[iFi audio]

What would be the best way to run both the iDSD BL with the iCAN SE?

iDSD micro BL in line out mode, eco mode. Set gain as required on iCAN SE.

 

[Paradoxus]

That is for you to decide (but I would recommend 'Direct' mode).

Remember that in pre-amp mode, if you engage 3D you will get '3D for speakers', not '3D for headphones' from the RCA outputs.

Again it's for you to decide (but I would recommend 'Eco'). The gain should be set to give you a decent useable range on the volume control with YOUR headphones so we cannot advise, it's up to you.

Correct.

Thanks for the info, i never knew iDSD BL had a '3D for headphones' via the RCA output.

iDSD micro BL in line out mode, eco mode. Set gain as required on iCAN SE.

Thanks! Shall use it in this mode then.

 

[technobear]

Thanks for the info, i never knew iDSD BL had a '3D for headphones' via the RCA output.

It doesn't. That was my point. You only get '3D for headphones' from the headphone socket. You get '3D for speakers' from the RCA outputs - for use with desktop monitors.

 

[Paradoxus]

It doesn't. That was my point. You only get '3D for headphones' from the headphone socket. You get '3D for speakers' from the RCA outputs - for use with desktop monitors.

Oops, i meant to type that I didn't realise the iDSD BL had a '3D for speakers' via the RCA output and a '3D for headphones' via the headphone jack.

Thanks for pointing it out.

 

[Yethal]

It seems that my iDSD has died on me. I've been doing the whole charging dance for two days now but the LED doesn't even light up when I try to turn it on. Does somebody have any potential solution? I already tried leaving it plugged into a phone charger.

 

[iFi audio]

It seems that my iDSD has died on me. I've been doing the whole charging dance for two days now but the LED doesn't even light up when I try to turn it on. Does somebody have any potential solution? I already tried leaving it plugged into a phone charger.

We're sorry to hear this. Can you please opean a support ticket via our platform?

http://support.ifi-audio.com

Thanks!

 

[latios507]

Could someone share their recommended settings to setup/make the most out of ifi micro idsd BL with Tidal HiFi Master mode?

Should the Passthrough MQA box be ticked (on)?

Thanks!

 

[gLer]

Hey guys, I’ve just read through 547 pages on this thread and finally caught up!

Bought a Micro iDSD a few months back, and now use it exclusively as my desktop DAC connected to a Matrix HPA-3B balanced class A amp (so I’ve essentially built a supercharged balanced Audeze Deckard as my desktop amp, with the option of going mobile by unclipping the iDSD and taking it on the road).

I do have a question I haven’t seen answered here: does it harm the iDSD (or affect the SQ) if you’re listening to headphones plugged in to the iDSD and headphones plugged in to the external amp (with line out from the iDSD) at the same time?

I have my iDSD in Direct mode as the Matrix doesn’t need any help in the bass department. So am I correct in saying RCA out bypasses the iDSD amp and should therefore not degrade the quality of output if headphones and line out are used at the same time?

Thx in advance.

 

[thebkt]

I have my iDSD in Direct mode as the Matrix doesn’t need any help in the bass department. So am I correct in saying RCA out bypasses the iDSD amp and should therefore not degrade the quality of output if headphones and line out are used at the same time?

Thx in advance.

This post discussed the method used for line outs. Whether or not SQ is affected, no idea. If you can't notice any change, then it doesn't affect things for you

 

[iFi audio]

Hey guys, I’ve just read through 547 pages on this thread and finally caught up!

Respect

I have my iDSD in Direct mode as the Matrix doesn’t need any help in the bass department. So am I correct in saying RCA out bypasses the iDSD amp and should therefore not degrade the quality of output if headphones and line out are used at the same time?

Thx in advance.

Yes, you're correct, direct mode bypasses amplification circuitry.

 

[gLer]

Respect



Yes, you're correct, direct mode bypasses amplification circuitry to feed an external device.

Thank you for he prompt reply! So to be clear, there’s no harm being done to the iDSD if I have headphones plugged in to both the iDSD and the external amp (using the iDSD line out) and playing at the same time? I sometimes use it this way to A/B headphones (albeit using different amps).

 

[iFi audio]

Thank you for he prompt reply! So to be clear, there’s no harm being done to the iDSD if I have headphones plugged in to both the iDSD and the external amp (using the iDSD line out) and playing at the same time? I sometimes use it this way to A/B headphones (albeit using different amps).

No harm will happen.

 

[gLer]

And another question if I may: I find using firmware 5.2b fixes the song start delay for me. Is there any harm using the iDSD as a desktop dac (permanently on and using USB power) with this firmware, which prevents the iDSD going into sleep mode?

 

[gLer]

No harm will happen.

Great, thanks!

 

[thebkt]

And another question if I may: I find using firmware 5.2b fixes the song start delay for me. Is there any harm using the iDSD as a desktop dac (permanently on and using USB power) with this firmware, which prevents the iDSD going into sleep mode?

I had many of the same questions before purchasing my BL.

The following post answered a great deal.

Let's address this in even more thorough way, shall we?

TL;DR

If you want to keep your iDSD micro on all the time, you can still use the battery mode and normally not worry about the battery state. This is best if you usually use it to play music for a few hours at a time and then shut the music source off to allow the iDSD micro to top up its cells' charge. Using a USB port that is BC1.2 compliant and can deliver 1.5A of current is strongly recommended and essential if using Turbo mode.

If you want 100% availability and 24/7 operation while never worrying about the battery state or which amplifier setting is engaged, power your iDSD micro from a BC1.2 compliant USB port and make sure power is available 24/7.

If you want to have maximum play time "on the go" make sure to TURN OFF the iDSD micro when charging. If you don't need maximum playtime, make sure to TURN ON the iDSD micro when charging. and to make sure that your smartphone battery does not get drained when music stops, flash Firmware 5.2B.

Long Version

iDSD micro has a fairly sophisticated charging system, but in the best Apple style, rather than festooning the device with a million gauges and LED's, we kept it as minimal as possible (we felt there where enough switches etc. as is).

If the iDSD micro is turned on BEFORE being connected to a USB source (or just a USB charger) it is in "Battery Mode" until turned off next time.

If the iDSD micro is turned on AFTER being connected to a USB source (or just a USB charger) it is in "USB Mode" until turned off next time.

Now unless Firmware 5.XB is used, the iDSD micro will actually re-charge in either mode, unless it detects a "weak power source" which is assumed to be a smart phone. Equally, in either mode the iDSD micro may draw on the battery if needed.

So it might be better to call the modes "Battery Power Priority" and "USB Power Priority".

In battery mode, if music is playing via USB or SPDIF power is drawn ONLY from the battery, the USB power connection, if present is shut off.

However, if no music is playing on any input for 3 minutes, the iDSD micro will shut down the whole analogue and amplifier circuitry to conserve power (as these draw the most). And if it has detected a "strong" (500mA or greater) charge capable source it will recharge it's battery while no music is played.

The re-charge is set to not fill the battery up to 100% capacity as this would cause cells to wear out quickly, instead charge is capped at 75%, which means battery life in this case is equal to shelf life.

Powersave mode is indicated by a blinking green LED, and if the iDSD micro is in powersave + recharge mode, it with show a blue LED.

This means as long as 'eco' mode is used and you do not play music for more than 8 hours without interruption (and your computer settings allow the iDSD micro to go to sleep and charge), the iDSD micro may be operated in battery indefinitely, if it remains connected and turned on, because it will recharge automagically whenever there is no music playback for any length of time.

In USB mode the iDSD micro will first and foremost apply USB power to keep internal systems 'alive'. If any power from the USB is "left over" after operating internals, it will be used to charge the battery.

If the power available from USB is insufficient, the iDSD micro will automatically draw the difference from the battery, which acts in effect as a booster pack.

If no music is played on any input for 15 minutes, the iDSD micro will shut down the whole analogue and amplifier circuitry to conserve power (it draws the most). Then more power is available to top up the battery.

Again, the re-charge is set to not charge the battery to 100% capacity as this would cause the cells to wear out quickly. Instead charge is capped at 75%, which means battery life in this case is equal to shelf life.

The power from a standard USB port is sufficient for operation of the iDSD micro ONLY in 'eco' mode, using a standard USB port and USB mode with normal/turbo may slowly drain the battery even in USB mode, unless the iDSD micro is allowed to enter powersave frequently enough to allow it to keep the cells topped up.

This is because the iDSD micro is USB standard compliant, so it will never draw more than 500mA, unless the USB port it is attached to includes USB standard BC1.2 signaling, in which case the iDSD micro will draw the current it needs up to a maximum of 1.5A which is enough for both 'turbo' mode operation and charging a flat battery to 80% in under 12 hours.

The iUSB nano & micro implement BC1.2 and will supply the iDSD micro with all the power it needs at a quality that rivals battery operation.

Many inexpensive USB hubs also implement BC1.2 and can supply the iDSD micro with the power needed, though the results will not be as good as the iUSB.

Further, if the iDSD micro is switched off when charging, it will fill the battery to 100% capacity. This will maximize playback time in portable use, but as the battery is now cycled past 75% it's lifespan will be shortened compared to the lower charge.

So if you do not need maximum battery charge, keep your iDSD micro on while charging to be easier on cells.