[jerick70]

Slightly OT - Have you ever tried feeding an optical SPDIF signal (32-Bit / 192-KHz) into your Micro iDSD Black?
Does it detect and play the signal?
.
My Linux PC outputs a 32-Bit / 192-KHz signal, via optical SPDIF, but my original Micro iDSD doesn't detect and play it.

I've never tried. I don't have my BL any longer so I can't try right now. I'll give it a go once I have the signature in hand.

 

[DBaldock9]

I've never tried. I don't have my BL any longer so I can't try right now. I'll give it a go once I have the signature in hand.

I'm fairly certain that on my iDSD, if the USB input is connected, the SPDIF becomes an output (i.e.- The iDSD is a Digital-to-Digital Converter).
The Signature model might do the same thing, so you'll need to unplug the USB, in order to test the optical input.

 

[technobear]

I'm fairly certain that on my iDSD, if the USB input is connected, the SPDIF becomes an output (i.e.- The iDSD is a Digital-to-Digital Converter).
The Signature model might do the same thing, so you'll need to unplug the USB, in order to test the optical input.

It should work if you put the computer to sleep.

 

[Rick T.]

Does the Sig still use Elna Silmic II caps for the PSU and decoupling?

 

[aspirina750]

Ah makes sense why you’re getting sooner.

Whats missing for you in that combo?

Does the Zen can perform/sound better than the integrated Micro Bl?

The biggest issue with the Zen Can is the channel imbalance at low volumes, I have fairly easy to drive headphones and IEM's and I listen to them at pretty low volume at my office or home office, not a good combo with channel imbalance. I spent quite a lot on 4.4mm cables for all my HP and IEMs so it seems I'm spending even more just to use them... My daily drive is the Audeze LCD-GX and with the BL I listen to them on ECO and IEM Match off at around 9-10 o'clock with the Zen CAN and 4.4 its 7ish and there is already some channel imbalance, with the Fiio FH3 and 4.4 is even worst.

 

[Condocondor]

I'll have to try that combo when I get the Signature.

I have the BL with iPurifier3 and iGalvanic and I have to say that its pretty awesome.

 

[sebiambrus]

I have the BL with iPurifier3 and iGalvanic and I have to say that its pretty awesome.

Snake Oil

 

[ballard3]

It seems that the Signature does not offer the output option "direct / preamp" (differently fron previuos models). Am I wrong?

 

[iFi audio]

@iFi audio can you please answer this very good question?

I have no info whether we did change a volume pot, but most likely we didn't. A mild channel imbalance at very low volume levels is fairly common, but during normal listening it shouldn't be present.

Does the Sig still use Elna Silmic II caps for the PSU and decoupling?

Yup.

It seems that the Signature does not offer the output option "direct / preamp" (differently fron previuos models). Am I wrong?

That's correct, now micro iDSD Signature's volume control can't be bypassed.

 

[iFi audio]

Also, we have something for those of you worried that micro iDSD BL is now discontinued and replaced by limited micro iDSD Signature.

The micro iDSD BL has been around for five years. This community asked us to put our thinking caps and find a way how to improve it. After this time, the micro iDSD BL is a very liked product.

However, we heard what you folks wanted, i.e. a 4.4mm headphone out and separate charging port to make it more easy to use. We listened, we provided!

You should also know that micro iDSD BL is a platform that's extremely difficult to improve from our perspective and quite frankly maxed out as far as performance goes. It had to be reworked to be more up to date on functionalities and that's exactly what micro iDSD Signature addresses, but it incorporates the same maxed out heart and that's why it'll live shorter than the BL. Worry not, we have lots of stuff in our pipeline!

 

[mblain]

I have the BL with iPurifier3 and iGalvanic and I have to say that its pretty awesome.

I also have the BL with the iPurifier3 and was curious how much of a bump in improvement the iGalvanic made? I'm on the fence whether to get that or a good transport.

 

[technobear]

I also have the BL with the iPurifier3 and was curious how much of a bump in improvement the iGalvanic made? I'm on the fence whether to get that or a good transport.

It really depends whether you have a problem with ground plane noise. The iPurifier3 won't stop ground wire noise but the iGalvanic does.

I have a class D power amp that is susceptible to ground wire noise on it's analogue input. The noise in this case was coming from an iPower 5V which was putting noise onto the mains ground. This noise then travelled along the mains lead to the PC, along the USB lead to the DAC and then along the RCA interconnect to the power amp. The iPurifier3 did not stop it. The AC iPurifier also did nothing for it. The iGalvanic stopped it completely.

 

[Condocondor]

I also have the BL with the iPurifier3 and was curious how much of a bump in improvement the iGalvanic made? I'm on the fence whether to get that or a good transport.

I would say "significant". I would recommend ordering one from MusicDirect.com. You'd have 60 days trial period with an no questions asked return policy. It takes the BL to another level....or half level. One of the first things I noticed was an increase in spacial cues within the recording. It's easier to place instruments. There is a cleaner nature to the music which makes it seem more "live". It's hard to describe.

 

[mblain]

It really depends whether you have a problem with ground plane noise. The iPurifier3 won't stop ground wire noise but the iGalvanic does.

I have a class D power amp that is susceptible to ground wire noise on it's analogue input. The noise in this case was coming from an iPower 5V which was putting noise onto the mains ground. This noise then travelled along the mains lead to the PC, along the USB lead to the DAC and then along the RCA interconnect to the power amp. The iPurifier3 did not stop it. The AC iPurifier also did nothing for it. The iGalvanic stopped it completely.

Good to know. I don't really hear much noise but I wonder if it'll lower the noise floor and make the background even darker.

I would say "significant". I would recommend ordering one from MusicDirect.com. You'd have 60 days trial period with an no questions asked return policy. It takes the BL to another level....or half level. One of the first things I noticed was an increase in spacial cues within the recording. It's easier to place instruments. There is a cleaner nature to the music which makes it seem more "live". It's hard to describe.

Crap, I was worried you'd say that. The additional bump in instrument placement and a more lively sound. My wallet is not a fan, but my ears are.

Well hopefully, Ifi can get an iDSD Signature in the hands of someone to review soon so I can decide whether I pre-order one of those or add an iGalvanic to the wonderful micro BL.

 

[iFi audio]

Well hopefully, Ifi can get an iDSD Signature in the hands of someone to review soon

Yes, something of the sort will happen