[boxster233]

Have you tried to drive the xDSD with any full size can? I was hoping it can drive my closed back decently (32 ohm Focal Elegia and Aeon flow 2) and it seems to have more power than the mojo. I am planning to use it at my office and out and about mainly. I have been using the BL also mostly at home (along with the Hugo 2).

I used the xdsd with Stellia, empyrean, and lcd-3. It performs great with first two and holds up well with third.

 

[iFi audio]

I used the xdsd with Stellia, empyrean, and lcd-3. It performs great with first two and holds up well with third.

Alternately, xCAN is more powerful, so for tough loads and wireless functionality, that's the one I would recommend. The best scenario would be to use xDSD only as a DAC, and xCAN as an amp!

 

[boxster233]

Alternately, xCAN is more powerful, so for tough loads and wireless functionality, that's the one I would recommend. The best scenario would be to use xDSD only as a DAC, and xCAN as an amp!

Thanks for that feedback. The xDSD is mainly for lounging on back porch or on-the-go choice. If I were to look at xCan, it'd probably be to make it a second at-home setup for when I'm not in my listening room and more of a desktop setup. But if I'm going desktop, the pro iCan has my eye.

 

[alexlevn0791]

Alternately, xCAN is more powerful, so for tough loads and wireless functionality, that's the one I would recommend. The best scenario would be to use xDSD only as a DAC, and xCAN as an amp!

What is the sound quality if the XCan does wireless without an internal DAC? Say the source is my phone for example?

 

[Devodonaldson]

What is the sound quality if the XCan does wireless without an internal DAC? Say the source is my phone for example?

XCAN has a DAC for Bluetooth use only. It's a Sabre DAC as opposed to the Burr Brown DAC in the XDSD. it

 

[alexlevn0791]

XCAN has a DAC for Bluetooth use only. It's a Sabre DAC as opposed to the Burr Brown DAC in the XDSD. it

Thanks. That really clears things up for me. How's the bluetooth quality in your opinion?

 

[Devodonaldson]

Thanks. That really clears things up for me. How's the bluetooth quality in your opinion?

I own XDSD. I preferred sound of XDSD to XCAN. I prefer smoother sounds in general so not a big Sabre DAC fan. Didn't need the extra power of XCAN. XCAN still sounds good though, especially for APTX or AAC. One thing I noticed is LDAC is the greater treble roll off vs a DAC that has LDWC, but that has to do with the frequency response of APTX vs LDAC. The 3d sound/treble boost function of the XCAN/XDSD does a good job of closing the gap though.

 

[iFi audio]

Thanks. That really clears things up for me. How's the bluetooth quality in your opinion?

Feedback we got on our Bluetooth implementation in the X range, Aurora and Zen Blue was very positive. Many people were extremely surprised how good wireless sound can get these days.

I own XDSD. I preferred sound of XDSD to XCAN. I prefer smoother sounds in general so not a big Sabre DAC fan. Didn't need the extra power of XCAN. XCAN still sounds good though, especially for APTX or AAC. One thing I noticed is LDAC is the greater treble roll off vs a DAC that has LDWC, but that has to do with the frequency response of APTX vs LDAC. The 3d sound/treble boost function of the XCAN/XDSD does a good job of closing the gap though.

With headphones tough to drive xCAN would be better, but otherwise xDSD is the way to go.

 

[Xenderos]

I am thinking about upgrading from Dragonfly Cobalt to iFi xDSD for my Campfire Andromeda. I will use it mostly with Tidal as USB DAC with my PC or as Bluetooth DAC with my Android smartphone. Is it a good choice for Andromeda (very sensitive IEMs)? Is S-balanced worth buying balanced cable for Andro?

Another question for iFi audio: are there any plans for updated version with USB type C?

 

[alexlevn0791]

Alternately, xCAN is more powerful, so for tough loads and wireless functionality, that's the one I would recommend. The best scenario would be to use xDSD only as a DAC, and xCAN as an amp!

Hello! Can you enlighten me more with this possible stacking? How do you connect the xDSD to xCan using the xDSD only as a DAC? via 2.5mm analog lineout?

 

[Devodonaldson]

I am thinking about upgrading from Dragonfly Cobalt to iFi xDSD for my Campfire Andromeda. I will use it mostly with Tidal as USB DAC with my PC or as Bluetooth DAC with my Android smartphone. Is it a good choice for Andromeda (very sensitive IEMs)? Is S-balanced worth buying balanced cable for Andro?

Another question for iFi audio: are there any plans for updated version with USB type C?

So honestly, I haven't noticed any difference in using a S-balanced cable vs a single-ended cable. No power difference, no sound difference. I think that's the point of the S-balanced circuit, giving you the benefits while in Single-ended mode.

 

[iFi audio]

Another question for iFi audio: are there any plans for updated version with USB type C?

None that I'm aware of

Hello! Can you enlighten me more with this possible stacking? How do you connect the xDSD to xCan using the xDSD only as a DAC? via 2.5mm analog lineout?

As per xDSD's manual: https://ifi-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/xDSD_Manual.pdf

...it's S-Balanced 3.5mm headphone out can work as a line output, form where you go to xCAN's 2.5mm input. That way xDSD uses only its DAC, and xCAN works only as a balanced headphone amp.

 

[Irish77]

Hi all, I've got the xDSD and used to be a Tidal subscriber, but have recently changed to Apple Music. Will the xDSD improve the sound quality of Apple Music? I know that the software on the xDSD, is the one that includes MQA. Would I have to install the other software version to get the most out of Apple Music?

Thanks!

 

[Devodonaldson]

Hi all, I've got the xDSD and used to be a Tidal subscriber, but have recently changed to Apple Music. Will the xDSD improve the sound quality of Apple Music? I know that the software on the xDSD, is the one that includes MQA. Would I have to install the other software version to get the most out of Apple Music?

Thanks!

Xdsd will improve whatever music source you use, when compared to a lesser source. Just won't sound as good as HiFi audio, but still an improvement nonetheless

 

[iFi audio]

Xdsd will improve whatever music source you use, when compared to a lesser source. Just won't sound as good as HiFi audio, but still an improvement nonetheless

Yup, I wouldn't explain it any better, thanks!