iFi Audio Nano iDSD discussion + impression

[iFi audio]

   
Thanks for the response.
 
I tried doing the "test", and it doesn't seem to help my situation.  I assume you mean the test when you go to Playback Devices and Windows plays a little chime on both speakers.
 
What seems to work best for me is partially inserting the headphone jack and sort of feeling around inside.
 
But the problem is that the channel goes out in the first place.  Most of the time when I listen to something the first thing I have to do is make sure I'm getting both channels.

 
Hi,
 
Open a support ticket and the techs will troubleshoot with you. Much faster!

 

[iFi audio]

Unified Firmware 5.1

Gelato and then some
 
 

 
Southport, UK – 18^th February 2016
 
 
Latest Unified Firmware v5.1 ‘Gelato’ (for Stereo 50 /micro iDSD / micro iDAC2 / nano iDSD)
 
The very latest in-house firmware[1] version 5.1 for ALL iFi products[2] is available:

• All-new XMOS ‘deep-core processes’ software for different behaviour of SPDIF (after XMOS previously modified the USB section).
• Enables DSD256 for 48kHz based sample rates up-conversion when using DSD256 in DoP mode.
• Fixed issues surrounding DoP standard; including ‘clicks’ when changing tracks and sonic differences to native DSD and other minor bug fixes.

 
For customers with particular requirements, there are two firmware sub-versions (PLEASE read carefully):
 
2) For nano iDSD and micro iDAC2 v5.1A - Enables DOP256 operation

1. This enables DSD256(DoP) operation, which requires 768kHz PCM at the USB interface level.  
2. Nano iDSD and micro iDAC2 CANNOT decode 768kHz at the DAC level, but they can all be programmed to receive 768kHz PCM at the USB interface level hence enable DSD256(DoP). 
3. With 5.1A, the user MUST make sure to manually alter the PCM audio settings correctly (especially Mac), otherwise there will be no audio output at all.
4. In other words, when playing PCM files, the sample rate must NOT set to be higher than 384kHz.  Only set the sampling rate to 768kHz when one wants to play DSD256(DoP).
5. There is no need to use this firmware if one uses ‘native mode’ (not DoP) to play DSD or DSD files are not played at all.
6. Do NOT use 5.1A on any other products other than nano iDSD and micro iDAC2.

3) For iDSD micro Firmware v5.1B - Disable Sleep Mode (Smartphone users ONLY)

1. This is strictly for Smartphone users ONLY, there is no other reason to use 5.1B on the micro iDSD.
2. The micro iDSD micro will try to recharge while in Sleep Mode (e.g. when connected to a PC).  If connected to a Smartphone which is ‘seen’ as a computer, it will recharge via the Smartphone.
3. 5.1B disables the Sleep Mode within the micro iDSD; hence it will no longer try to recharge during Sleep Mode and flatten the Smartphone’s battery.
4. Do NOT use 5.1B on any other products other than micro iDSD.

 
 
For detailed instructions and the download files, please follow this link:
http://ifi-audio.com/downloads/
 
or on the website, select 'Support' > 'Download'
 

---

[1] WARNING: Do NOT flash non-iFi products on the XMOS platform with iFi firmware!

[2] iFi Native DSD-capable DACs so original iDAC excluded so do NOT update using v5.10.

 

[h1f1add1cted]

Nice thanks! Own my mirco iDSD since 2014, one of the best buys under 500 Euro for this kind of portable DAC/AMP, no competion in its price range - function, option, power and connection wise.

 

[SubSTI]

I have an annoying issue with my Nano, the tiniest movevement of the USB cable will break connection, music stops and I have to restart again, looks like a wacky contact in the Nano. Changed cables already without luck. No way I can use it portable currently.
Anyone else experienced the same problem?

 

[iFi audio]

I have an annoying issue with my Nano, the tiniest movevement of the USB cable will break connection, music stops and I have to restart again, looks like a wacky contact in the Nano. Changed cables already without luck. No way I can use it portable currently.
Anyone else experienced the same problem?

 
Hi,
 
Loose USB pins at the port?

Open a support ticket - techs will try to trouble shoot with you.
 
Cheers.

 

[SubSTI]

Hi,

Loose USB pins at the port?


Open a support ticket - techs will try to trouble shoot with you.

Cheers.

Could be, I contacted the dealer already and sending the Nano to them tot investigation.

 

[SubSTI]

A big thanks to the iFi reseller http://artsexcellence.com/. Sent the Nano on Monday, they received it on Tuesday and replaced the main board straight away and updated the firmware to the latest version. I received the Nano back on Wednesday again, working as it supposed to be. Couldn't be happier.

 

[Koolpep]

After the ifi iDSD micro and iUSB - I am now the proud owner of a iDSD nano as well (for the office).
 
Love the sound it creates, with the new firmware it's even more enjoyable somehow. 
 
Cheers!

 

[SubSTI]

  After the ifi iDSD micro and iUSB - I am now the proud owner of a iDSD nano as well (for the office).
 
Love the sound it creates, with the new firmware it's even more enjoyable somehow. 
 
Cheers!

Have fun with it, it's a great little allrounder for use at home and on-the-go.

 

[argustimewas]

I've just bought an iFi nano iDSD.

It's connected to a MacBook Pro playing iTunes ALAC ripped from red book CDs.

Headphone and analogue RCA outputs work fine.

Am getting no sound from the coaxial SPDIF output - any ideas why please?

 

[technobear]

I've just bought an iFi nano iDSD.

It's connected to a MacBook Pro playing iTunes ALAC ripped from red book CDs.

Headphone and analogue RCA outputs work fine.

Am getting no sound from the coaxial SPDIF output - any ideas why please?

The coaxial output can only output PCM. If you feed the iDSD with DSD then you will get nothing out of the coaxial output.

Is your MacBook playing or converting to DSD?

Otherwise dunno.

 

[jedi5diah]

  Am I the only person who thinks that it is a silly place to put the RCA sockets on the front panel right next to the headphone socket?

itz not if you have the right cable/adaptor it can look really pro/cool

 

[Koolpep]

I've just bought an iFi nano iDSD.

It's connected to a MacBook Pro playing iTunes ALAC ripped from red book CDs.

Headphone and analogue RCA outputs work fine.

Am getting no sound from the coaxial SPDIF output - any ideas why please?

What are you trying to feed it with ? What's the target to be fed spdif? Maybe the destination cannot understand the frequency range of the output ? Spdif is not really standardized in all frequencies.

Cheers.

 

[iFi audio]

What are you trying to feed it with ? What's the target to be fed spdif? Maybe the destination cannot understand the frequency range of the output ? Spdif is not really standardized in all frequencies.

Cheers.

 
Hi,
 
The SPDIF out is always present. Playing PCM is fine but can you check the downstream SPDIF input source?
 
Best open a support ticket and ask a tech to look at your setup.

Cheers

 

[argustimewas]

Thanks for all the helpful replies.

I opened a support ticket with iFi and got a brilliantly prompt and helpful response.

Turns out my Audio Midi app was being a bit glitchy as I found I was also experiencing problems with an E-DAC. A relaunching od Audio Midi has provided a remedy.

Sounds great - what a great product.