[semeniub]

Warmth of the amp section of the Micro iDSD...
 
If you are using a computer as a source for the Micro, and you are worried about the "lean" characteristics of the Micro's headphone amp section, it's worthwhile trying an equalization plugin with your playback software to tweak your tonal balance. You might get a sound that you like without having to resort to additional external amps. Worth a try if you can do a free trial of the software.
 

 

[technobear]

The micro iDSD has a recessed USB A Male plug. This was chosen to match the Apple CCK/Lightning cable.


micro USB OTG to USB A Female cables are readily available.


Make sure the cable is 'OTG'. Regular types won't work.

Will this cable work?....
http://www.amazon.com/LIFETIME-WARRANTY-Electronics-Micro-Cable/dp/B005GGBYJ4/ref=sr_1_1?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1421466576&sr=1-1&keywords=USB+OTG+cable+with+a+USB+A+Female 

That's the one - assuming the Note 3 has a micro USB port.

Don't forget to switch the iDSD on before connecting it to the phone.

The phone will probably not power or charge the iDSD. You must charge the iDSD first.

 

[Quince0369]

Hello,

I'll receive the iDSD micro and the Ibasso DX50 soon and remember that I need a cable/adapter that is not included in the original packaging of both, but I can't remember what it was and I couldn't find a hint. I want to got the "digital way" that the iDSD is my DAC.
Maybe one of you can tell me what I need?

 

[h1f1add1cted]

  my LCD2s like the turbo mode. To me I swear it sounds even more lively. Problem is the volume is too loud (below 8:30 o'clock I get channel imbalance)

Try IEM Match stettings and you have more room to play with the volume

 

[earfonia]

my LCD2s like the turbo mode. To me I swear it sounds even more lively. Problem is the volume is too loud (below 8:30 o'clock I get channel imbalance)

It's the gain that makes the difference, not the amount of power. You set the volume low right? That means only small power were used, at high gain.

All amplifier sound differently on different gain setting. For example, my DX90, at low gain it doesn't sound as good as at high gain. I always set it at high gain now, better dynamic, better control, and sounds tighter and punchier.

 

[maricius]

Hello,

I'll receive the iDSD micro and the Ibasso DX50 soon and remember that I need a cable/adapter that is not included in the original packaging of both, but I can't remember what it was and I couldn't find a hint. I want to got the "digital way" that the iDSD is my DAC.
Maybe one of you can tell me what I need?

3.5mm to RCA coaxial cable. The DX50 should come with one.

 

[Quince0369]

3.5mm to RCA coaxial cable. The DX50 should come with one.

Hm...after some research I thought I need a 3.5mm to 3.5mm from the Coax Digital Output (DX50) to the 3.5mm Input (DX50).

 

[maricius]

Hm...after some research I thought I need a 3.5mm to 3.5mm from the Coax Digital Output (DX50) to the 3.5mm Input (DX50).

I'm sorry… but what? 3.5mm is the Coax Digital Output of the DX50 but the iDSD has RCA Coax Digital Input.

 

[HookedOnAudio]

Reading through the posts, I saw many good comments from various posters regarding the sound quality and sound stage of the micro iCan.  How does the nano iCan compare to the micro iCan?  The nano is the one that's actually portable, so we're interested in whether the sound quality and sound stage are the same or if they are quite different.  I tend to be more interested in the portable versions of the gear.

 

[maricius]

  Reading through the posts, I saw many good comments from various posters regarding the sound quality and sound stage of the micro iCan.  How does the nano iCan compare to the micro iCan?  The nano is the one that's actually portable, so we're interested in whether the sound quality and sound stage are the same or if they are quite different.  I tend to be more interested in the portable versions of the gear.

From what I've read, the onboard amp of the iDSD is overall better than that of the nano iCan. I do wish to hear the Micro iCan but I, like you, want a fully portable setup or at least transportable.

 

[earfonia]

  Reading through the posts, I saw many good comments from various posters regarding the sound quality and sound stage of the micro iCan.  How does the nano iCan compare to the micro iCan?  The nano is the one that's actually portable, so we're interested in whether the sound quality and sound stage are the same or if they are quite different.  I tend to be more interested in the portable versions of the gear.

 
They are quite different, micro iCan is IMHO much better.
 
 

  Warmth of the amp section of the Micro iDSD...
 
If you are using a computer as a source for the Micro, and you are worried about the "lean" characteristics of the Micro's headphone amp section, it's worthwhile trying an equalization plugin with your playback software to tweak your tonal balance. You might get a sound that you like without having to resort to additional external amps. Worth a try if you can do a free trial of the software.
 

 
Well not so easy, tonal density and warmth (even harmonic richness) are not adjustable by equalizer. EQ can help to improve to add some body to the mids and bass, but won't be able to achieve harmonic manipulation by tube stage to add 'real sense of warmth'.  Anyway, all EQ plugins don't sound the same either 

 
 
Now I'm listening to:
 
ifi micro iDSD as DAC, line out  >  ifi micro iTube set as buffer (0 dB)  >  Violectric HPA V200  >  Beyerdynamic T1
 

 

 
Honestly, I'm really impressed! 

Lively, pretty good dynamic, silky smooth, right amount of warmness, good tonal density, good clarity, transparent, and spacious.  Really enjoyable sound signature! Fantastic setup! 
Well the dynamic, transient, and tightness still behind AT-HA5050H, but overall, the above setup sounds wonderful. Musical and really enjoyable!

 

[Goosey]

What will yield better sound quality?  Computer to Micro or Smartphone to Micro?  Anyone done a comparison?

 

[HookedOnAudio]

   
They are quite different, micro iCan is IMHO much better.
 
 

 
Thank you very much for sharing your impressions.  So, the basic order of great to not-so-great in terms of purely the sound quality & sound stage of the amp (not DAC) would be:
1. micro iCan
2. micro iDSD
3. nano iCan
 
Something like that?

 

[earfonia]

Thank you very much for sharing your impressions.  So, the basic order of great to not-so-great in terms of purely the sound quality & sound stage of the amp (not DAC) would be:
1. micro iCan
2. micro iDSD
3. nano iCan

Something like that?

IMHO, Yes.

 

[semeniub]

   
They are quite different, micro iCan is IMHO much better.
 
 
 
Well not so easy, tonal density and warmth (even harmonic richness) are not adjustable by equalizer. EQ can help to improve to add some body to the mids and bass, but won't be able to achieve harmonic manipulation by tube stage to add 'real sense of warmth'.  Anyway, all EQ plugins don't sound the same either 

 
 
Now I'm listening to:
 
ifi micro iDSD as DAC, line out  >  ifi micro iTube set as buffer (0 dB)  >  Violectric HPA V200  >  Beyerdynamic T1
 

 

 
Honestly, I'm really impressed! 

Lively, pretty good dynamic, silky smooth, right amount of warmness, good tonal density, good clarity, transparent, and spacious.  Really enjoyable sound signature! Fantastic setup! 
Well the dynamic, transient, and tightness still behind AT-HA5050H, but overall, the above setup sounds wonderful. Musical and really enjoyable!

Very nice! I have always been curious about how a Violectric amp would sound together with the iFi gear.
 
Regarding both of our comments about "tonal balance" and "tonal density", we are really speaking about sound quality, and this is a highly personal and individual concept without real exact science behind it. All we can really say is that there are many ways to get there from here.