[iFi audio]

As far as I know only the iDSD PRO can do bitperfect, as well as MQA decoding. On the micro BL series, it is -OR- MQA support -OR- BitPerfect support. Quite frankly, if you hear differences they are in your head because they will both use GTO lol.
(if I remember correctly I think it has to do with how much code they can put on the micro which is limited but don't quote me on this)

MQA is a separate processing different than anything else. Neither the MQA stream is subjected to the GTO FW, nor to any other filter. If it is, then it's no longer MQA. In other words, for MQA to work and be MQA, it can't be altered in any way. If it's sent from say Tidal to our product, then our product doesn't manipulate this data to have it still as MQA. In even simpler terms, MQA has to be bit-perfect. If it is, magenta LED lats users know in case of our DACs.

Then, should I understand, all time desktop use case wasn’t considered on design of ifi sig?

micro iDSD Signature was designed with constant battery use in mind even in the event of chagrging during usage. Its battery isn't bypassed.

 

[cadgers]

Can anyone else confirm that the channel imbalance is on all models? Not everyone seems to be having the issue.

 

[dannyvstheworld]

Can anyone else confirm that the channel imbalance is on all models? Not everyone seems to be having the issue.

Just got mine today, and it is similar to what bflat got here - the channel imbalance goes away before 10 o’clock.

Just got the new Sig iDSD. I owned a regular Micro version sometime back but went exclusively to DAPs for portable use. I've often thought about getting another iDSD because in hind sight, I like the form factor when using with my laptop. With the new Signature version, I thought it was time to go back. My specific use is with my new MacBook Air M1. Even though I expect to work from home for some time, I still have to move around the house due to sharing workspace with my household. I really miss my personal space in my office LOL.

Initial thoughts:

• I forgot how much power the Micro series have. I'm not sure if sensitive IEMs play well even with IE Match. I only have high impedance IEMs and Eco mode is plenty power without needing IE Match.
• As far as channel imbalance. I've come to expect some imbalance at lowest volumes on any analog volume pot unless it is a stepped resistor pot. On my unit, I can get just left channel when I can start to hear sound, but right channel comes in quickly by 9:30ish. I have to set the amp all the way to Turbo to get enough volume at 9:30 to get a good sense of balance. See pics below for more detail, but I don't see this as an issue at all for me since the imbalance is extremely short range and at far lower volume than I will listen.
• As for sound, I tried both GTO (Minimum Phase setting per 5.3c firmware) and Bit Perfect. Both are highly technically capable but the subtle differences are:
  • GTO - a more musical, organic sound which I prefer. Slightly more analog sound.
  • Bit Perfect - more bite, more analytical sounding. Slightly more digital sound.
• One bit of advice I can share is use a clean power adapter for the USB C port if you have it plugged in while listening. I initially used a multi port charger that powers my laptop and I could easily hear a lot of noise in the background. Switching to a single port charger, the noise when away. Battery power without USB C plugged is cleanest of course.
• Note - line out is fixed and does not automatically mute when headphones are connected. It is always on.
• In eco mode, GTO filter, and no IE Match I find the iDSD Sig and new T5 Gen 3 to be a fantastic combo which is exactly the setup I plan to use the most. Also Xbass and 3D turned off.

Chanel Imbalance Pics - I can hear the imbalance in between the pics below. Amp mode is set to Turbo and using my Beyer T5 headphones (32 ohm). The range of the imbalance is about the width of the white mark on the knob.

Volume knob turned to max amount where I can't hear anything:



Volume knob turned to min amount where I get correct left and right balance (probably can be lower, but volume is too low for me to be 100% sure balance is perfect):

 

[dannyvstheworld]

Two hours in.. so far so good.

Not sure if it’s been mentioned here, but the new color is so gorgeous looking - not the massdrop midnight blue I expected, but the iPhone 12 pro midnight blue, and it’s much better in your hands than in the promo photos.

Tons of power.. even with DT 1990 PRO I’m perfectly good at Eco, and I’m not sure I would ever use the other two modes (I’m a low volume listener). I think I’ll have the xBass on as my default setting - like what it does to Elex and Ananda, both I find lack of bass, but seem to be slightly improved with xBass on.

Right now my favorite combo is with DT 1990 PRO - still a bit sibilant, but more full-bodied and smoother than with H2, and is finally more musical than analytical. I also have xDSD, which is very good as a Bluetooth DAC, and has very precise volume control for even the most sensitive IEMs; but this one, speaking of sound quality, is in a different league.

 

[42300]

...
Not sure if it’s been mentioned here, but the new color is so gorgeous looking - not the massdrop midnight blue I expected, but the iPhone 12 pro midnight blue, and it’s much better in your hands than in the promo photos....

May I quote myself

...That blue colour is sooo elegant and classy, really. When you look at the iDSD from a distance it looks more black than blue. When you change the viewing angle it changes towards a dark blue. So cool. Way better than black or silver...

 

[Hoegaardener70]

Out of curiosity, what issues are you speaking of the outside of practicality with having to have more than two cables (which we totally understand)?
Let us know and perhaps Rob and I can assist in some way.

One of the major reasons we don't suggest using the black label signature while also being charged is because of battery longevity. This is the case for these kinds of batteries in general.

Thanks for your reply. The need for the second cable and my dislike of it is nothing exciting at all .. I am just out of usb ports and have enough cables as is.

In the end, I will charge and use it at the same time. The Signature is at the heart of my audio setup, and I really, really do not want the device to run out of power during a conference call ever again. If I had known this, I'd stay loyal to my trusted "old" BL. Saying that, it is of course a wonderful device.

 

[42300]

A silly question, sorry for that what changes the power mode exactly? Do I get the same listening time in eco and normal mode when I simply adjust the volume knob in order to set the same level (eco mode + volume up to let's say 14:00 versus normal mode + volume around 12:00)?

I'm still interested to know about the power mode. Any ideas?

 

[dannyvstheworld]

May I quote myself

Ha ha I knew I read it somewhere!

 

[Currawong]

I think there are two parts to GTO implementation - upsampling and the filter itself. Based on the PCM indicator LED, it appears that upsampling is applied to all 3 filters for PCM files. However, I would think the filters are still different since there is no reason why Standard (Linear) or Bit Perfect can't be applied to the 352/24 upsampled PCM stream.

Upsampling is how digital filters work, essentially. It still confuses me though why there is a filter switch at all if it doesn't do anything.

MQA is a separate processing different than anything else. Neither the MQA stream is subjected to the GTO FW, nor to any other filter. If it is, then it's no longer MQA. In other words, for MQA to work and be MQA, it can't be altered in any way. If it's sent from say Tidal to our product, then our product doesn't manipulate this data to have it still as MQA. In even simpler terms, MQA has to be bit-perfect. If it is, magenta LED lats users know in case of our DACs.

Usually MQA is "rendered" (up-sampled) by the DAC, using a selected MQA filter, most of which are pretty close to the GTO filter in type. The reason for require bit-perfect transfer is to ensure that the embedded MQA data isn't altered. The irony here though is that MQA is a lossy codec... but that's a whole other discussion.

 

[iFi audio]

Usually MQA is "rendered" (up-sampled) by the DAC, using a selected MQA filter, most of which are pretty close to the GTO filter in type. The reason for require bit-perfect transfer is to ensure that the embedded MQA data isn't altered. The irony here though is that MQA is a lossy codec... but that's a whole other discussion.

I see what you mean Amos and yes, that's correct. To clarify, by writing that "MQA stream isn't subjected to the GTO FW, nor to any other filter" I meant non-MQA filters. Those required by MQA itself are...

a whole other discussion.

It still confuses me though why there is a filter switch at all if it doesn't do anything.

With FW other than 5.3C that switch does what it's supposed to

 

[darren700]

Hello All,
I sold my Micro IDSD BL and am anticipating delivery of my new IDSD Signature.
I have a couple questions for iFi audio if they dont mind.

I would like to use the 3.5mm COAX jack to connect to my Fiio X5III player. What is the correct pinout for the 3.5mm COAX on the IDSD Signature? is it 3.5mm TRRS? there is no info in the manual for this. I have this cable: FiiO L21 but will be making a new one myself with 3.5mm TRRS on both ends to use with my X5III.

Also, I purchased some IFI OTG cables to use with the Fiio X5III and my Samsung S8 (both micro usb and usb c). Is there any chance that IFI would consider making longer versions of these OTG cables? like 2-3ft for example? The reason I am asking this is because I would like to leave the IDSD Signature on the table beside me, and pickup my DAP/Phone to change songs. I cannot find any long OTG cables for this purpose, as far as i know they do not exist on the market.

Thanks!

 

[monumonu]

I'm still interested to know about the power mode. Any ideas?

You'll increase power from Eco to turbo, and even at the same volume you'll have more listening time with Eco mode, less with Turbo mode.. The Normal mode in between
https://ifi-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/micro-iDSD-Signature-User-Manual_1.0.pdf

 

[iFi audio]

You'll increase power from Eco to turbo, and even at the same volume you'll have more listening time with Eco mode, less with Turbo mode.. The Normal mode in between
https://ifi-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/micro-iDSD-Signature-User-Manual_1.0.pdf

Yup

I would like to use the 3.5mm COAX jack to connect to my Fiio X5III player. What is the correct pinout for the 3.5mm COAX on the IDSD Signature? is it 3.5mm TRRS?

micro iDSD Signature's S/PDIF is a regular 3.5mm TRS socket.

Is there any chance that IFI would consider making longer versions of these OTG cables? like 2-3ft for example?

Although I understand your need, OTG cables longer than what we have now is very unlikely, sorry!

 

[elira]

micro iDSD Signature's S/PDIF is a regular 3.5mm TRS socket.

Shouldn’t it be TS, why would you need the ring?

 

[Currawong]

Shouldn’t it be TS, why would you need the ring?

Because TRS sockets are readily available. TS sockets are less so. Easier to select a more common socket and not connect one pin than it is to find a suitably matching, and possibly lower-quality, less available one.