[Richard Wray]

Sorry if this has been asked before but what I'd like to do is stream via LDAC to my Sony headphones from Tidal on my Mac.

I'm already using the Zen DAC (via a cable of course) with either a set of Audeze LCD-1 cans or the WH-1000M4. Both sound amazing! However, relying on a cable has its limitations.

Will the xDSD help me do this?

 

[Sphere 57]

Sorry if this has been asked before but what I'd like to do is stream via LDAC to my Sony headphones from Tidal on my Mac.

I'm already using the Zen DAC (via a cable of course) with either a set of Audeze LCD-1 cans or the WH-1000M4. Both sound amazing! However, relying on a cable has its limitations.

Will the xDSD help me do this?

No LDAC, just AptX and AAC. However iFi's hack of the Qualcomm chip (they avoid using the usual Bluetooth DAC), does give better sound than most Bluetooth devices, but no 24 bit.

Are your Sony headphones Bluetooth headphones? xDSD is Bluetooth receiver only, no transmission.

 

[Richard Wray]

No LDAC, just AptX and AAC. However iFi's hack of the Qualcomm chip (they avoid using the usual Bluetooth DAC), does give better sound than most Bluetooth devices, but no 24 bit.

Are your Sony headphones Bluetooth headphones? xDSD is Bluetooth receiver only, no transmission.

Thanks for the clarification

 

[iFi audio]

xDSD is Bluetooth receiver only, no transmission.

Affirmative.

@Richard Wray

 

[Ric4001]

Did the USB charging port on the XDSD recently change to USB C? The manual now refers to a USB C port.

 

[Niyologist]

Did the USB charging port on the XDSD recently change to USB C? The manual now refers to a USB C port.

Yeah. That changed since last year. I remember getting the new revised model from last spring (2019).

 

[RockStar2005]

Yeah. That changed since last year. I remember getting the new revised model from last spring (2019).

Lucky you. I bought it 2 years ago so mine is still regular MicroUSB. lol Not a big deal. Glad they changed it though.

 

[iFi audio]

Lucky you. I bought it 2 years ago so mine is still regular MicroUSB. lol Not a big deal. Glad they changed it though.

We're following what most folks might want and what's becoming the industry standard, so some changes sooner or later have to happen. Connectors are one of them.

 

[RockStar2005]

We're following what most folks might want and what's becoming the industry standard, so some changes sooner or later have to happen. Connectors are one of them.

Well those changes are much appreciated iFi!!

 

[onedvt]

Hi all. New Head-fier and xDSD owner here. What are the best OTG cables (both Lightning & USB-C) one can buy to connect to Android phones and iPhones?

 

[Sphere 57]

Hi all. New Head-fier and xDSD owner here. What are the best OTG cables (both Lightning & USB-C) one can buy to connect to Android phones and iPhones?

Hi onedvt.
I have only tried two USB-C cables, Anker and iFi. The Anker cable provides a more secure fit to both sockets, but the iFi does sound better, although I can only really hear the improvement with Hi-Res material.

 

[onedvt]

Hi onedvt.
I have only tried two USB-C cables, Anker and iFi. The Anker cable provides a more secure fit to both sockets, but the iFi does sound better, although I can only really hear the improvement with Hi-Res material.

Ah, didn't realize iFi makes cables. Will check em out. Thanks, @Sphere 57 .

 

[U2Edge]

@iFi audio -- I just purchased a used iFi xDSD from a fellow head-fi'er (it was new in May, 2020). I just received it today and my PC doesn't recognize it. I already had the plugin installed from when I had my iFi iDSD nano black label. I tried multiple different USB cables (connected to the USB-A port, not the USB-C port as I know that is only for charging). I've tried my wife's computer (desktop and laptop) as well as my desktop and home theater PC. Either with the control panel / drivers installed or not installed prior to connecting, it says "no devices connected" if I have the plugin already installed... and never hear a USB connecting sound or any kind of system recognition if the configuation panel isn't available. I tried removing the driver, rebooting, re-installing, etc. No joy. It works great via bluetooth, but I want to ensure it works via desktop. Any suggestions?

Also, if I have it connected via USB-C to wall power (or computer power) and it's powered down, shouldn't the main dial light up to indicate battery power? I'm not seeing any colors when "charging". So I'm concerned that there's something going on with the USB ports.

 

[iFi audio]

Ah, didn't realize iFi makes cables.

Yes, we do: https://ifi-audio.com/products/otg-cables/

Also, if I have it connected via USB-C to wall power (or computer power) and it's powered down, shouldn't the main dial light up to indicate battery power? I'm not seeing any colors when "charging". So I'm concerned that there's something going on with the USB ports.

If xDSD is connected to an external charger, its LED should be on. Can I ask you to open up a ticket at our support platform?

https://support.ifi-audio.com

Our staff will take a look into this.

 

[U2Edge]

If xDSD is connected to an external charger, its LED should be on. Can I ask you to open up a ticket at our support platform?

https://support.ifi-audio.com

Our staff will take a look into this.

Thanks. Filed one earlier today, but I'm dying to give it a whirl as a desktop MQA DAC/amp... so I thought you (or somebody else) might have some easy peasy things that I'm overlooking.