[iFi audio]

Any noticeable diffs between inputs?

It depends on products which send signal to Pro iDSD. As for its inputs, we believe all are up to the task and thus far we got farily balanced and similar feedback on all included. Some people do like USB a lot, some roll with BNC or coax SPDIF and it looks like Toslink gets a bit less love these days.

 

[iFi audio]

Folks, we've released the 'how to' MQA vid via Tidal, it's to be found here:

 

[tinnitize]

Folks, we've released the 'how to' MQA vid via Tidal, it's to be found here:

Fine.

What about releasing another long time task you told me to do long time ago: how to transform mp3 into DSD via ASIO newer than v.0,76 (-> v. 2.12)?

Or should I really go back to the old version? I actually don't know how the newer one gives me better perfomance.

Thanks, tinnitize

 

[knorris908]

Hey Guys,

I’ve had some more time to play around with the iFi Pro iDSD and I am absolutely loving it. With the release of the 4.4mm balanced version having happened, I really think this is a competent all in one offering, the most many would need. It is *extremely* feature rich, and this is a double edged sword. I’ve been finding myself getting some interference or just weird things happening with certain filter combinations, or input combos etc….I think it may have to do with the wireless feature? I’m not sure. I haven’t been able to nail down the exact combos that things happen with, so bear with me, but it is something to note.

The Pro iDSD now puts out 4200mw from its balanced output (4.4mm version) and that combined with the 18db gain setting is pretty much all you will need for most headphones. However, I own the Susvara, and it definitely does better with more power behind it, so I have been testing the iDSD as a standalone DAC as well. Again, it performs admirably. SS, Tube. Tube + modes, all kinds of filters, DSD1024 upsampling, you really can’t ask for more features from a DAC, and it sounds good whilst doing it all, too.

At first I was unsure of the Pro iDSD, after all, they have the Pro iCAN, why do a DAC/Amp combo in the same form factor? Why not just a straight DAC? After spending more time with the Pro iDSD, it is beginning to make more sense. I love my Micro iDSD BL, and this is just a grown up desktop version of it. It isn’t too large, so it fits on a desk nicely, it can be combined with the Pro iCAN if you are driving the Susvara or similar, and the iESL if you are running electrostats.

The amp section is not *as* competent as the Pro iCAN, but it certainly doesn’t suck, and I have found it more than adequate for listening during the day, switching to my full desktop set up at night.

As a quick aside, it really seems to synergise well with the ZMF headphones I have here, the Verite, and Eikon.

I have another month with the iDSD so I will report back with a full review (which will be long, due to all the features) but so far, this thing really is making a positive impression on me. It just sort of…..does it all?

Great thoughts on the Pro iDSD ufospls2! I too have been playing with all the combinations, (Takes FOREVER!) and have had similar thoughts regarding the Pro iDSD vs the DEFINITE upgrade of the amp section in the Pro iCAN vs my beloved Micro iDSD and Micro iCAN units. Though I have lower-end/more mainstream headphones than you do, I am finding much the same experiences with my more analytical/revealing cans like the Beyerdynamic T1(ver2), Sendy Aiva, & HiFiMan Sundara. My AKG 550, 545, & Sennheiser HD650s less so, but still noticeable. But my JVC SZ2000s LOVE the power and hardware Bass boost on the Pro iCAN when I want to just have fun with EDR/electronica files. My GOD the thump.... LOL (Not that I expect to do that very often.)

 

[iFi audio]

Fine.

What about releasing another long time task you told me to do long time ago: how to transform mp3 into DSD via ASIO newer than v.0,76 (-> v. 2.12)?

Or should I really go back to the old version? I actually don't know how the newer one gives me better perfomance.

Thanks, tinnitize

Can you take a look here?

https://ifi-audio.com/home/computer-audio-tutorial/enhanced-listening/

 

[iFi audio]

John Curl joins iFi and AMR as technical consultant
Highly respected high-end audio engineer is engaged to work across all new design projects



Southport, England – Sister-companies iFi Audio and Abbingdon Music Research (AMR) are pleased to announce that John Curl, one of the world’s most respected high-end audio engineers, has been engaged as a technical consultant.

Curl is working across all new product designs from iFi and AMR, collaborating closely with iFi’s Technical Director Thorsten Loesch to ensure that all circuit designs are fully optimised. The first products to feature his input include iFi’s forthcoming ZEN range of desktop audio products – the first of which will launch this autumn – and all-new high-end components from AMR due in 2020.

John’s status at the forefront of high-end audio’s hall of fame has been secure for many years. In 1968, whilst building a mixing console for the Grateful Dead, he developed a solid-state circuit that became a benchmark in high-performance audio – the “complimentary differential-input” circuit, which still appears in application handbooks published by transistor manufacturers to this day.

This led to Curl working with a young Mark Levinson in the early 1970s, creating the legendary Mark Levinson Audio Systems JC2 preamplifier – the first standalone product to incorporate Curl’s complementary differential-input circuit – followed by the ML-2 Class A power amplifier. He went on to work with many other luminaries of the high-end audio scene, including Dave Wilson and Jeff Roland.

Curl is unquestionably one of a select group of engineers whose influence is so great it has altered the direction of audio design. Many of us have listened to equipment he has designed, or that was inspired by his work, often without even realising it. His solid-state circuit designs are lauded as classic exemplars of the type; when asked what makes him different to other audio electronics designers, he once replied, “I have circuit sense”.

Today, Curl works with a small collection of carefully chosen manufacturers including US-based Parasound and one of high-end audio’s most lauded manufacturers in recent years –Constellation Audio. iFi Audio and AMR are delighted to reap the benefits of the exceptional experience he has gained whilst devising some of the finest audio circuits ever made.

Vincent Luke, Sales Director at iFi Audio and AMR, said: “We are excited to have the opportunity to add John’s exceptional expertise to our talented team of technical designers, led by Thorsten Loesch. His insight will help us to further raise the sonic bar with products in the pipeline from both iFi and AMR – from portable and desktop audio to the very finest high-end hi-fi components, we will continue to push the boundaries of design, functionality and performance.”

 

[CADEng]

In short. I want to use iDSD without ANY PC/Mac, just Android phone for control and attached USB stick/external HDD to iDSD.

Does anybody know better Android app than MUZO for control (one folder and Unknown artist isn't my cup of tea)? Please help!

PS I tried mConnect and BubbleUPnP but from those apps I can't see attached USB stick on iDSD (maybe I don't know how to do that)

 

[vonBaron]

I'm new, proud user of IDSD Pro but i got one question,
It is normal that in Tidal MQA i get downsampling? I use external converter with SPDIF out and IDSD Pro always show me 44kHz or 48kHz sampling rate when i should get 88kHz and 96kHz.
I set evrything like in IFI video
I don't have to instal IFI USB drivers when i use SPIDF? I only install it to upgrade firmware.
And my remote control gets dead after 1min of use...

 

[saudio7]

Folks, just a quick announcement to make:

Pro iDSD with 4.4mm headphone out is officially available!

The price for Pro iDSD 4.4mm is US$2.749 (ex-tax) or €2,999/£2,749 (incl. VAT).

Also, Pro iDSD 4.4mm headphone out's power output is (16 Ω balanced/single-ended) >4200mW/1>1,575mW.

Any more differences then 2,5 to 4,4 and a bit more power in the new iDSD PRO?
Have you done changes in amplifier section to increase power or did you change also other parts ?

 

[iFi audio]

Any more differences then 2,5 to 4,4 and a bit more power in the new iDSD PRO?
Have you done changes in amplifier section to increase power or did you change also other parts ?

Only functionality change (4.4mm) and slight power increase. Other than this, things are the same.

I'm new, proud user of IDSD Pro but i got one question,
It is normal that in Tidal MQA i get downsampling? I use external converter with SPDIF out and IDSD Pro always show me 44kHz or 48kHz sampling rate when i should get 88kHz and 96kHz.
I set evrything like in IFI video
I don't have to instal IFI USB drivers when i use SPIDF? I only install it to upgrade firmware.
And my remote control gets dead after 1min of use...

In a nutshell, Pro iDSD works with what it receives. Your external converter might downsample. As for your RC, please check if batteries are OK, this behaviour implies their life almost gone.

 

[webmi]

I´m looking for a second PowerSupply for my iDSD Pro. From time to time i want to use the iDSD Pro at work, but dont want to disassemble the hole RIG every time i take the iDSD Pro with me (to the office). I guess it is recommended to use the ifi original one. Already asked my local (Germany) store, if they can provide one. Hopefully its not that expensive...

edit: Searched in the online store from my local reseller, and i guess they have what i am looking for. iPower Plus, 15v/4A, 99€, wich is not very cheap for a power supply ....

Now my question is, since i got iDSD Pro and iCAN Pro, where can i get the cable needed to feed both devices with just one iPower Plus power supply?

ifi Pro gear has this DC-Loop Out, wich according to the manual (https://ifi-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/iFi-audio_Pro_iDSD_Tech_Note_The-Rear.pdf) should be able to power both devices.

• DC-LOOP-OUT AND POWER SUPPLY CONNECTION
• 
  
• The two small connections just above the external clocking dial of Pro iDSD will be familiar to iESL and Pro iDAC owners. The one on the left is a DC-Loop Out and its purpose is to feed another Pro range device from the Pro iDSD.
• This means that one external PSU can handle both Pro iDSD and Pro iCAN. You can even throw Pro iESL to the mix (connected via the HDMI interface found on the latter) and have three iFi Pro range decks operational via only one external PSU.

The idea is to get the cable wich is needed to feed the iCAN Pro from the iDSD Pro´s DC-Loop Out and to use the iCAN Pro´s iPower Plus power supply to power the iDSD Pro in the office. The DC-Loop cable should be not as expensive as a new iPower Plus. Where can i get the needed cable? Does ifi provide one of this DC-Loop cables?

 

[nicodem]

Roon?

 

[holzohr]

The idea is to get the cable wich is needed to feed the iCAN Pro from the iDSD Pro´s DC-Loop Out and to use the iCAN Pro´s iPower Plus power supply to power the iDSD Pro in the office. The DC-Loop cable should be not as expensive as a new iPower Plus. Where can i get the needed cable? Does ifi provide one of this DC-Loop cables?

Sorry, a bit late. I use such a cable https://www.ghentaudio.com/part/dc01.html to power an iPhono 2 from DC-Loop Out of my Pro iDSD.

 

[vonBaron]

It is posible to play music directly from pendrive?
if yes tell me how.

 

[vonBaron]

It higher gain change sound?