn't give the 3D mode enough credit as I should in the video, it seems. Thinking about the channel imbalance, the Signature itself appears to be a tweak of an existing design. I reckon they'd do well to consider a more comprehensive re-design that includes separating the power switch from the volume control and improving resolution. One of the things I like about the Signature, is that they included the 4.4mm connector while not wasting effort making the circuit balanced (just for marketing) as you get the same power output from the 6.3mm socket as well. Balanced audio in portable gear has wasted a lot of peoples' time, chasing an unnecessary unicorn IMO.

In your conclusion section, you refer to the unit as the "Nano".

 

[Currawong]

In your conclusion section, you refer to the unit as the "Nano".

Brain fart.

 

[iFi audio]

Although I am happy with it, having previously owned an iDSD Black, I was wondering if I should send it back and wait for its replacement?

We have no plans for micro iDSD Signature's replacements. If you're interested in a product similar but tiered higher, our iDSD Diablo would be the closest.

iFi released another model of dac/amp with channel imbalance problem

Sensitive IEMs aside, in case of regular cans any issues with early channel imbalance should not be present during normal listening level and at correct power settings.

and in 2021 I still have to choose which firmware version I want to get one or another functionality considering Signature price tag.

micro iDSD Signature's price tag isn't the reason, but rather the fact that it's based on our older platform and its XMOS chip's limited computing power.

 

[cadgers]

Isn't the channel imbalance due to the volume knob being used as the on\off? So the first "quarter" isn't used for volume control but turning the device on and off. I thought it was an issue at first too but you get used to it. Seems to be the case for any amp that uses the volume knob that way.

 

[darren700]

Yes. There are a lot of alternatives on the market. I do not like the blue USB cable and never use it.

I bought some silver plated usb cables from ghent and I really like them and the price is really good. https://www.ghentaudio.com/usb/u07.html
Note if you want a different color sleeving just email and ask him.

 

[Sean_MR]

I know this was mentioned earlier, but I’m still a little confused.

On the product page and in the tech note, it says the S-balanced feature “delivers maximum performance from single-ended and balanced headphones alike.” But in the product manual, it says “As the micro iDSD Signature is balanced, we recommend the 4.4mm output."

Is the S-Balanced 50% reduction in crosstalk only from the 4.4mm jack? Or are both the 6.3mm and 4.4mm jack S-Balanced?

 

[Baten]

I know this was mentioned earlier, but I’m still a little confused.

On the product page and in the tech note, it says the S-balanced feature “delivers maximum performance from single-ended and balanced headphones alike.” But in the product manual, it says “As the micro iDSD Signature is balanced, we recommend the 4.4mm output."

Is the S-Balanced 50% reduction in crosstalk only from the 4.4mm jack? Or are both the 6.3mm and 4.4mm jack S-Balanced?

Good question haha. iFi kinda shooting themselves in the foot with the first statement there

 

[397324]

Hi. I watched a YouTube review which mentioned that as the signal and charging ports were separate, you could leave the charging port connected permanently. That can't be right?

 

[iFi audio]

Hi. I watched a YouTube review which mentioned that as the signal and charging ports were separate, you could leave the charging port connected permanently. That can't be right?

You can use and charge the product at the same time, but this is not ideal as you might hear some background noise on sensitive IEMs.

 

[397324]

Thanks for the reply. He meant permanently, irrespective of the battery level, like a mains powered device.

Also, is it best to fully drain the battery before charging?

 

[Sean_MR]

Good question haha. iFi kinda shooting themselves in the foot with the first statement there

It’s honestly something I’m really curious about, but I’ve been having a hard time receiving a reply both via email and in forums.

 

[iFi audio]

Thanks for the reply. He meant permanently, irrespective of the battery level, like a mains powered device.

A battery can't be bypassed, so not a device powered from mains, sorry

Also, is it best to fully drain the battery before charging?

That's not necessary.

Our 4.4mm headphone out is balanced and not subjected to our S-Balanced tech as it doesn't need to. S-balanced is for sin

Good question haha. iFi kinda shooting themselves in the foot with the first statement there

Our S-balanced tech is for headphone outs that can accommodate balanced and SE plugs, so not a 6.3mm headphone out.