[iFi audio]

Is the xCan suitable for driving 14ohm planars? Also, is there a good way to use a 4 pin xlr can with this?

We think it'll do just fine. Which ones if we may ask? As for using 4-pin XLR termination on xCAN, you'd need a handy pigtail.

 

[Philip Ha]

How long does xCan last by bluetooth(AptX)?

I found it lasts only 4 hours.

 

[Grimbles]

How long does xCan last by bluetooth(AptX)?

I found it lasts only 4 hours.

In testing i got more like 6.5 out of it, but using fairly high sensitivity iems so the volume was low.

 

[iFi audio]

How long does xCan last by bluetooth(AptX)?

I found it lasts only 4 hours.

It depends on a load. The bigger it is, the quicker the battery is drained.

 

[someyoungguy]

Although iFi did not provide a clear answer regarding actual Sabre DAC used, pictures on their homepage show ES9023 inside the xCAN, the same as used in the original dragonfly. I guess it‘s absolutely ok, a 24bit DAC is absolutely fine for the task.

Interesting, I had a Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS which uses the same chip. I bought it just to clean up the audio out of my computer when watching movies, etc, as the headphone jack as a horrible amount of hiss.

But I started using it to listen to music, the sound quality was way above what I expected. I sold it, but every now and then wonder about buying it again.

I’ve been looking over this thread and wondering about getting the xCan - so few devices out there that provide balanced amplification in a portable unit.

 

[iFi audio]

I’ve been looking over this thread and wondering about getting the xCan - so few devices out there that provide balanced amplification in a portable unit.

You shouldn't be dissapointed with this one

 

[dsrk]

Hi,
Can we use the balanced output even with the unbalanced (3.5mm) input? Planning to buy this to power my HD6XX.

 

[Wiljen]

Interesting, I had a Cambridge Audio DacMagic XS which uses the same chip. I bought it just to clean up the audio out of my computer when watching movies, etc, as the headphone jack as a horrible amount of hiss.

But I started using it to listen to music, the sound quality was way above what I expected. I sold it, but every now and then wonder about buying it again.

I’ve been looking over this thread and wondering about getting the xCan - so few devices out there that provide balanced amplification in a portable unit.

The 9023 is more than adequate when you consider the limits of Bluetooth and AptX HD. Even with AptX HD, you're pretty much limited to 48kHz tops and 24bit depth. The other benefit to iFi in using the 9023 is, it has an on-chip 2vRMS op-amp so, it saves space on the board in not needing a separate op-amp. Putting a 9038pro on a bluetooth circuit would have likely done nothing but increase cost, heat, and shorten battery life. Some might do that just to be able to claim it has it, but it seems like iFi did a pretty good job of matching the tool to the task with this one.

 

[someyoungguy]

The 9023 is more than adequate when you consider the limits of Bluetooth and AptX HD. Even with AptX HD, you're pretty much limited to 48kHz tops and 24bit depth. The other benefit to iFi in using the 9023 is, it has an on-chip 2vRMS op-amp so, it saves space on the board in not needing a separate op-amp. Putting a 9038pro on a bluetooth circuit would have likely done nothing but increase cost, heat, and shorten battery life. Some might do that just to be able to claim it has it, but it seems like iFi did a pretty good job of matching the tool to the task with this one.

Yeah I was thinking if the xCAN sounds anything like the DacMagic XS it would be great, but it’s likely to be much better due to the amp section- pretty sure the XS just relies on the on-chip 2 Vrms amplifier.

I think as I hear more audio gear I’m becoming less interested in the DAC chip (although of course it will play a role in the sound) and more focused on the overall tone and how well a device makes me feel connected to the music.

 

[Wiljen]

Yeah I was thinking if the xCAN sounds anything like the DacMagic XS it would be great, but it’s likely to be much better due to the amp section- pretty sure the XS just relies on the on-chip 2 Vrms amplifier.

I think as I hear more audio gear I’m becoming less interested in the DAC chip (although of course it will play a role in the sound) and more focused on the overall tone and how well a device makes me feel connected to the music.

Good approach, if done right, the DAC chip ought to be one of the last things you'd notice.

 

[iFi audio]

Hi,
Can we use the balanced output even with the unbalanced (3.5mm) input? Planning to buy this to power my HD6XX.

Affirmative.

 

[dsrk]

Affirmative.

Thanks

 

[Dobrescu George]

Oh My.

I plugged in xCan and pressed play

The hype is real, this is amazing

 

[Philip Ha]

@iFi audio

I have one problem with booting xCAN.
Sometimes it's not turned on with LEDs(3D+, XBass II) blinking and tick noise.
When this problem happens, I connect USB plug into xCAN and its booting works.
at this time battery LED shows green not red.

Is this normal situation?

 

[iFi audio]

Oh My.

I plugged in xCan and pressed play

The hype is real, this is amazing

Glad you like it my man.