I wanted to listen between the
Nano idsd Black label (Nano) and the Micro idsd Black Label (Micro). I was curious about the differences so I hooked up the HD800 to both. I know that the Nano is meant for easier to drive headphones and also IEMs, but I was curious to see how well the Nano could drive it. I also wanted to use the HD800 because I am familiar with its sound and its also an excellent tool to be able to differentiate gear. Anyhoo!
For the experiment I used an Apple Macbook running Tidal. Both the Nano and Micro were set to "exclusive mode" and "force volume" under Tidal settings. I tried to volume match the Micro to the Nano to the best of my ability. Since the Micro has an assortment of settings, I made sure to turn OFF bass boost, and also the 3D effect switch. I ran the Micro on normal power mode (thats how I usually runt the HD800 off it) and the "iEMatch" was set to OFF.
In regards to the Nano I plugged it into the "Direct" output. I find the "iEMatch" to be interesting and it seemed to allow me to have broader range of play on the knob. I felt like for comparison sake it would be better for me to just plug into "Direct" output.
-The first song I listened to was "YYZ" by Rush. The volume on the Nano was around 1:30 and on the Micro it is set at 11:45.
I felt like the instrument separation was better with the Micro, allowing more breathing room between the instruments. The width of sound stage sounded wider as well.
When I turned the Nano up to about 2 to "rock out" ha, The nano seemed a little harsher in the treble compared to similar volume on the Micro. I am suspecting this is a gain thing causing that to happen with the Nano?
-Next song I listened to was "Mirror in the Bathroom" by The English Beat. I feel like the mids seemed closer to me with the Micro and that the detail was easier to hear with the Micro at lower volumes.
NOW since I used a harder to drive can like the HD800 I wanted to hear what the differences would be like with something easier to drive. Next, I chose the Meze 99 Neo. I chose this can because I felt like its price would make the most sense matched up with the Nano, let alone it being real easy to drive.
It was immediately apparent to me that the Nano's sweet spot is for easier to drive cans and IEM's lol. The gap was totally bridged drive wise between the Nano and Micro...
I didn't hear the differences that I heard with the HD800, and felt like the Nano drove the Meze Neo 99 very well... I feel also that the synergy between the Nano and the Meze Neo are a great pairing.
In the end I feel like if you want the "one stop shop" the Micro (due to all of its settings) is capable of driving harder to drive cans giving them the power they need to fully shine, and also drive anything lower all the way to IEM's. If you want to get the Nano and drive something harder like the HD800 you can still do that. You just wont be getting everything out of it. Now, if you are into IEM's and easier to drive headphones then the Nano is totally enough.
After the evaluation I feel like iFi tried to make different units for different reasons (which makes sense).
Hope this helps someones decision process between the 2!
-Craig