[ticos442]

   
Can you point us to the other thread with your iDSD comments? This is the only thread on the iDSD that I had come across.

There are several out there if you enter iDSD in the search area.  The other ones I was referring to are:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/693505/ifi-idsd-works-with-sony-zx-1/15#post_10133002
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/625493/ipad-with-24-bit-files-high-storage-capacity-portability-bit-perfect-configurations-that-work/105#post_10130931

 

[Roscoeiii]

Thanks, I'd only done a Google search, not a search within Headfi. 

 

[Roscoeiii]

 
There are several out there if you enter iDSD in the search area.  The other ones I was referring to are:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/693505/ifi-idsd-works-with-sony-zx-1/15#post_10133002
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/625493/ipad-with-24-bit-files-high-storage-capacity-portability-bit-perfect-configurations-that-work/105#post_10130931

 
Really look forward to your comparison with the Explorer. 

 

[ticos442]

   
Really look forward to your comparison with the Explorer. 

I would like to write more comparisons in a few days after more break-in on the iDSD, but here are my very early impressions after listening to the iDSD for about 5 hours in standalone power mode, through the iPad+CCK configuration, listening to mostly 24/192 PCM files.  The difference with the Explorer is that I had to of course use a powered hub to connect the explorer, which is not needed in the iDSD due to its internal power source.
 
- Explorer:  Great detail, smoothness and liquidity in the sound, which is the signature Meridian sound.  It has an overall relaxed sound that I have not heard in any other DACs, except of course the more expensive Meridian Director and Meridian Prime
 
-iDSD:  very accurate in all frequency ranges, seems to reproduce the music exactly as it was recorded without any coloring.  Not as smooth as the Explorer, but very close in terms of sound quality.
 
The above is just an assessment based on the sound.  If the assessment is based on functionality, the iDSD wins hands down.  Here are a few features that the iDSD has that are not available in the Explorer:
- Internal battery power, up to 10hours (alleged)
- Ability to play DSD files up to 1 bit, 6.2MHz
- Volume knob for manual control
- RCA outputs
- SPDIF digital output (PCM only)
- USB 3.0, with USB 2.0 compatibility
- PCM up to 32 bit, 384 KHz
- Digital filter option
 
I have no idea how iFi was able to pack all these features on a $189 device.  The packaging (Apple-like) and build quality are first class as well.

 

[Roscoeiii]

  I would like to write more comparisons in a few days after more break-in on the iDSD, but here are my very early impressions after listening to the iDSD for about 5 hours in standalone power mode, through the iPad+CCK configuration, listening to mostly 24/192 PCM files.  The difference with the Explorer is that I had to of course use a powered hub to connect the explorer, which is not needed in the iDSD due to its internal power source.
 
- Explorer:  Great detail, smoothness and liquidity in the sound, which is the signature Meridian sound.  It has an overall relaxed sound that I have not heard in any other DACs, except of course the more expensive Meridian Director and Meridian Prime
 
-iDSD:  very accurate in all frequency ranges, seems to reproduce the music exactly as it was recorded without any coloring.  Not as smooth as the Explorer, but very close in terms of sound quality.
 
The above is just an assessment based on the sound.  If the assessment is based on functionality, the iDSD wins hands down.  Here are a few features that the iDSD has that are not available in the Explorer:
- Internal battery power, up to 10hours (alleged)
- Ability to play DSD files up to 1 bit, 6.2MHz
- Volume knob for manual control
- RCA outputs
- SPDIF digital output (PCM only)
- USB 3.0, with USB 2.0 compatibility
- PCM up to 32 bit, 384 KHz
- Digital filter option
 
I have no idea how iFi was able to pack all these features on a $189 device.  The packaging (Apple-like) and build quality are first class as well.

 
Many thanks for that comparison. 
 
Played around with the digital filter option yet?

 

[ticos442]

   
Many thanks for that comparison. 
 
Played around with the digital filter option yet?

I have not yet.  Just flipping the switch does not seem to have any big effect on the sound, but I'll have to listen more carefully.  The small manual that comes inside the iDSD box states:
"Digital Filter:  Alternate between Standard or Minimum Phase.  Tip:  we recommend Minimum Phase for listening; Standard for measurements."

 

[SlingBlade]

I got mine and my initial impressions are very good. I can't believe it's only $190!

 

[Roscoeiii]

  I got mine and my initial impressions are very good. I can't believe it's only $190!

Can't wait for your more detailed impressions. Very psyched to hear more about this one. 

 

[SlingBlade]

  I would like to write more comparisons in a few days after more break-in on the iDSD, but here are my very early impressions after listening to the iDSD for about 5 hours in standalone power mode, through the iPad+CCK configuration, listening to mostly 24/192 PCM files.  The difference with the Explorer is that I had to of course use a powered hub to connect the explorer, which is not needed in the iDSD due to its internal power source.
 
- Explorer:  Great detail, smoothness and liquidity in the sound, which is the signature Meridian sound.  It has an overall relaxed sound that I have not heard in any other DACs, except of course the more expensive Meridian Director and Meridian Prime
 
-iDSD:  very accurate in all frequency ranges, seems to reproduce the music exactly as it was recorded without any coloring.  Not as smooth as the Explorer, but very close in terms of sound quality.
 
The above is just an assessment based on the sound.  If the assessment is based on functionality, the iDSD wins hands down.  Here are a few features that the iDSD has that are not available in the Explorer:
- Internal battery power, up to 10hours (alleged)
- Ability to play DSD files up to 1 bit, 6.2MHz
- Volume knob for manual control
- RCA outputs
- SPDIF digital output (PCM only)
- USB 3.0, with USB 2.0 compatibility
- PCM up to 32 bit, 384 KHz
- Digital filter option
 
I have no idea how iFi was able to pack all these features on a $189 device.  The packaging (Apple-like) and build quality are first class as well.

I agree with you completely. Even about the Apple-like packaging, exactly what came into my head when unpacking. And plenty of power for my EarSonics IEM's. I am simply blown away with the features and build quality at this price point. Their margin can't be all that much given what they've given us here.

 

[semeniub]

I will be receiving my iFi Nano iDSD in a few days, and am very interested to compare it as a DAC to my AMI MUSIK DS5, which I really like a lot as a DAC for both high-res PCM and DSD files.

 

[Haidar]

Here's a recent review in four parts:
 
http://www.limahuli.net/anythingbutmp3/?p=931
 
http://www.limahuli.net/anythingbutmp3/?p=955
 
http://www.limahuli.net/anythingbutmp3/?p=1025
 
http://www.limahuli.net/anythingbutmp3/?p=1040

 

[ticos442]

  Here's a recent review in four parts:
 
http://www.limahuli.net/anythingbutmp3/?p=931
 
http://www.limahuli.net/anythingbutmp3/?p=955
 
http://www.limahuli.net/anythingbutmp3/?p=1025
 
http://www.limahuli.net/anythingbutmp3/?p=1040

- I agree with most aspects of the review, but the "cons" in my opinion are either not iFi's issue, or not that important for my use case.
- I agree that the 30 pin CCK connector is very unstable on iPods and iPads, but this is an Apple issue.
- The Lightning CCK adapter is much more stable, I'm using it in my iPhone5 connected to the iDSD without any hiccups, and it's a solid connection.   I currently have an iPad3 that has the 30 pin connector to CCK, but will be looking to upgrading to an iPad Air at some point soon so that I can use the more stable Lightning to USB CCK.
- The volume control is more than adequate for my needs, using sensitive IEMs, I don't go past the halfway mark.  I'm also careful with my ears/hearing specially at my age, so I have not experienced the issue of the iDSD not having enough power/volume to drive most of my IEMs and full size Ultrasone8 headphone
 
I've had the iDSD for more than a week now and it sounds wonderful, and it's the perfect travel companion for hi-fi enjoyment.  The iDSD is a very competent home or office based system as well using the RCA outputs.  It won't replace my Meridian Prime DAC/Amplifier at home, but on the road it provides huge musical enjoyment with very crisp, clear and transparent delivery across the board

 

[semeniub]

Mine arrived this morning, and it's currently playing files from Audirvana+, and connected to an iFi iUSBPower using an Elijah Audio Isolaate BL split usb cable. RCA output is then to an iFi iTube, and then to my main amp and speakers.
 
Sound is really nice and clear from the very start for both hires PCM and DSD; agreed that it is a very good value for it's price compared to my other equipment.
 
Will try it as a headphone amp later today, especially when connected to an iPhone 5S playing hires files from the ONKYO HF app.

 

[kugino]

anywhere else to buy this in the USA other than music direct? they show a 4-6 week wait...might as just wait for my geek out if i have to wait that long. how long ago did you guys wait for yours...assuming you're in the US. thanks.

 

[ticos442]

  anywhere else to buy this in the USA other than music direct? they show a 4-6 week wait...might as just wait for my geek out if i have to wait that long. how long ago did you guys wait for yours...assuming you're in the US. thanks.

I did use music direct.  It is unfortunate that the wait is so long, they must have ran out of inventory.   I pre-ordered early December 2013 and got it early January 2014 when they got their first batch.