[iFi audio]

Check out the info on our new Download Hub here.

We've updated the way you can find out what software and firmware work on your machine and what functionality it provides. This is now done by product serial number so should make like easier and more straightforward.

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/new...-software-firmware-for-your-ifi-units.956502/

 

[Hiltonk]

DX220 as a USB transport for the iFi iDSD Signature... not something you see every day.. but it works... very well infact and I love the warmth and smoothness the iDSD brings compared to the Sabre DAC in the DX220.

All file formats work over USB using USB Audio Player Pro. MQA, Native DSD256, DXD, and of course FLAC. Not a bad combo actually, though a bit big!

Weird I know... but why not.

iFi iDSD DX220 MQA DSD256 by Hilton, on Flickr

iFi iDSD DX220 MQA DSD256 by Hilton, on Flickr

iFi iDSD DX220 by Hilton, on Flickr

 

[cadgers]

Can one of the iFi reps confirm the frequencies that XBass boosts? I know it's sub bass but I am still curious.

 

[iFi audio]

Can one of the iFi reps confirm the frequencies that XBass boosts? I know it's sub bass but I am still curious.

I'll double-check this and will get back to you.

 

[Hiltonk]

I've downscaled the rig.

iPhone SE 256GB permanently mounted with double sided tape... sometimes you just have to go with the simple.... but extravagant.

I tried getting used to carrying around an iPad Mini, using with my Galaxy S20 Ultra, and in the store I tried the iPod touch, smallest but no finger reader, iPhone 12, which was the perfect fit - but also no finger reader (and too expensive for a permanent DAP replacement) and the iPhone SE with 4G was perfect fit and the all important finger scanner so you can unlock on the desk without having to pick it up!

No mucking around with cables or straps and wifi tethering.. It just works!

20210310_212152 by Hilton, on Flickr

iFi iDSD Signature - iPhone SE - Perfect! by Hilton, on Flickr

iFi iDSD Signature - iPhone SE - Perfect! by Hilton, on Flickr

iFi iDSD Signature - iPhone SE - Perfect! by Hilton, on Flickr

 

[Pashmeister]

I've downscaled the rig.

iPhone SE 256GB permanently mounted with double sided tape... sometimes you just have to go with the simple.... but extravagant.

I tried getting used to carrying around an iPad Mini, using with my Galaxy S20 Ultra, and in the store I tried the iPod touch, smallest but no finger reader, iPhone 12, which was the perfect fit - but also no finger reader (and too expensive for a permanent DAP replacement) and the iPhone SE with 4G was perfect fit and the all important finger scanner so you can unlock on the desk without having to pick it up!

No mucking around with cables or straps and wifi tethering.. It just works!

20210310_212152 by Hilton, on Flickr

iFi iDSD Signature - iPhone SE - Perfect! by Hilton, on Flickr

iFi iDSD Signature - iPhone SE - Perfect! by Hilton, on Flickr

iFi iDSD Signature - iPhone SE - Perfect! by Hilton, on Flickr

Try nanotape bro. Strong double-sided tape but removable and reusable so it doesn't have to stick permanently.

 

[Hiltonk]

Thanks but I dont need to use it for anything but as a DAP anyway and I want to make sure it stays stuck.

 

[Sebastien Chiu]

I've downscaled the rig.

iPhone SE 256GB permanently mounted with double sided tape... sometimes you just have to go with the simple.... but extravagant.

I tried getting used to carrying around an iPad Mini, using with my Galaxy S20 Ultra, and in the store I tried the iPod touch, smallest but no finger reader, iPhone 12, which was the perfect fit - but also no finger reader (and too expensive for a permanent DAP replacement) and the iPhone SE with 4G was perfect fit and the all important finger scanner so you can unlock on the desk without having to pick it up!

A beauty of a set-up you got going there bud!

 

[chaz_flhr]

So can one do MQA from SPDIF / optical? Or is the choice of either or a chipset limitation That won’t be addressed until the next generation with different chipset ?

 

[Hiltonk]

So can one do MQA from SPDIF / optical? Or is the choice of either or a chipset limitation That won’t be addressed until the next generation with different chipset ?

Unfortunately not. The XMOS USB chip is being tasked with renderer MQA (filter) duties in the ifi iDSD range. The optical / spdif has no such input processsing so it can't take advantage of MQA.

 

[Baten]

Yeah only super new chips like ESS9068AS can decode MQA from any input in the DAC chip.

 

[iFi audio]

Unfortunately not. The XMOS USB chip is being tasked with renderer MQA (filter) duties in the ifi iDSD range. The optical / spdif has no such input processsing so it can't take advantage of MQA.

That's correct, yes.

 

[talan7]

I’m confused. If I install GTO firmware on my Signature, I will no longer have MQA? Is that correct. Which setting on the filter switch corresponds to GTO?

 

[Hiltonk]

I’m confused. If I install GTO firmware on my Signature, I will no longer have MQA? Is that correct. Which setting on the filter switch corresponds to GTO?

There is only one firmware available with GTO and it includes MQA according to my search.
GTO won't work at same time as MQA it's one or the other, otherwise it wouldn't be MQA.
It's been mentioned previously by a rep that GTO applies to all filter switch positions except when playing MQA or DSD. Though I find it hard to believe you can't use Bit perfect and bypass it. perhaps a rep could please check with engineering as this really isn't clearly explained anywhere that I've seen.

I'm running 5.3 and I can certainly hear filter differences between all switch positions and MQA. You need to listen very carefully as the differences are very subtle. Standard sounds a little more congested, minimum phase sounds slightly more open, and bit perfect sounds similarly open but a tad sharp at times. Standard is also the smoothest sounding. I change between the filters depending on the mix or master I'm listening to. that's the benefit of staying on 5.3.
I haven't tried 5.3c but will give it a go this weekend. interested in others thoughts on the filters.

 

[iFi audio]

GTO won't work at same time as MQA it's one or the other, otherwise it wouldn't be MQA.

In short, our GTO filter applies to all PCM, but as you wrote it doesn't affect MQA that has to remain unprocessed. If it is, it stops being MQA.