[Sebastien Chiu]

Affirmative, tried that.

The device remains in Line Out mode.

I don’t see a serial number on the device and am therefore unable to download the firmware update, nor do I see a factory reset on the device.

So, I entered a support ticket.

Let me know if there's anything that changed in the meantime while you wait for a reply from our STS!

The serial number is printed just under the SPDIF input

Thank you!

 

[iFi audio]

Affirmative, tried that.

The device remains in Line Out mode.

I don’t see a serial number on the device and am therefore unable to download the firmware update, nor do I see a factory reset on the device.

So, I entered a support ticket.

... and that's also what I was going to suggest, thanks!

 

[SomeGuyDude]

So now that I've had this bad boy for a minute, some further thoughts.

Dear volume knob: I do not like you. Your design is very pretty and you are functional, but given that this is a portable device, it is really annoying how often I accidentally find myself changing volume while pulling it out of my pocket. I can't seem to find a way to grab it without that happening. That said, no issues sittin' on the desk.

Dear volume knob (button part): You are magical. I thought it would be weird to have so many functions inside one button, but it's strangely intuitive and easy after a day, plus the way it works means that, unlike Mr Volume up there, I never accidentally do anything. A fast visual cue for volume level is great as well.

I still can't say I'm a fan of the 3D or Xbass. I was hoping the 3D would just introduce some crossfade, but it adds extra treble as well. I can counteract that with the XBass, but the end result is going more v-shaped than I'd like. I end up just sticking with stock sound. I am by no means suggesting to remove this feature, because I am 100% positive there are tons of people who would get use out of it, just that I personally do not.

Battery life is WAY better than I expected. I think it's drained once since I got it and that was only the first day because it was really low battery when I got it. 8-10 hours sounds just right, and given how I often plug it in for desktop listening it's pretty much a "never worry about the battery" situation.

I think the build is just great. Yeah the finish picks up fingerprints but it's not like it's permanent. Quick wipe and boom, gone.

And of course it just sounds incredible. Makes the Hemp and FD5 sing. The stock sound is everything I could ask for and it's definitely got me wanting to try other models haha. The nitpicks up above are just small issues that have cropped up from daily usage. For under $500, this is a total no-brainer of a purchase I think. It works in your pocket, it works at the desk, you can have the exact same headphone experience no matter where you are, and it's a sonically incredible one. What more could I want? I talk about trying other models (dat Diablo...) but I'm not sure I'd actually buy one. There's nothing LACKING here. Nothing it isn't doing that I wish it did.

 

[iFi audio]

So now that I've had this bad boy for a minute, some further thoughts.

Dear volume knob: I do not like you. Your design is very pretty and you are functional, but given that this is a portable device, it is really annoying how often I accidentally find myself changing volume while pulling it out of my pocket. I can't seem to find a way to grab it without that happening. That said, no issues sittin' on the desk.

Dear volume knob (button part): You are magical. I thought it would be weird to have so many functions inside one button, but it's strangely intuitive and easy after a day, plus the way it works means that, unlike Mr Volume up there, I never accidentally do anything. A fast visual cue for volume level is great as well.

I still can't say I'm a fan of the 3D or Xbass. I was hoping the 3D would just introduce some crossfade, but it adds extra treble as well. I can counteract that with the XBass, but the end result is going more v-shaped than I'd like. I end up just sticking with stock sound. I am by no means suggesting to remove this feature, because I am 100% positive there are tons of people who would get use out of it, just that I personally do not.

Battery life is WAY better than I expected. I think it's drained once since I got it and that was only the first day because it was really low battery when I got it. 8-10 hours sounds just right, and given how I often plug it in for desktop listening it's pretty much a "never worry about the battery" situation.

I think the build is just great. Yeah the finish picks up fingerprints but it's not like it's permanent. Quick wipe and boom, gone.

And of course it just sounds incredible. Makes the Hemp and FD5 sing. The stock sound is everything I could ask for and it's definitely got me wanting to try other models haha. The nitpicks up above are just small issues that have cropped up from daily usage. For under $500, this is a total no-brainer of a purchase I think. It works in your pocket, it works at the desk, you can have the exact same headphone experience no matter where you are, and it's a sonically incredible one. What more could I want? I talk about trying other models (dat Diablo...) but I'm not sure I'd actually buy one. There's nothing LACKING here. Nothing it isn't doing that I wish it did.

That's one of the coolest feedbacks I stumbled upon in a long while. Thanks and enjoy

 

[Angular Mo]

How to get Bluetooth to work (blue color knob) in Line Out mode (white color volume knob.) Though my iPhone’s Bluetooth settings say the xDSD is connected, I’m not getting sound.

 

[iFi audio]

How to get Bluetooth to work (blue color knob) in Line Out mode (white color volume knob.) Though my iPhone’s Bluetooth settings say the xDSD is connected, I’m not getting sound.

Just to double-check, did you manage to turn on the line out mode as described here?

https://ifi-audio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/xDSD_Manual.pdf

 

[Angular Mo]

I fixed the prior Line Out situation.

Last night I realized that I could just turn volume up all the way to Red while in Bluetooth mode as a means of replicating line out.

works fine.

Not sure if there is a difference between line out and max volume.

 

[iFi audio]

Not sure if there is a difference between line out and max volume.

Line out disable volume dial, which is a functional thing, but it might also bypass internal volume stage and make signal path shorter. I'll ask about that.

 

[hotsnacx]

Thanks to @Sebastien Chiu for making this possible.

my first burr-brown dac, I can’t wait to spend lots more time with it!

 

[Sebastien Chiu]

Thanks to @Sebastien Chiu for making this possible.

my first burr-brown dac, I can’t wait to spend lots more time with it!

Aw heck yea! So glad you got it and got it in safe!

Even better seeing it combo'd with my friends at @DUNU-Topsound!

 

[SomeGuyDude]

In the interest of science, I tried out the 3D+ with my Fiio FD5.

Oh nelly that's a yes please.

Maybe it's because they're an IEM vs the open-back on the Grado, but with these it was like the whole experience "shifted" slightly and made everything come to life in a way that it doesn't without. On the Grado I didn't get a huge change in the positioning and soundstage, but here when I turned it back off the sound INSTANTLY went back to the sides of my head vs being, well, three dimensional. XBass off because the FD5 has plenty of bass for my tastes.

This is intriguing.

 

[iFi audio]

Oh nelly that's a yes please.

May I just say that your writing style grows on me one day at a time.

 

[SomeGuyDude]

May I just say that your writing style grows on me one day at a time.

Puttin' that English degree to use somehow LOL. If I were more dedicated I'd do actual review videos (because lord knows we need people who can actually do it and aren't just rambling incoherently).

 

[iFi audio]

If I were more dedicated I'd do actual review videos (because lord knows we need people who can actually do it and aren't just rambling incoherently).

Now this would be enjoyable! Do you have any reviews by any chance?

 

[SomeGuyDude]

Now this would be enjoyable! Do you have any reviews by any chance?

Nothing posted anywhere, sadly. Years back I threw some reviews up on a gaming channel but that's gone. If I do a couple I'll be sure to link them here!