[Giraku]

Are the steps too big? ie it's too quiet and the next one too loud.

Yes, it's a bit coarse. I would like to have more smooth gradually adjustable volume. But this is just for ADX5000. Other HPs (Grado GH2, Ultrasone Edition 15, and Klipsch HP3) and IEMs (Tia Fourte and U18t) are ok.

 

[dannyvstheworld]

Thanks, @iFi audio. I'll mostly use it with IEMs if I purchase it, so what you said about channel balance and quiet background is really encouraging.

 

[Yethal]

In theory... there is no difference between theory and practice.

On a more serious note, integrating xDSD's volume control with a PC's volume control via USB is not advisable, as there is no feedback mechanism that allows the latter to be synced to the internal device volume.

So a PC overrides local volume on plugin (quite possibly to 100%), disallows the on-device volume control to turn the volume down and only setting volume via this PC will work.

Not necessarily PC volume, what I wanted to achieve was to make sure that whenever I'm lowering the volume digitally (not using the potentiometer) I'm lowering the xDSD internal analogue volume and not the digital volume of whatever source device I'm using with it.

 

[Currawong]

Regarding IEMs, I tried the Andromedas, which are pretty sensitive, and while there is a tiny amount of hiss with no music playing, I don't consider it a problem.

 

[dannyvstheworld]

In theory... there is no difference between theory and practice.

On a more serious note, integrating xDSD's volume control with a PC's volume control via USB is not advisable, as there is no feedback mechanism that allows the latter to be synced to the internal device volume.

So a PC overrides local volume on plugin (quite possibly to 100%), disallows the on-device volume control to turn the volume down and only setting volume via this PC will work.

Now that all the controls are digitally implemented, is there any possibility to have an app controlling all the functions in the future? That'll be awesome!

 

[dannyvstheworld]

Regarding IEMs, I tried the Andromedas, which are pretty sensitive, and while there is a tiny amount of hiss with no music playing, I don't consider it a problem.

Could you compare the hissing with Hugo 2/ Mojo or AK players? I feel Andromeda pretty much hiss with everything, but with AK70 it's quieter than Hugo 2/ Mojo. Though not really a problem when the music is playing.

 

[iFi audio]

For the next version, please bring back a gain hi / lo switch.

The eco/normal mode switch of the iDSD Micro transparently linked into the xDSD volume control. If you turn it slow enough, each click is 1dB, which is a very fine and precise adjustment.

For very insensitive headphones (like 96dB/1V ones only slightly more sensitive that the legendary "ultra hard to drive" Hifiman HE-6) it is normal to pretty much max out the volume control.

The xDSD was build with portability in mind and thus we consciously choose smaller size over ultimate power. It will drive many headphones considered "hard to drive" very well, including the Abyss Diana and any in the Sennheiser HD8XX range.

However at 96dB/1V we agree that there is no reserve left when driving the headphones at THX/Studio reference levels and the volume control needs to be set to near the maximum, however this is not a problem.

 

[iFi audio]

Not necessarily PC volume, what I wanted to achieve was to make sure that whenever I'm lowering the volume digitally (not using the potentiometer) I'm lowering the xDSD internal analogue volume and not the digital volume of whatever source device I'm using with it.

Due to the limits of the USB standard for feature units and feedback, this can only be implemented if a custom driver is used that extends functionality beyond the USB standard.

As several manufacturers have found previously, having both local AND a USB based volume control leads to unavoidable conflicts that often result in the DAC's volume control completely maxed out when attached to a source.

If a USB volume control is used, it should be the only volume control, with no controls on the device, in which case there can only be USB input use with no additional sources. If a given device has a physical volume regulation, USB control must be disabled to avoid conflicts.

 

[iFi audio]

Now that all the controls are digitally implemented, is there any possibility to have an app controlling all the functions in the future? That'll be awesome!

Probably not due to the same reason we've already explained.

 

[Giraku]

The eco/normal mode switch of the iDSD Micro transparently linked into the xDSD volume control. If you turn it slow enough, each click is 1dB, which is a very fine and precise adjustment.

For very insensitive headphones (like 96dB/1V ones only slightly more sensitive that the legendary "ultra hard to drive" Hifiman HE-6) it is normal to pretty much max out the volume control.

The xDSD was build with portability in mind and thus we consciously choose smaller size over ultimate power. It will drive many headphones considered "hard to drive" very well, including the Abyss Diana and any in the Sennheiser HD8XX range.

However at 96dB/1V we agree that there is no reserve left when driving the headphones at THX/Studio reference levels and the volume control needs to be set to near the maximum, however this is not a problem.

Thank you very much for your quick and detailed reply. I understand that the portability is the top priority, and I agree. As I mentioned in my previous post, xDSD drives all of my HP collection very well. ADX5000 is the only exception, but I will never use them for mobile situation so no problem.

 

[Makiah S]

Got a chance to hear this little guy for the first time today! I heard some goofy rumors about it so I decided to investigate them my self with a little three way Dac/Amp comparison



Overall the xDSD and Mojo had different presentations but similar detail overall.

The Mojo's presentation was;

• Slightly more natural
• Smoother with a more relaxed presentation
  • good micro dynamics but macro dynamics are sometimes a bit too relaxed and some textures are slightly smeared as the sustain and release of instruments have a slight emphasis
• Offering a very cohesive image
  • but can become diffuse with warmer headphones

Really and truly the Mojo finds itself pair'd better with cans like the DT 880, Aeon Flow Closed or anything that's tuned a little drier or with a slightly withdrawn midrange

The iFi xDSD on the other hand actually offers a drier presentation that pairs nicer with more relaxed and darker headphones or anything that needs a little more presance

• Offers a spacious vivid presentation
• No lack of discernment between micro and macro dynamics
• Vivid with a more textured presentation
  • maintains a pleasant slight forwardness of presence and immediacy

Now the one BIG advantage the xDSD has over the Mojo is it's physical interface! BluTooth is already built in without any additional modules and the analog volume pot clicks allowing you to pause and play your music! This make single'd handed operation very easy. So in terms of function it's a bit more convenient and robust than the Mojo!

Spoiler: GeekOut V2+ Performance

How ever the Geek Out V2+ was a smidge more resolving than both and had a presentation that drew from the strengths of each with the Green Filter. Namely it was;
Equally natural and vivid
So there was equal focus on both the initial attack/decay of the envelope of instruments as well as the sustain/decay
Better defined with a more cohesive image
Both more spacious and with offering slightly better instrument separation
Sharper dynamic presentation
Micro dynamics were easier to distinguish again'st a very black background
Now the problem with the GO V2+ is that it's no longer in production so it's not something I'll ever recommend no matter how good it is. However both the Chord Mojo an xDSD are! An each is supported by an excellent team.

 

[Yethal]

Due to the limits of the USB standard for feature units and feedback, this can only be implemented if a custom driver is used that extends functionality beyond the USB standard.

As several manufacturers have found previously, having both local AND a USB based volume control leads to unavoidable conflicts that often result in the DAC's volume control completely maxed out when attached to a source.

If a USB volume control is used, it should be the only volume control, with no controls on the device, in which case there can only be USB input use with no additional sources. If a given device has a physical volume regulation, USB control must be disabled to avoid conflicts.

Well, that's a shame but thank you for the detailed answer.

 

[Currawong]

Could you compare the hissing with Hugo 2/ Mojo or AK players? I feel Andromeda pretty much hiss with everything, but with AK70 it's quieter than Hugo 2/ Mojo. Though not really a problem when the music is playing.

The Mojo has less hiss. It's almost inaudible with no music playing.

 

[KaiserTK]

I really enjoyed the Nano BL and I’m looking forward to trying the xDSD as well.
When will this be available on Amazon U.S.?

 

[Giraku]

I really enjoyed the Nano BL and I’m looking forward to trying the xDSD as well.
When will this be available on Amazon U.S.?

It was available on Audio 46. Actually I got one from there. But now their website says "Available on backorder".
Anyway, I suggest keep checking both sites.