ninjapirate9901
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Interesting, is it possible for a Stax normal bias output as well?
iFi Audio Pro iDSD discussion thread
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Interesting, is it possible for a Stax normal bias output as well?
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Hello.
It will have switchable bias. This separate Stax component will come after the main line units are released, so details are less finalised.
At this stage, we have experimental models working, but the transformers must be optimised more and we have other details to work out.
So this separate component is a bit further off.
mraulino
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Considering the price levels of iDSD Nano and even Micro, I can totally understand that iFi prefers one standardized design for each since any cost that could be saved by stripping features unnecessary to some (preamp, headphone amp, etc.) would be of little --if any-- influence to the purchase decision, and would probably be offset or even exceeded by the creation of another product line. However, for the iDSD Pro, a much more expensive product, maybe having the option of a 'naked' (and cheaper) unit could mean actual cost-saving and make a difference for those of us to whom those extra features would be redundant, either because we plan to buy the whole the iDSD + iTUBE + iCAN set, or because we already own everything else and need only a great DAC.
I really hope that a 'naked' iDSD Pro will follow the flagship model... (iFi audio, please consider!)
thanks,
Mario
PS: and thanks, iFi audio, for the suggestions about using dbpoweramp to decode HDCD files. I decoded all my HDCD rips and am really liking the result!
MLGrado
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AHH!!! I can't wait! At least I have the quite excellent iDSD Micro in the meantime to keep me jamming. 
Best half a grand I ever spent on hi-fi? Without a doubt. The only problem is, I WANT MORE! haha
Best half a grand I ever spent on hi-fi? Without a doubt. The only problem is, I WANT MORE! haha
EVOLVIST
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Yeah, we want more! But really, will 4 Burr-Brown chips make that much of a difference in audio quality, especially if you're just using the iDSD Pro as a DAC only, and feeding another headphone amp (iCAN Pro or any other)?
Believe me, I love an all balanced setup. I would prefer running a balanced DAC to my current headphone amp, as opposed to the way I'm running the iDS micro, now, to wit, with RCA to XLR cables. Still, true balanced might not be enough to shell out an extra $1000 USD.
And then even if I did fall madly in love with the iDSD Pro, what bout the iTube I have right now? Now I'm going unbalanced again, with the iTube micro, in line, because I bet you dollars to donuts, that the iTube Pro is not only going to be more pricey, but also offer more tube power than the perfect, and light, simple tube buffer that the iTube micro offers. Unless...
iFi...how about for the iTube pro, there is a selector for tube combinations we can select from, all the way down from one tube, to a whole array, whichever strikes our fancy for the kind of music we are listening to? Also a flip of the switch that takes the tube circuitry out of line, in a balanced setup, if we feel like going back to only SS, without having to unplug the iTube Pro?
Or...someone help me see the error of my ways?
Believe me, I love an all balanced setup. I would prefer running a balanced DAC to my current headphone amp, as opposed to the way I'm running the iDS micro, now, to wit, with RCA to XLR cables. Still, true balanced might not be enough to shell out an extra $1000 USD.
And then even if I did fall madly in love with the iDSD Pro, what bout the iTube I have right now? Now I'm going unbalanced again, with the iTube micro, in line, because I bet you dollars to donuts, that the iTube Pro is not only going to be more pricey, but also offer more tube power than the perfect, and light, simple tube buffer that the iTube micro offers. Unless...
iFi...how about for the iTube pro, there is a selector for tube combinations we can select from, all the way down from one tube, to a whole array, whichever strikes our fancy for the kind of music we are listening to? Also a flip of the switch that takes the tube circuitry out of line, in a balanced setup, if we feel like going back to only SS, without having to unplug the iTube Pro?
Or...someone help me see the error of my ways?
tf1216
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Would two Micro iTubes work?
tf1216
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In response to EVOLVIST, Two iTubes would allow one to have a BALANCED configuration. One iTube for each channel.
EVOLVIST
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I guess one could run two iTubes, one for each channel if you had 4 RCA splitter cables, or made a DYI cable where each cable bifurcates and joins again into single L & R inputs/outputs, but I was talking more true balanced audio via XLR to XLR: impedance balanced lines. It's an interesting thought if one had the bucks to spare. Me, I like the clarity of the single tube buffer in the iTube, that gives just enough tube glow to know it's there, but it isn't overtly colored to be point of flubbiness.
EVOLVIST
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Having said that...
The more I keep thinking about it, the more I imagine a bit more of what I know about the iFi vision, i.e.: an affordable (or relatively "affordable") product that spars, and beats the feathers out of similarly advertised products above its weight class, while at the same time offering the bells and whistles not found among the common fare.
Enter the Stereo 50 All-In-One Vacuum Tube Amplifier by iFi:
If I'm not mistaken, one of the things that seems apparent with iFi is that they have many irons in the fire, some of which are concurrent designs, pushing the boundaries a bit, while testing the waters with their customer base to see just how far they can take their product without breaking the bank and/or releasing an unmarketable product.
A very interesting bit of wing-spreading for iFi has been to release the Stereo 50, which I believe will hit the US in February or March 2015.
This is that bit of kit that contains the iDSD micro, the iCAN, and the iPhono in one box, but all a bit modified, adding bass and treble tone control knobs, as well as a tube stage which counts in at 6 tubes! If that weren't enough, the package comes with two speakers, housed in very sound, and endearing, bamboo casings, which adds up to a homage to vintage gear. Coming in at $2000 USD for the complete Stereo 50 package, this is designed for the computer audiophile who has an eye (and ear) for vinyl, as well. Just add your turntable, and you've got what appears to be a class act phono stage, totally surpassing their previous efforts in the iPhono, as well as the iTube.
See Below:
Note the tube stage: 2x ECF82s + 4xEL84X
Concurrent Design...?
In my opinion, one could hope! When I tell people about the iTube mico I ask them to search for a tube buffer stage out there which doesn't cost them an arm and a leg. Let's face it, many tube buffers are often pricier that full blown tube driven headphone amps! With the iTube micro, however, for a mere $299 you're getting not only a solid product, but also one that's as advertised: "musical rightness." You're not getting this huge tubey sound, or over the top coloration; because, let's face it, as iFi caters to all audiophiles, whether we're headphone enthusiasts or speaker jockeys, the key has always been a balanced sound, even though tons of digital music could benefit from more tube warmth. In the case of the Stereo 50, most vinyl devotees agree, tubes = vinyl = warmth in the winter. I mean, try listening to a digital copy of The Beach Boys "Pet Sounds" in mono, on a solid state system using your HD800s. It sucks!
Enter the iTube PRO?
What the World Needs Now...
I'm not a designer nor an electrician, nor do I know much about circuits, and capacitors, and all that stuff which feeds our ear holes. But! I do know that people like choices, and that's what iFi excels in!
As I mentioned in passing (a couple of posts above), I believe what we need now is a choice in tubes. Construct an all balanced box (hypothetically called the iTube PRO), where there are an array of tubes (see the abovementioned Stereo 50), but this box allows us to configure our own tube settings to taste. I don't believe anything out there exists like that, where you can toggle switches which will run your gear from pure solid state, to one tube for two channels, then one tube for each channel (two tubes), all the way up to a 6 tube array, for the most tubey of tube sounds. You have your simple "musical rightness" all the way to making your Buddy Holly files sound like he's in your parlor.
Again, I must stress that I know very little about electrical design and how to contruct a box like this; nevertheless, I have in my possession a Mesa Boogie Mark V amplifier, running at about $2300 USD - a guitar amp - which houses many tubes, all of which are configurable, by different channels, different toggles. In fact, in one channel, alone, you've got three different tube configurations, three different EQs, and a "bright" and "normal" switch, along with your standard bass, treble, mids, knobs, with selectable wattage.
This amp has three channels of the same wide functionality!
Now, how much would you pay just for one of those channels, out of the $2300? How about a much simplified version of that. No knobs, no EQ, no "bright" or "Normal" switches, and no watt selection. Instead, the basic premise is now translated into a tube array, only, where even the loftiest of tube amp/buffer manufacturers are losing their kilts over a tube buffer that offers any user, no matter how much or how little they want their tube warmth, to chose their listening pleasure thusly.
I don't know; maybe it's just a pipe dream. The thought of such a product, though, send the proverbial chills into my tender moments.
What would you pay? $1000 USD? $1500 USD? Less? More?
We know the iDSD PRO will come in at $1500 USD, which is a fairly stiff price considering previous iFi gear. The ability to go all balanced is one thing, the 4 Burr-Brown DAC chips is another (TBD), while the integrated headphone amp promises to be...? Probably excellent! However, if it's $1500 worth of "excellent," why the need for an iCAN PRO?
I'm just playing devil's advocate here, really, concerning the iDSD PRO. I have no idea how swell this unit will be. What I do know is that as good as the iCAN micro is (and it is damn good!) many people, including myself, have opted for external amps. Different strokes, right?
Personally, I'm thrilled with what iFi has given us so far. I can't wait for the future either!
How about something that doesn't exist? The iTube PRO.
* 1st toggle for tubes on and tubes off (that's a pass through for solid state, and by flipping the switch you are now in tube mode).
* 2nd toggle one tube, both channels (your basic iTube micro sound), then flip the toggle up and you've now got two tubes running, one for each channel.
* 3rd toggle, three positions, a.) off, b.) 3rd tube both channels, c.) fourth tube both channels.
*4th toggle, three positions, a.) off, b.) 5th tube both channels c.) 6th tube both channels
1st Button - Digital Antidote Plus on/off
2nd Button - 3D for speakers on/off
Balanced XLR ins/outs
Unbalanced RCA ins/outs
As you can see, we're looking he ability to start off with the first toggle, and then flip on and off any other tubes you wish (always allowing them all to first warm up properly before listening). One could have simply the 2nd toggle switched to dual tubes, for each channel, and then bypass the 3rd, 4th and 5th tubes, and go directly to the 6th tube, or any combination, thereof. How about not even touching the 2nd toggle, and only flipping the switch for the 4th tube, which feeds both channels? You can do that, too! 3rd and 5th only? Okay! 4th and 6th only? Yes! All on at once? Vinyl vultures, this is your dream (and quite a few headphone listeners, too). Competition? You've sunk my battleship, yo!
Hmmmm...how much money are we looking at again?
4th quarter of 2015. Make it happen. I'll be glad to test drive it. :atsmile:
[COLOR=000000]My idea for the iTube PRO:[/COLOR]
The more I keep thinking about it, the more I imagine a bit more of what I know about the iFi vision, i.e.: an affordable (or relatively "affordable") product that spars, and beats the feathers out of similarly advertised products above its weight class, while at the same time offering the bells and whistles not found among the common fare.
Enter the Stereo 50 All-In-One Vacuum Tube Amplifier by iFi:
If I'm not mistaken, one of the things that seems apparent with iFi is that they have many irons in the fire, some of which are concurrent designs, pushing the boundaries a bit, while testing the waters with their customer base to see just how far they can take their product without breaking the bank and/or releasing an unmarketable product.
A very interesting bit of wing-spreading for iFi has been to release the Stereo 50, which I believe will hit the US in February or March 2015.
This is that bit of kit that contains the iDSD micro, the iCAN, and the iPhono in one box, but all a bit modified, adding bass and treble tone control knobs, as well as a tube stage which counts in at 6 tubes! If that weren't enough, the package comes with two speakers, housed in very sound, and endearing, bamboo casings, which adds up to a homage to vintage gear. Coming in at $2000 USD for the complete Stereo 50 package, this is designed for the computer audiophile who has an eye (and ear) for vinyl, as well. Just add your turntable, and you've got what appears to be a class act phono stage, totally surpassing their previous efforts in the iPhono, as well as the iTube.
See Below:
Note the tube stage: 2x ECF82s + 4xEL84X
Concurrent Design...?
In my opinion, one could hope! When I tell people about the iTube mico I ask them to search for a tube buffer stage out there which doesn't cost them an arm and a leg. Let's face it, many tube buffers are often pricier that full blown tube driven headphone amps! With the iTube micro, however, for a mere $299 you're getting not only a solid product, but also one that's as advertised: "musical rightness." You're not getting this huge tubey sound, or over the top coloration; because, let's face it, as iFi caters to all audiophiles, whether we're headphone enthusiasts or speaker jockeys, the key has always been a balanced sound, even though tons of digital music could benefit from more tube warmth. In the case of the Stereo 50, most vinyl devotees agree, tubes = vinyl = warmth in the winter. I mean, try listening to a digital copy of The Beach Boys "Pet Sounds" in mono, on a solid state system using your HD800s. It sucks!
Enter the iTube PRO?
What the World Needs Now...
I'm not a designer nor an electrician, nor do I know much about circuits, and capacitors, and all that stuff which feeds our ear holes. But! I do know that people like choices, and that's what iFi excels in!
As I mentioned in passing (a couple of posts above), I believe what we need now is a choice in tubes. Construct an all balanced box (hypothetically called the iTube PRO), where there are an array of tubes (see the abovementioned Stereo 50), but this box allows us to configure our own tube settings to taste. I don't believe anything out there exists like that, where you can toggle switches which will run your gear from pure solid state, to one tube for two channels, then one tube for each channel (two tubes), all the way up to a 6 tube array, for the most tubey of tube sounds. You have your simple "musical rightness" all the way to making your Buddy Holly files sound like he's in your parlor.
Again, I must stress that I know very little about electrical design and how to contruct a box like this; nevertheless, I have in my possession a Mesa Boogie Mark V amplifier, running at about $2300 USD - a guitar amp - which houses many tubes, all of which are configurable, by different channels, different toggles. In fact, in one channel, alone, you've got three different tube configurations, three different EQs, and a "bright" and "normal" switch, along with your standard bass, treble, mids, knobs, with selectable wattage.
This amp has three channels of the same wide functionality!
Now, how much would you pay just for one of those channels, out of the $2300? How about a much simplified version of that. No knobs, no EQ, no "bright" or "Normal" switches, and no watt selection. Instead, the basic premise is now translated into a tube array, only, where even the loftiest of tube amp/buffer manufacturers are losing their kilts over a tube buffer that offers any user, no matter how much or how little they want their tube warmth, to chose their listening pleasure thusly.
I don't know; maybe it's just a pipe dream. The thought of such a product, though, send the proverbial chills into my tender moments.
What would you pay? $1000 USD? $1500 USD? Less? More?
We know the iDSD PRO will come in at $1500 USD, which is a fairly stiff price considering previous iFi gear. The ability to go all balanced is one thing, the 4 Burr-Brown DAC chips is another (TBD), while the integrated headphone amp promises to be...? Probably excellent! However, if it's $1500 worth of "excellent," why the need for an iCAN PRO?
I'm just playing devil's advocate here, really, concerning the iDSD PRO. I have no idea how swell this unit will be. What I do know is that as good as the iCAN micro is (and it is damn good!) many people, including myself, have opted for external amps. Different strokes, right?
Personally, I'm thrilled with what iFi has given us so far. I can't wait for the future either!
How about something that doesn't exist? The iTube PRO.
* 1st toggle for tubes on and tubes off (that's a pass through for solid state, and by flipping the switch you are now in tube mode).
* 2nd toggle one tube, both channels (your basic iTube micro sound), then flip the toggle up and you've now got two tubes running, one for each channel.
* 3rd toggle, three positions, a.) off, b.) 3rd tube both channels, c.) fourth tube both channels.
*4th toggle, three positions, a.) off, b.) 5th tube both channels c.) 6th tube both channels
1st Button - Digital Antidote Plus on/off
2nd Button - 3D for speakers on/off
Balanced XLR ins/outs
Unbalanced RCA ins/outs
As you can see, we're looking he ability to start off with the first toggle, and then flip on and off any other tubes you wish (always allowing them all to first warm up properly before listening). One could have simply the 2nd toggle switched to dual tubes, for each channel, and then bypass the 3rd, 4th and 5th tubes, and go directly to the 6th tube, or any combination, thereof. How about not even touching the 2nd toggle, and only flipping the switch for the 4th tube, which feeds both channels? You can do that, too! 3rd and 5th only? Okay! 4th and 6th only? Yes! All on at once? Vinyl vultures, this is your dream (and quite a few headphone listeners, too). Competition? You've sunk my battleship, yo!
Hmmmm...how much money are we looking at again?
4th quarter of 2015. Make it happen.
I'll be glad to test drive it. :atsmile:
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Hi,
Nice work!
The Pro series are for the hard core audio people.
The Retro is aimed at the mainstream - as it is a simplied one-box, two speakers.
Yes inside there is a shared platform of DSD/PCM/DXD using native Burr-Brown chipsets but that is where the similarities end.
The Retro is a whole different line of products.
Nice work!
The Pro series are for the hard core audio people.
The Retro is aimed at the mainstream - as it is a simplied one-box, two speakers.
Yes inside there is a shared platform of DSD/PCM/DXD using native Burr-Brown chipsets but that is where the similarities end.
The Retro is a whole different line of products.
EVOLVIST
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Right, that's what I figured about the Retro. In fact, my dealer claimed that I would be better off without the Retro 50, citing I should wait for the iDSD Pro, which...well, it got me thinking about to create a tube buffer/amp from iFi that was a cut above the rest, since that seems to be the goal for the rest of your line. I was simply using the basic tube stage premise of the Retro 50 to expound upon how a tube buffer could be done, with on/off switches, depending on one's tube flavor, while at the same time catering to three crowds: vinyl and/or speakers and/or headphone.
6 tubes might be overkill, and chances are you are probably well on your way past the design phase of the of the iTube PRO; still, I thought I would throw out my thoughts, anyway, just for giggles.
Anyway, I wish somebody would do something like that one of these days.
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Bristol Sound & Vision Show
iFi will be exhibiting in the main hall at the upcoming Sound & Vision Show.
Date: 20-22th February 2015
Location: Marriott City Centre, Bristol. BS1 3AD
http://www.bristolshow.co.uk/
There you will be able audition the nano, micro and upcoming Retro range.
We look forward to seeing you there. For iCLUB members, there may even be a surprise!
iFi will be exhibiting in the main hall at the upcoming Sound & Vision Show.
Date: 20-22th February 2015
Location: Marriott City Centre, Bristol. BS1 3AD
http://www.bristolshow.co.uk/
There you will be able audition the nano, micro and upcoming Retro range.
We look forward to seeing you there. For iCLUB members, there may even be a surprise!
Esprit
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We want tre Pro!!!
EVOLVIST
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