[iFi audio]

Audiophile Club of Athens – the President uses the iFi iDAC2 in his ultra-fi system!
 
Late last year, when we were at the Athens Audio Show, we met Mr Kyriakos Kougioumtzoglou – President of the ACA since 2016. Mr Kougioumtzoglou, who also happens to be an EE, knows his onions. He has an ultra-fidelity system which is something to behold; including the Micro Seki RX-1500 and Tascam BR-20 Reel-to-Reel. Not to mention Wilson Audio Alexandria X2 speakers and Siltech cables (if you have to ask…), among other things this gent has.
 
We were quite taken aback when Mr Kougioumtzoglou told us he bought an iDAC2 for digital duties fed by the Metronome C2A. It has stayed there ever since. Yes, you got this right. He obtained the unit first, gave it a good spin in his expensive setup and then reported that he liked it. And that’s the reason why this is huge for us as we never knew the President of the ACA had iFi in his system. 

We are lost for more superlatives but thank you Mr Kougioumtzoglou for letting us know of your little iFi in your big system!
 
Here is the system:
 

 
http://www.aca.gr/index/members/greece?row=18
 
Thank you ACA!

 

[loplop]

  Which filter is it using internally? 

Was this question ever answered?  I, also, would like to know which filters are implemented on the iDSD LE.
 
Specifically, Minimum Phase or Standard for PCM?  Or, even better would be Bit Perfect from the Micro iDSD  
 
Extended or Standard for DSD?

 

[iFi audio]

  Was this question ever answered?  I, also, would like to know which filters are implemented on the iDSD LE.
 
Specifically, Minimum Phase or Standard for PCM?  Or, even better would be Bit Perfect from the Micro iDSD  
 
Extended or Standard for DSD?

 

• Minimum Phase / Bezier type filter (fixed) for PCM <= 192kHz
• Intermediate bandwidth (75kHz before analogue filter) for DSD
• Both add analogue filter at 80kHz / -3dB

 

[loplop]

1. Minimum Phase / Bezier type filter (fixed) for PCM <= 192kHz
2. Intermediate bandwidth (75kHz before analogue filter) for DSD
3. Both add analogue filter at 80kHz / -3dB

Thanks for that.

I bought the iDSD nano LE for a friend; initial thoughts are (using it as a DAC/amp) it sounds smooth, warm, nonfatiguing, a bit polite. Really forgiving of source, yet revealing enough to enjoy high res. My initial listen with my LCD2 revealed it a really nice pairing, which surprised me. I suspect I would have revealed deficiencies vs the more powerful iDSD BL but to be honest it was really enjoyable, I wanted to keep listening!

And that's what it is about, isn't it?

Sounded great with my LCDX and Thinksound ON2, as well. Nice work, excellent value for the money.

FYI I noticed it had different firmware vs the iDAC2; 5.2D. I suppose this is custom for the LE, since it doesn't support Quad DSD.

 

[bluelavender]

Wondering if this nano or nano LE can be used from laptop utilizing windows 7 or 10 ?

 

[walfredo]

  Wondering if this nano or nano LE can be used from laptop utilizing windows 7 or 10 ?

 
Yeap.

 

[loplop]

Of course, I think this is its natural home
 
I think the iDSD Micro/BL is better for portable use with a phone, due to the USBA connection.  
 
Wouldn't it be neat if there was a iDSD Nano equivalent, perhaps in a slimmer, more iphone-like form factor?  Something like the OPPO HA2SE.  
 
I know that's not ifi's style, but I'd buy it

 

[iFi audio]

  Of course, I think this is its natural home
 
I think the iDSD Micro/BL is better for portable use with a phone, due to the USBA connection.  
 
Wouldn't it be neat if there was a iDSD Nano equivalent, perhaps in a slimmer, more iphone-like form factor?  Something like the OPPO HA2SE.  
 
I know that's not ifi's style, but I'd buy it

 
We monitor the market constantly and are always after improving things. The circuitry reduction is a very interesting idea, but to do it properly, therefore without obvious bottlenecks? Now that's a task to behold. Yet who knows what the future will bring. 

 

[bluelavender]

Thanks all.. Gonna try either nano or nano le

 

[walfredo]

 

  Of course, I think this is its natural home
 
I think the iDSD Micro/BL is better for portable use with a phone, due to the USBA connection.  
 
Wouldn't it be neat if there was a iDSD Nano equivalent, perhaps in a slimmer, more iphone-like form factor?  Something like the OPPO HA2SE.  
 
I know that's not ifi's style, but I'd buy it

 
We monitor the market constantly and are always after improving things. The circuitry reduction is a very interesting idea, but to do it properly, therefore without obvious bottlenecks? Now that's a task to behold. Yet who knows what the future will bring. 

 
Hey iFi!!
 
When are you guys going to build a DAP?  I am a huge fan and would get one immediately.  I think this is also the case for many other people.
 
[]s
Walfredo

 

[hamachan]

   
Hey iFi!!
 
When are you guys going to build a DAP?  I am a huge fan and would get one immediately.  I think this is also the case for many other people.
 
[]s
Walfredo

I don't think iFi to build their own branding DAP since cheap source carriers such as bunch of Android smartphones or Chinese DAPs have already been available in the market.  Use any source as you like should be the right direction.  I own nano iDSD combined with iPhone/iPad.  I may obtain shanling M1 in the future but so far satisfactory enough.

 

[bluelavender]

Wow... Holy Shat... Just got Nano LE.... This thing is darn good !!! i cannot believe my ears.. Even right out of the box, no burn in, it's already awesome !!
 
And i have heard output from more expensive setup. This Nano LE can run circle around many other more expensive setup !!

 

[loplop]

@bluelavender I also like the Nano LE, and I have the iDAC2 and iDSD BL.  Nano LE reminds me of my Audeze Deckard a little; warm, full, smooth, more polite than iDSD BL.  I bought the Nano LE for a friend of mine, but I might buy one, as well, as I really liked the sound and it would be a nice counterpoint to the iDSD BL for me.
 
@iFi audio of course, that would be the challenge.  You don't need to go as thin as the HA2SE, though, and keeping your excellent circuit design and parts is important IMO.  Just kicking around ideas, I'd like to see:
1. more simple case shape (simple squared-off box vs the complex shape of the current Nano/Micro extrusions), with flush front and back plate, for easier stacking/portability/less snagging in coat pockets.  Doesn't even have to be thinner, just a simpler shape!
2. Type A male connector like the iDSD BL for use with OTG
3. if possible to fit, a built in iPurifier like iDSD BL, which benefits portable sources greatly
4. no RCA out, just headphone out.  I prefer 1/4" but 3.5mm is likely better for most of the target market.
5. either greatly stiffen the volume knob restistance so it won't turn in the pocket, or go with a recessed knob.
 
Otherwise, keep the same simple features of the iDSD Nano LE.
 
Winner
 
FWIW, I do use DAPs but I'm an old school tape Walkman fan, and feel they're likely going the way of the dodo.

 

[theaudiologist]

whats the idsd le and whats the difference between the normal one?

 

[technobear]

whats the idsd le and whats the difference between the normal one?

http://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/nano-idsd-le/