[WNBC]

This is a tough decision which is why I haven't ordered the iDSD even though I almost pulled the trigger last night.
 
I do prefer top sound over anything else so the iDAC is my new leaning.  However, if one can wait, there is a case to be made for the portable Nano iDSD and the eventual Mini iDSD coming out.  
http://www.stereophile.com/content/ifi-idsd-mini-dac
 
What a hobby this is planning out future purchases 

 
 
 
Quote:

  I was looking at the same choice. I simply wanted the best sounding playback into a standalone headphone amp from the line outs in a desktop setup. Vince from iFi said the iDAC was the slightly better sounding unit in that scenario because the output stage is more sophisticated. I use it with the ifi iUSB power supply which is a notable improvement over being driven directly by the computer USB power. I difference especially when driving headphones directly (which takes more juice than just running into a line in stage.) The iDAC has a decent headphone amp.
 
All that said, I think the main selling point of the iDSD (other than it's greater format flexibility)  is its internal battery for portable use. It was put to me this way:
 
best sound in a computer setup --> iDAC
almost as good sound from a portable (iphone/android) setup --> iDSD

 

[KmanChu]

 

That would be a plan. Did you see the iFi-mini thread? 
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/702376/ifi-audio-mini-desktop-line-discussion-thread
 
It looks like the mini iDSD will have a pretty hefty amp section that could power almost anything, but there will also be a mini iCAN as well. At about ~$1000 the mini iDSD would a very careful purchase for me. At $200 the nano iDSD is a "why-not?" type of purchase (that I may just get out of curiosity.)

 

[earwaxxer]

I would highly recommend the iDSD using its line out. Again, headphone duty can place some special demands on a DAC. I run mine direct to my Emotiva XPA-2. Fantastic. Laptop up front with JRiver. Its all good. For under $200. It kicks the pants off my Gungnir. No contest.

 

[KmanChu]

  It kicks the pants off my Gungnir.

 
I have never been a huge fan of anything Schiit, but that is a big statement. Cool.

 

[WNBC]

I did not see this thread.  Thanks.  Subbed.  Definitely, at $200 the nano-iDSD is a why not type of purchase indeed.  I'm just trying to break the buy-sell habit 

.  
 
 
Quote:

  That would be a plan. Did you see the iFi-mini thread? 
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/702376/ifi-audio-mini-desktop-line-discussion-thread
 
It looks like the mini iDSD will have a pretty hefty amp section that could power almost anything, but there will also be a mini iCAN as well. At about ~$1000 the mini iDSD would a very careful purchase for me. At $200 the nano iDSD is a "why-not?" type of purchase (that I may just get out of curiosity.)

 

[koolas]

I am more interested in iPlayer that does not exist and I feel it would be great pairing to iDSD on the go!

 

[juliusthecat]

I had issues with RCA outputs - distorted sound but the 1/8inch was fine.  Musicdirect did a nice job sending me a replacement, which ought to arrive tomorrow.  I have been using with JBL LSR305 monitors, (using a RCA to XLR cable) which  I also recommend.

 

[iFi audio]

  I had issues with RCA outputs - distorted sound but the 1/8inch was fine.  Musicdirect did a nice job sending me a replacement, which ought to arrive tomorrow.  I have been using with JBL LSR305 monitors, (using a RCA to XLR cable) which  I also recommend.

Hi,
 
If this is the iDAC, when using RCAs. the solution is to turn the vol to zero. As there are two circuits, one for RCAs and one for 3.5mm. They cant be both used simultaneously.
 
If it is the iDSD, then could we trouble you to email tech@ifi-audio.com with info on the RCA>XLR cables?
 
thanks

 

[Jazzyfi]

I've read several different comments regarding idsd pairing with fostex t50rp. Is it actually strong enough to drive the Mad Dog 3.2? Anybody can comment on that? I'm torn between the idsd and idac. The €100 price difference makes me think that the idac is now outdated and overpriced.

 

[kugino]

I've read several different comments regarding idsd pairing with fostex t50rp. Is it actually strong enough to drive the Mad Dog 3.2? Anybody can comment on that? I'm torn between the idsd and idac. The €100 price difference makes me think that the idac is now outdated and overpriced.

i used the iDSD with the alpha dogs. they powered the ADs ok, but not great. you could feel the iDSD straining as the volume went up and up. it's really not meant to power the AD/mad dogs. my grado sr60 is fine with them...IEMs are good, too, though the background isn't entirely black. i really feel like the iDSD mates well with low-impedance cans, but not with the super-sensitive IEMs. just my opinion.

 

[b0ssMax]

Sadly not even the importer can tell me when or even if idsd units are coming in. :mad:

If i do get an ifi product i'd rather get it from another country. Most likely in the us this april.

 

[Jazzyfi]

Thanks for the reply. I think alpha dog is more difficult to drive than mad dog but probably idsd still won't cut it like what you said. I think I'll go for centrance m8. It seems that it can power everything.

 

[koolas]

i used the iDSD with the alpha dogs. they powered the ADs ok, but not great. you could feel the iDSD straining as the volume went up and up. it's really not meant to power the AD/mad dogs. my grado sr60 is fine with them...IEMs are good, too, though the background isn't entirely black. i really feel like the iDSD mates well with low-impedance cans, but not with the super-sensitive IEMs. just my opinion.

I have noticed significant change in SQ when I had to switch Today from iDSD + Pan Am to iDSD alone. I had to switch, because Passport went dead. I have noticed that lots of bass was missing. iDSD doesn't have enough power to supply proper punch. Otherwise than that SQ was great. Mids felt slightly exaggerated, but this because of weak bass. I have driven Momentum straight from iDSD and haven't noticed such degradation.

 

[kugino]

yeah, i had the same experience. i think the momentums are the kind of headphone that is perfectly suited for the iDSD - easy to drive, nice bass...ADs need something with more power. interested to see how the different flavors of the geek outs will do with the ADs.

 

[Jazzyfi]

I settled for the DACPort. I need it as small as possible but still powerful enough for MD. My new office is flex style so I can't really put stationary rig.