iFi audio xDSD- The Official Thread
Jul 6, 2018 at 10:52 AM Post #752 of 2,506
Yes that is clear.. the question is if they are willing to do it!?
From what I read it seems that probably not... but they are not say it for sure!
IFI does not say anything about the future provision but we remember what happened about MQA support for the past products (including my old buddy nano iDSD, silver version)!.
 
Last edited:
Jul 7, 2018 at 1:22 PM Post #753 of 2,506
IFI does not say anything about the future provision but we remember what happened about MQA support for the past products (including my old buddy nano iDSD, silver version)!.

Mhm, things might happen. We constantly work on our software, but at this time won't promise anything.
 
iFi audio Stay updated on iFi audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
https://www.facebook.com/people/IFi-audio/61558986775162/ https://twitter.com/ifiaudio https://www.instagram.com/ifiaudio/ https://ifi-audio.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@iFiaudiochannel comms@ifi-audio.com
Jul 7, 2018 at 7:12 PM Post #754 of 2,506
I think it is safe to say that the xDSD isn't quite on the level of micro iDSD yet (and micro iDSD BL of course). On a quick comparison, I'll say Mojo might also be edging out the xDSD on SQ as well, but the difference is smaller than that between xDSD and micro iDSD. In fact, I think xDSD is quite comparable to FiiO Q5 in overall SQ when it comes to s-balance vs. Q5's 2.5mm balanced output (AM3A) - with xDSD giving a slightly sweeter tone (especially over mid-range) and Q5 giving a wider image. The real advantage is that xDSD is much lighter and smaller in footprint than the Q5. While Mojo might look smaller, it is actually about the same weight as Q5, plus I never find it to be particular portable especially considering the odd design of ball shape buttons. Overall, I am quite happy with the xDSD.

I was testing with IEMs, mainly the Campfire Atlas, and the differences between the Q5, xDSD and Mojo were reduced vs. testing with high-end headphones. With the Q5 using the soft roll-off filter rather than the default, it took the edge off its sound to the point I doubt I could tell it apart with IEMs from the xDSD. The Mojo (via optical from an AK380) still seemed to present a better sense depth when it was present in recordings. The Q5 with the default AM3A had quite a bit of hiss though, and I've forgotten how much the others had -- I'll have to go back upstairs and check. It'll be in my Q5 review though.

Yes that is clear.. the question is if they are willing to do it!?
From what I read it seems that probably not... but they are not say it for sure!

It may not be so simple as "doing it". LDAC as far as I know is a proprietary codec that requires licensing. For all we know, Sony might be charging more than it is worth for iFi to get a licence. Then even so it has to be programmable into the Bluetooth chipset they use, it has to still work with everything else, and probably a whole other bunch of considerations that we don't even know about.
 
Last edited:
Jul 8, 2018 at 9:03 AM Post #755 of 2,506
Testing the xDSD... wondering if anyone had any issues with Tidal and MQA... I seem to have... I don't know what word to use... intermittent playback issues...

Essentially if I start an MQA track everything works fine, but when it goes to the next track automatically that next track doesn't play... Well, Tidal thinks its playing, and the lights etc., stay the same on the xDSD, and the Mac (VERY high spec BTO iMac) continues to see and claim to be using the xDSD, but... no sound.

If I power cycle the xDXD it works fine... until it hits the "next track" and then silence...

I have the iDSD and it doesn't do that...

I may be doing something wrong (this is my first session with the xDXD).

Anyone?
 
Jul 9, 2018 at 8:46 PM Post #756 of 2,506
My review has been delayed a bit, but should be done in a couple days. Last week I decided it would be awesome to get a full fore-arm tattoo, on the underside, on my right-dominant side. Yeah, I quickly realized that while it heals it would be detrimental to type, and try as I did it is very awkward to try and rattle out words with one arm floating. In the mean time, enjoy:
IMG_8938.jpg
 
Jul 10, 2018 at 4:17 PM Post #757 of 2,506
My review has been delayed a bit, but should be done in a couple days. Last week I decided it would be awesome to get a full fore-arm tattoo, on the underside, on my right-dominant side. Yeah, I quickly realized that while it heals it would be detrimental to type, and try as I did it is very awkward to try and rattle out words with one arm floating. In the mean time, enjoy:

Keep 'em coming!
 
iFi audio Stay updated on iFi audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
https://www.facebook.com/people/IFi-audio/61558986775162/ https://twitter.com/ifiaudio https://www.instagram.com/ifiaudio/ https://ifi-audio.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@iFiaudiochannel comms@ifi-audio.com
Jul 12, 2018 at 10:51 PM Post #758 of 2,506
xDSD in the house for some listening pleasure! Truly incredible sound even before considering the form factor, bluetooth and it has such gobs of power! I didn't think my modded K702s would be driven well.. I was wrong.
IMG_20180712_204812.jpg
 
Jul 13, 2018 at 2:51 PM Post #759 of 2,506
xDSD in the house for some listening pleasure! Truly incredible sound even before considering the form factor, bluetooth and it has such gobs of power! I didn't think my modded K702s would be driven well.. I was wrong.

That's awesome to hear! Enojy!
 
iFi audio Stay updated on iFi audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
https://www.facebook.com/people/IFi-audio/61558986775162/ https://twitter.com/ifiaudio https://www.instagram.com/ifiaudio/ https://ifi-audio.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@iFiaudiochannel comms@ifi-audio.com
Jul 13, 2018 at 10:25 PM Post #760 of 2,506
Hi guys, i'm new here and trying to decide between xdsd & q5 like some others...more comparisons wud def be appreciated.

I'm confused about how I would be able to connect a 4.4mm cable to the 3.5mm balanced on the xdsd. Are there any 3.5mm balanced to 4.4mm balanced adapter cables?
 
Jul 13, 2018 at 10:40 PM Post #761 of 2,506
Hi guys, i'm new here and trying to decide between xdsd & q5 like some others...more comparisons wud def be appreciated.

I'm confused about how I would be able to connect a 4.4mm cable to the 3.5mm balanced on the xdsd. Are there any 3.5mm balanced to 4.4mm balanced adapter cables?
Not that i have come across. Maybe you ask get it done from someone who does DIY.
 
Jul 13, 2018 at 10:52 PM Post #763 of 2,506
I understand if it might not be recommended, but a 3.5mm to 2.5mm + 2.5mm to 4.4mm (like fiio BL44) combination should work right...atleast in theory?
Yes it would. For example i use a 2.5mm terminated cable with a 3.5mm to 2.5mm adapter and use it on my micro idsd BL (which has the same 3.5mm TRRS S-balanced)
 
Jul 13, 2018 at 10:57 PM Post #765 of 2,506

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top