[jexby]

   
We're listening to the iDAC2 in a "little big rig" with the LCD-Xs right now...

 
So it is running, undergoing field trials and is on the way!

 
wow, amazing!  eagerly awaiting a new forum thread dedicated to iDAC2-  
where we can inquire about features such as:  dual-mono DAC, built in iPurifier, 3D, etc.
 

 

[john57]

I am a bit confused here. The iDAC2, a desktop DAC is coming out before the Pro(mini) desktop DAC?

 

[technobear]

I look forward to listening to the iDAC2 with the LCD-X at Bristol (even if it has to be privately).

I may have to bring the T1's with me (or have you bought a set now?)

 

[jexby]

  I am a bit confused here. The iDAC2, a desktop DAC is coming out before the Pro(mini) desktop DAC?

 
yup seems that way for sure.
makes sense considering the overlap iDAC2 shares with iDSD micro.
 
whereas Pro/mini has a whole set of different features, size, etc.

 

[iFi audio]

  I am a bit confused here. The iDAC2, a desktop DAC is coming out before the Pro(mini) desktop DAC?

 
Hi,
 
Retro Stereo 50+LS3.5
- is in the next few weeks.
- Europe first (Bristol Show). Then North America. Then Rest of World.
 
iDAC2
- End of March/beg of April.
 
Pro series iDSD and iCAN
May. Though it will be progressive as there are different models but iDSD and iCAN are the first 2 out of the starting gate.
 
Cheers.

 

[JootecFromMars]

 
 
Retro Stereo 50+LS3.5
- is in the next few weeks.
- Europe first (Bristol Show). Then North America. Then Rest of World.
 
 

 
Was looking at this last night on your website. Looks awesome. What's the expected pricing?

 

[Vartan]

iDAC2 gonna have separate power supply unit or USB powered like original iDAC ?
 
and what about built in iPurifier?

 

[iFi audio]

   
Was looking at this last night on your website. Looks awesome. What's the expected pricing?

 
Hi,
 
Total system price is expected to be US$2k (ex-tax) / Euro 2.2k (with VAT).
 
The headphone section of the Stereo 50 (which is of most interest to Head-Fi'ers) is quite juicy.
 
The 3.5mm and 6.3mm inputs can be connected simultaneously.
 
Yes - the 3.5mm has built-in IEM match so that one can listen with Shure 535s or Alclair RSM iems (which we use) and HE-6 on the 6.3mm. The volume control controls both of course.
 
Alclair is working tirelessly - to get their new "Curves" over to us for Bristol Show. We hope they land in time.
 

 
So you can try them with the Stereo 50 at the show.

 

 

[EVOLVIST]

Pro series iDSD and iCAN
May. Though it will be progressive as there are different models but iDSD and iCAN are the first 2 out of the starting gate.

Cheers.

Just to clarify, to make sure I'm not reading between the lines (as I'm wont to do), we are not talking about different models for the iDSD Pro series, correct? Only one iDSD Pro and one iCan Pro?

That is, I wouldn't want to purchase the iDSD Pro and then three months later there is an iDSD Pro+ or something like that - an upgraded model.

 

[softsound]

iDAC2 (declared as a usb-only DAC). Sounds very promising.

Since it is a desktop only DAC, why not add an spdif-in ?

 

[iFi audio]

Just to clarify, to make sure I'm not reading between the lines (as I'm wont to do), we are not talking about different models for the iDSD Pro series, correct? Only one iDSD Pro and one iCan Pro?

That is, I wouldn't want to purchase the iDSD Pro and then three months later there is an iDSD Pro+ or something like that - an upgraded model.

 
Hi,
 
To clairfy:
 
iDSD Pro - one model
iCAN Pro - one model (except for ths Stax module which is add-on for obvious reasons)
 
Not really our style to upgrade the parts because we always throw the very best in the there in the first place - if you read the background info, you know what we mean.
 
Our philosophy is akin to buying a car.
 
EIther go for the top model or the base model. It seldom makes sense to buy a mid-model and then load it up with everything from the options list.
 
You just end up with a more costly model.
 
Not the AMR-iFi philosophy.
 
Cheers.

 

[iFi audio]

  iDAC2 (declared as a usb-only DAC). Sounds very promising.

Since it is a desktop only DAC, why not add an spdif-in ?

 
Hi,
 
Because USB is the de facto most popular option.
 
We considered it but in the end, we stuck to "best possible USB desktop DAC for $300 mark."
 
If customers really need SPDIF, then nano or micro iDSD are better suited. But the nano only has SPDIF out.
 
The iDAC2 sticks to the original which is pure USB-DAC - but done really well.
 
Cheers.

 

[lextek]

I guess I need to read this whole thread.  Im ready to pick up a Micro IDSD.  Wondering if I should wait for the Pro?
 
Just read the thread.  Micro ordered.

 

[rickyleelee]

   
Hi,
 
Total system price is expected to be US$2k (ex-tax) / Euro 2.2k (with VAT).
 
The headphone section of the Stereo 50 (which is of most interest to Head-Fi'ers) is quite juicy.
 
The 3.5mm and 6.3mm inputs can be connected simultaneously.
 
Yes - the 3.5mm has built-in IEM match so that one can listen with Shure 535s or Alclair RSM iems (which we use) and HE-6 on the 6.3mm. The volume control controls both of course.
 
Alclair is working tirelessly - to get their new "Curves" over to us for Bristol Show. We hope they land in time.
 

 
So you can try them with the Stereo 50 at the show.

 

 
The alclairs looks very interesting - will check them out. How do they compare to the Shures?

 

[obsidyen]

   
Well spotted!
 
Jexby and ClieOS both had their 3 Shredded Wheat today.
 
 
Yes, the iDAC2 is the next one out of the iFi Skunkworks. It is the successor to the the iDAC. ETA - on/before end of March.
 
Instead of the ESS Sabre, it will have the Burr-Brown chip as used in the nano iDSD and micro iDSD.
 
Native DSD256 & 384k PCM, a more powerful Headphone Amp (>300mW 16 Ohm) and some other new tech.
 
 
 
 
Think:
 
iDSD micro = best Portable and SPDIF DAC under $xxx
 
The iDSD micro was designed to be the best portable DAC we could make, with an emphasis on Headphone performance. It is the most advanced product we make, a road warrior that pushes the boundaries of what is possible.
 
 
iDAC2 =  best Desktop USB only DAC under $xxx
 
The iDAC2 was designed to offer the best straightforward USB Desktop DAC we could make. In effect the same design remit that gave birth to the original iDAC in 2012.
 
In the interim we have learned much more in the process of the many other projects that are now shipping (or still await finaly production). We have brought this to the iDAC2 design.
 
Additionally, time has moved on. Where in 2012 having an affordable USB DAC with 192K "Full HD" was still novel, we want to keep pushing the envelope where affordable gear really needs to offer at least DSD, with DSD256 and 384kHz DXD now being "Full HD".
 
 
 
 
 
Sonically:
The iDAC2 is based upon the micro iDSD (but slightly different for pure desktop use as there is no internal battery of course).
 
The headphone section is a dual-mono headphone amp, each channel with 940uF to backup the power delivery to the HP Amp, for better dynamics and bass...
 
The line outs incorporate a Class A buffer circuit that combines J-Fets and Bipolar transistors to deliver enough Class A power to drive 600 Ohm loads with 0.005% THD - this originally came from developments for the Pro Audio line.
 
Though the mini/pro line ended up not using it, it fitted the iDAC2 design remit to a T.

 
We're listening to the iDAC2 in a "little big rig" with the LCD-Xs right now...

 
So it is running, undergoing field trials and is on the way!

Hi,
 
Will iDAC 2 have IEMatch? I was considering iDSD Micro but I won't take it outside, simply use it at home. iDAC2 seems a better choice for me. That said, I'd want to listen with my IEMs too. I hope it will have the IEMatch feature.