iFi Audio Nano iDSD discussion + impression

[natra084]

I tried with my phone too I think it is just nesty usb power

 

[natra084]

 
Yes, it seems like the Mac is adding noise. Can you try a few more USB cables? Can you try another USB source, either a laptop (running from battery), phone or tablet? You could even try plugging your computer in to other wall sockets, as it may be the mains power.

I tried all my usb ports and I tried with my phone and different cables and it is still making noise.

 

[ClieOS]

If you really think your PC's USB is the problem, there are iFi's iUSB Power or Schiit Audio's Wyrd. Either one will do the job.

 

[sfo1972]

  I tried all my usb ports and I tried with my phone and different cables and it is still making noise.

If the hum is there with you phone as well, then it might be a faulty Nano. Since the phone is not using a USB cable then it stands to reason that the Nano itself has an issue.
 
The other point could be that what you are perceiving as noise might actually be the way the device operates. At Max volume there is a slight hum to the Nano with headphones. But I doubt anyone would listen at that extreme volume for any period of time. Between 11 and 1 o'clock there is minimal to no hum.

 

[natra084]

If the hum is there with you phone as well, then it might be a faulty Nano. Since the phone is not using a USB cable then it stands to reason that the Nano itself has an issue.

The other point could be that what you are perceiving as noise might actually be the way the device operates. At Max volume there is a slight hum to the Nano with headphones. But I doubt anyone would listen at that extreme volume for any period of time. Between 11 and 1 o'clock there is minimal to no hum.

yes that's true what you're saying is it possible to get rid of the last bit of hum I shouldn't I nano be quiet when I use my phone

 

[Kane Williams]

What headphones/IEM's are you using? I have heard people before saying they hear some noise when using very sensitive IEM's and turning the volume up to max but obviously you would not listen at this level when music is playing as it would be way too loud. I use mine with AKG 7XX's and have the Nano turned up high with no noise problems but I find the sound a bit harsh if I go louder. Have you tried adding another headphone amp after the Nano? You have to have the Nano turned all the way up though, so this would be a good test.

 

[natra084]

What headphones/IEM's are you using? I have heard people before saying they hear some noise when using very sensitive IEM's and turning the volume up to max but obviously you would not listen at this level when music is playing as it would be way too loud. I use mine with AKG 7XX's and have the Nano turned up high with no noise problems but I find the sound a bit harsh if I go louder. Have you tried adding another headphone amp after the Nano? You have to have the Nano turned all the way up though, so this would be a good test.

I am for the time being just using the nano as a dac and I'm not using the amplifier because I have a amplifier and as a dac it is making noise but I have two amplifiers my tube amplifier picks up a lot of noise and then I just have to turn the volume to 11 o'clock to start to hear some noise.

 

[Kane Williams]

I would speak to Ifi, as they state the amp should be switched to max if using the line out, so it's a bad design fault if in doing so you introduce audible noise. I have not tried the line out in mine yet.

 

[tf1216]

This stuff typically falls on the fault of the ground connections.  Can you try a cheater plug or put everything on the same circuit?
 
Otherwise, open a support ticket with the iFi guys.  They have helped me in the past.  I had a dozen communications with them about my iLink.  It took me forever to realize a digital cable I had made was the cause of all my frustrations, not the iFi product.  

 

[Pwnsaur]

Newbie here, so I'm considering this as a 'starter' headphone amp for my AKG 7xx's and I was wondering what's the difference between this and the O2/ODAC? Most of my music is in FLAC from my laptop so is there any point to getting this as a DAC/amp or just go for the iFi iCan nano? I don't have any DSD or DXD recordings, so is the DAC capability just wasted in this case? 
 
Thanks. 

 

[tf1216]

natra084, haven't heard back from you partner.  How is the testing going over there?
 
Do you have another DAC you can try in the place of the nano?

 

[tf1216]

Pwnsaur, nothing wasted in your case.  The Nano will be a nice mate for your AKG's, I believe.

 

[natra084]

natra084, haven't heard back from you partner.  How is the testing going over there?

Do you have another DAC you can try in the place of the nano?

It is going bad can't fix the noise problem

 

[tf1216]

Did you try a cheater plug which converts your 3-prong laptop cord to a 2-prong?

Also,do you have a second DAC to try?

 

[sfo1972]

  Newbie here, so I'm considering this as a 'starter' headphone amp for my AKG 7xx's and I was wondering what's the difference between this and the O2/ODAC? Most of my music is in FLAC from my laptop so is there any point to getting this as a DAC/amp or just go for the iFi iCan nano? I don't have any DSD or DXD recordings, so is the DAC capability just wasted in this case? 
 
Thanks. 

I don't have direct experience with the O2/ODAC but what I can tell you is that the Nano is a capable and well performing DAC. My home setup consists of an Oppoa HA-1 DAC, Tube Pre-Amp. and Integrated AMP. More towards the mid tier of hifi systems in my opinion, and the Nano is used for a portable setup in my office. I can tell you that it performs very well and is extremely capable with FLACs and DSDs, even though you don't have any DSDs right now its nice to know that you have the option.
 
I also inserted the Nano in my setup at home and it did pretty well for such a small device. It wasn't quite as polished as the HA-1, but as I stated in an earlier post, that's not a fair comparison as they are in different classes.
 
I can easily say after 1 month of heavy use, the Nano is a great DAC and Headphone Amp. Just make sure you match the headphones to the Nano to ensure they can be driven effectively.