[ngoshawk]

How are you finding the xdsd with the u12t? I also have these IEMs (really like them) but sometimes find them a bit sharp in the treble with some sources - does the xdsd warm/smooth the treble with them?

The short time I had together with the pair (U12’s were from the tour), was quite nice. The bass was tight and fairly deep reaching (to me a bit better controlled than the U18t). The mids were a very nice tie between the bass and treble, as in not overpowering. Nice support. And as for the treble, I found the U12t more listenable than the Forte, which FOR ME, was a bit harsh. I really, really liked the U12t/xDSD pairing.

I am lucky to have the UM Mason V3 right the now, but have not had time to hook up the xDSD with them. Hope this helps.

 

[Virtu Fortuna]

Here's my review about the xDSD, posted today: https://www.headfonia.com/review-ifi-audio-xdsd/

 

[435279]

Posted by mistake.

 

[emptymt]

Here's my review about the xDSD, posted today: https://www.headfonia.com/review-ifi-audio-xdsd/

I found your findings very similar to mine! Nice review!

 

[emptymt]

Thanks! We'd like to add a word or two, though.

If a BT source device can't find the xDSD, it may be necessary to select 'search' again. Some device software is finicky, which is not related to the xDSD.

While we do not want to comment on subjective impressions, the new volume control in technical terms is certainly an upgrade. Being a stepped attenuator it offers excellent channel matching and very wide adjustment range (101dB in 1dB steps), compared to around 50dB usable range on the analogue potentiometer.

This allows us to dispense with extra gain switches as well, their operation is transparently integrated into the volume control.

The speed of adjustment varies with speed with which the volume control is rotated, rotating slowly will allow extremely precise and fine adjustment. We've explained this thoroughly here:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-audio-xdsd-the-official-thread.873787/page-14#post-14172220

...and also here:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-audio-xdsd-the-official-thread.873787/page-15#post-14174470

I know a little bit about your explanation, I actually meant that it feels like a downgrade in terms of feel compared to the BL line up, which are excellent!
Other than that I have no issue with the volume pot.
I'm gonna make a very slight change to the volume pot cons.

"Some device software is finicky, which is not related to the xDSD"
Yes this is true, I did turn on and off the bluetooth in the R6, maybe it is the R6 like you said.

With my Samsung Galaxy S8+, it is totally fine so the BT does work.

 

[Virtu Fortuna]

I found your findings very similar to mine! Nice review!

Much thanks!

 

[baseonmars]

Please take a look here:

https://ifi-audio.com/sales/#unitedkingdom

Cheers - I ended up calling Futureshop.co.uk and ordering one over the phone. Been happily listening to it this evening through LCD-3’s and iBasso IT03’s. I’m not sure if I’ll do a full review as I do t have a stack of gear to compare it to but so far really impressed by the sound quality and detail, and that’s over Bluetooth with an iPhone as a source.

Nice work folks.

 

[iFi audio]

Nice work folks.

Thanks!

I know a little bit about your explanation, I actually meant that it feels like a downgrade in terms of feel compared to the BL line up, which are excellent!
Other than that I have no issue with the volume pot.
I'm gonna make a very slight change to the volume pot cons.

"Some device software is finicky, which is not related to the xDSD"
Yes this is true, I did turn on and off the bluetooth in the R6, maybe it is the R6 like you said.

With my Samsung Galaxy S8+, it is totally fine so the BT does work.

That\s good to know, thanks!

 

[baseonmars]

Hi, I've had the device for a month or so and it's been fantastic. I tried charging today and left it sitting on the charger for the last several hours. However, the charge indicator is STILL red along with the power button and khz/Input indicators showing a Red color. There is no flashing or any indication the device is charging. I opened up a ticket and have never had this issue before. Can someone please advise if he/she encountered an issue like this? Thanks.

Did you get a response on this? I plugged mine in for the first time last night and the charging light didn't come on, just the two lights on the front - I've submitted a ticket to ifi support.

 

[thisisnotaboutagirl]

iFi audio xDSD- The Official Thread
iFi's latest portable beauty

Yup, this space is devoted to our upcoming xDSD model. Every piece of nfo regarding this one we'll post in this thread.

Stay tuned!

UPDATE #1 - THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH RELEASE

• https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-audio-xdsd-the-official-thread.873787/page-11#post-14168271

xDSD - TABLE OF CONTENT

1. Volume control in detail

• https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-audio-xdsd-the-official-thread.873787/page-14#post-14172220
• https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-audio-xdsd-the-official-thread.873787/page-15#post-14174470

2. xDSD review by Currawong

• https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-audio-xdsd-the-official-thread.873787/page-13#post-14170205

3. Tech talk - PART #1

• https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-audio-xdsd-the-official-thread.873787/page-19#post-14185681

4. Tech talk - PART #2

• https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-audio-xdsd-the-official-thread.873787/page-23#post-14196339

4. Tech talk - PART #3

• https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-audio-xdsd-the-official-thread.873787/page-32

5. Tech talk - PART #4 - BLUETOOTH DONE OUR WAY

• https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-audio-xdsd-the-official-thread.873787/page-29#post-14210251

5. Battery operation

• https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ifi-audio-xdsd-the-official-thread.873787/page-31#post-14218300

If this had playback controls, this would be an instant buy

 

[thisisnotaboutagirl]

Thanks!



That\s good to know, thanks!

skimp on something or charge more and add buttons to control media playback. I'd buy that in a heartbeat.

 

[emilsoft]

Does the XDSD have usb iPurifier built in? Is it worth getting iUSBs and the like?

 

[emilsoft]

I like the XDSD with my 64 Audios u12t.

Highlights:
* It has that burr brown chip sound - neutral, smoothish, quietly confident and controlled. Liquid midrange that just flows.
* The Mojo sounds like it's trying too hard to impress with fake detail and can be tiring. xDSD just sings to me without trying too hard (I sold Mojo)
* The iDSD Micro black has a treble spike and pumped sub bass - not neutral. I find the xDSD more true to source and more natural.
* xDSD is overall more cohesive than both of these.
* Sony ZX2 has better instrument separation but a bit dry sounding - the sound is different enough however that it's difficult to compare in terms of SQ.. i'd say different flavour.
* Bluetooth is nice enough - some iffy behaviour when reconnecting with my devices (both Android and OSX), requiring re-pairing. Sometimes I think bluetooth sounds better than USB - bit warmer/smoother. USB might be introducing some digital nasties.
* Missed opportunity without LDAC @iFi - will it be possible to add at later date? All newest Android devices will have, it's about time we had a good quality dac that supports it.

 

[gatucho]

This is a question for @iFi audio. What is the load impedance that the xdsd can drive in the line output mode? Likewise, what is the output impedance of the xdsd in line output mode?
This is because I know that certain elements of the output stage are bypassed in line output mode and a high voltage level is used, but there isn't info regarding changes in impedance.

Thanks, the xdsd is really great.

 

[emilsoft]

@iFi audio - I have to force forget the paired device and re-pair bluetooth each time I change from usb input to bluetooth with my Apple Macbook Air - otherwise no sound comes out through bluetooth. It's a bit of a hassle to do this each time - is this something that you can repair with firmware or is it hardware problem? I think I also got the same behaviour on my Android device