iFi iDSD Micro DSD512 / PCM768 DAC and Headphone Amp. Impressions, Reviews and Comments.
Nov 18, 2014 at 7:49 AM Post #1,516 of 9,047
 

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An iphone 6 plus case which acts as a stand so the idsd can slide underneath?
 
Nov 18, 2014 at 7:52 AM Post #1,517 of 9,047
 
Hi,
 
Just to confirm, optical is reliable up to 96kHz. It is possible to go higher but will vary from one setup (cables etc) to another.
 
Cheers.

 
Hi,
You mean if i want 192,DSD file should be used cable mini jack to mini jack?
 
Nov 18, 2014 at 8:23 AM Post #1,518 of 9,047
 


Hi,

Just to confirm, optical is reliable up to 96kHz. It is possible to go higher but will vary from one setup (cables etc) to another.

Cheers.


Hi,
You mean if i want 192,DSD file should be used cable mini jack to mini jack?


You mention DSD again.

You cannot send DSD over S/P-DIF, neither coax nor toslink.

Edit: also, the iDSD will not convert DSD to PCM. If you want to use your external DAC, you can only play PCM files.
 
Nov 18, 2014 at 8:33 AM Post #1,519 of 9,047
You mention DSD again.

You cannot send DSD over S/P-DIF, neither coax nor toslink.

Edit: also, the iDSD will not convert DSD to PCM. If you want to use your external DAC, you can only play PCM files.

I'm really Sorry i don't understand you,
If i want use audio file that i mention before like DSD,192k with my AK120 and iDSD? What i need to use cable mini jack to mini jack or what
 
Nov 18, 2014 at 8:58 AM Post #1,520 of 9,047
I'm really Sorry i don't understand you,
If i want use audio file that i mention before like DSD,192k with my AK120 and iDSD? What i need to use cable mini jack to mini jack or what


Technically, you can't at the moment. You need to connect via USB to the iDSD in order to play DSD.
 
Nov 18, 2014 at 9:01 AM Post #1,521 of 9,047
Technically, you can't at the moment. You need to connect via USB to the iDSD in order to play DSD.

Why i can't? The iDSD support up to DSD and also AK120 support up to DSD
 
Nov 18, 2014 at 10:19 AM Post #1,522 of 9,047
Why i can't? The iDSD support up to DSD and also AK120 support up to DSD


So far, only connection via USB will be able to play DSD files. I believe this appiles to all exsisting DACs that support DSD playback. Also, if I am mistaken, AK120 does not play true native DSD, it is downsampled to PCM if I am not mistaken. iDSD plays true native DSD thought but only when connected via USB as mentioned.
 
Nov 18, 2014 at 10:20 AM Post #1,523 of 9,047
  Why i can't? The iDSD support up to DSD and also AK120 support up to DSD


Hi,
 
There is no industry standard for manufacturers to adhere to for the transmission of DSD via SPDIF.
 
Hence, if it works great but there is no industry standard/guidelines/handshake etc etc.
 
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Nov 18, 2014 at 10:21 AM Post #1,524 of 9,047
So far, only connection via USB will be able to play DSD files. I believe this appiles to all exsisting DACs that support DSD playback. Also, if I am mistaken, AK120 does not play true native DSD, it is downsampled to PCM if I am not mistaken. iDSD plays true native DSD thought but only when connected via USB as mentioned.



Hi,

There is no industry standard for manufacturers to adhere to for the transmission of DSD via SPDIF.

Hence, if it works great but there is no industry standard/guidelines/handshake etc etc.


Okay, But what is the best way to connect AK120 with iDSD?
 
Nov 18, 2014 at 10:59 AM Post #1,527 of 9,047
But i can use 3.5mm to 3.5mm right?


Hi,
 
Yes but that is analogue not digital of course which means the A&K has done the conversion.
 
Information on what happens to the signal inside the A&K is found here:
http://www.astellnkern.com/
 
Click on A&K120 and then scroll down to:
 
"Supports DSD format up to 5.6MHz"
 
We met the A&K (USA) team at RMAF. They are really nice guys.
 
If you have any questions on the A&K, best you contact them as they are ones in the know.
 
If you like, drop us PM and we can direct you.
 
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Nov 18, 2014 at 11:16 AM Post #1,528 of 9,047
Micro is excellent USB PCM converter, if anyone is after digital outputs. It was certainly better, in my case, then M2Tech HiFace. Speaking of DSD via Coax/Toslink/AES it's not possible nor it will ever be. Let alone the licensing issues, you are limited by 192hkz bandwidth and master-clock design. Most certainly, one way would be that DSD files are encapsulated into FLAC contained DOP (Micro should be fine with 24/176 over digital out)  ... but that needs to be tested.
 
Most reliable way to transfer DSD "digitally" to Micro is via USB OTG compatible DAPs. I didn't test Micro as straight forward headphone amp only (in case that one is using line level outputs from other devices) but I have no doubts that sound quality will suffer compared to direct USB mode.
 

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