[gr8soundz]

  Absolutely, I agree, some blind, multiple trial listening tests are a great idea. I would be shocked if the differences aren't rather subtle, but that said, first I could easily be wrong, but more importantly, I think the small price difference that iFi is bringing into effect is extremely reasonable given the attention to detail they are going through so it is really a moot point. I would without hesitation happily by the new version as compared against the previous iteration, but I would not expect it to sound "better", perhaps different. All of these differences are in the domain of sensitive measuring equipment which does not guarantee audibility in real life listening. I have been making that point not because I don't think it is fantastic that iFi wants to improve their offerings, but already we have existing Micro owners wondering if this new version will trump theirs in performance simply because some measures have shifted, and in a relative way these are likely modest shifts. The fact that they are modest shifts (in terms of audibility) are a testament to just how good the previous Micro really sounded.
 
Anyway, I'm likely to purchase one of the new version myself so I'm not knocking it at all.

 
I'm hoping the improvements are more pronounced (like the iCan SE vs. the original). The iDSD Micro was hard to improve upon so I doubt iFi would make a special edition if they hadn't found ways to make it better. At least they're posting snippets about each internal improvement rather than just saying 'here's a new coat of paint.'
 

The one thing I do not understand though ...why dual mono DAC stage and dual amplification stage but in the end only offer Sungle ended connection and not even a balanced out

 
That was my first thought as well. It still has dual everything internally but no change to the SE out. Said they couldn't fit balanced out in the original but I agree the Black Label should be TRRS out or even mini XLR with included adapters. Something to make an even bigger leap over the original. Perhaps they couldn't find a way to get 8W balanced out in Turbo mode?
 
I know they went with the PCM1793 in the original rather than the more revered 1792A but they said it was to get the desired lower noise floor. Looks like the Black Label is the same there.
 

 

[Sonic Defender]

   
Perhaps to keep a safe distance from the pro range, to avoid cannibalising their flag ship in terms of performance?

​ I suspect it is to help lower reported noise and distortion figures.

 

[iFi audio]

The one thing I do not understand though ...why dual mono DAC stage and dual amplification stage but in the end only offer Sungle ended connection and not even a balanced out

For several reasons, and space limitation both outside and inside, power supply and the fact, that having double d/a conversion and amplification stage doesn't mean anything just yet are among several important ones. 

 
​ I suspect it is to help lower reported noise and distortion figures.

Yes, two d/a conversion chips lower the noise floor which is material because people use mainly IEMs.

 

[iFi audio]

A question about using the iDSD Micro with amplifiers and speakers:

Hey folks, got my unit Saturday, unpacked her yesterday but still haven't had time to sit down and put her through her paces. That won't be until tomorrow evening at the earliest.

Looking for advice on what settings to use when feeding either a 100 Wpc solid state power amp (Audio Research 100.2) or a 45 Wpc integrated tube amp (Conrad Johnson CAV-50).

Will be listening mostly to PCM and Internet Radio for the time being. (I can't wait to hear the iPurifier's effect on that sometimes very nasty internet noise.)

Thanks in advance for your help!

Jeff

 
If you don't want to use a separate preamplifier with your AR 100.2, feed it with our Micro iDSD directly but (!!!) on  the latter's bottom please make sure to have the knob positioned on 'preamplifier' option. You'll be able to adjust the volume via this puppy, whereas 'direct' mode bypasses Micro iDSD's volume control and ought to be used with your integrated.

 

[potatoe94]

Dont we all just love iFi ?! Hahaha !

 

[gr8soundz]

  Yes, two d/a conversion chips lower the noise floor which is material because people use mainly IEMs.

 
Any chance we will see dual PCM1792A chips in an iDSD?
 
I was listening to my Essence ST card this past weekend and had forgotten how great that dac chip is.
 

 

[WilliamLeonhart]

Will be back in Singapore in December. Hopefully I'll have a chance to audition the new iDSD there. I've always consider the (old) iDSD Micro to be the end-all be-all portable DAC/amp, and now... Now this!

 

[Sonic Defender]

... which is material because people use mainly IEMs.

I think it is the opposite based on my experience, people use headphones more. Now maybe in Asia there are consumer differences, that I'm not sure about, but I don't think in Europe or North America for instance that most people use IEMs. I'm sure a significant number of people do, but not most.
 
Edit: I should add, I mean among the serious music consumption/audiophile crowd. Yes the non-audiophile crowd I suspect use IEMs more, but I doubt they are buying specialized audio products such as iFi make anyway.

 

[iFi audio]

  My portable rig has developed a problem. I am using an iDSD Micro connected to my iPhone 6 Plus with the CCK and using JRemote. Sometimes mid track, other times when a song starts, there is a noticeable "jitter" noise and the music tempo slows way down like there is a problem with the data flow. I have tried turning off the iDSD and unplugging the CCK and eventually it goes back to normal. The last time I got an error message that the device is using too much power (pretty common with the CCK from what I have read). I do make sure the iDSD is turned on first and have the latest firmware B installed.  
 
I am thinking the CCK could be the issue. Any ideas?. .

1. Open STS for more detailed tech support.
2. From afar, best to reboot the App (try other Apps). Then try to swap out the CCK or micro iDSD. We don't think it is the micro iDSD because it should work or not work if it is the cause.

 

[balcy24]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will try other apps with the CCK and also using the iDSD through my laptop and JRMC which will eliminate the CCK.I may have to listen for a while as it only happened once every couple of hours or so.Darn!  

 

[iFi audio]

   
Any chance we will see dual PCM1792A chips in an iDSD?
 
I was listening to my Essence ST card this past weekend and had forgotten how great that dac chip is.
 

It is a fine d/a converter chip indeed, though Micro iDSD is a very fine machine in its class without it on-board as we prefer the other Burr-Brown!

 

 

[gikigill]

Mk2 on the way. Really looking forward to the slightly more forward bass.

 

[gr8soundz]

Mk2 on the way. Really looking forward to the slightly more forward bass.

 
Where did you order it from? Haven't seen it appear for sale yet anywhere.
 
I know iFi is doing the tour but I thought applications were being taken until the 30th.
 

 

[gikigill]

Adorama.

http://www.adorama.com/ifmicridsdbl.html

 

[iFi audio]

A few customers have asked about whisky, hence we thought we would post our thoughts. Regarding labels and all that usefull stuff, we surely have some. First, we are not talking about Aberlour or Lagavulin, otherwise we will be talking about AMR. Let's focus on Johnnie Wlaker.
 

 
Red Label (US$20): malty and well-balanced, but lacks body, a safe but uninteresting blend. Get the Black label instead as it will be a big step up.
 

 
Black Label (US$30):  smoky and peaty, very well balanced with a sweet ending, excellent value for money.
 

 
Green Label (US$60): Sweet and complex, full body. Together with the Black Label, the two best value for money Johnnie Walkers.
 

 
Gold Label (US$80): weak and flat, stick with the Black Label (smoky and peaty) or Green Label (sweet and full body) instead.
 

 
Platinum Label (US$100): Malty, sweet and delicate, but low on the value for money scale.
 

 
Blue Label (US$200): smooth, soft, round and full, almost to a fault. Lacking a bit of characters and a bit too dear for its quality.
 
 
In part two, we'll cover how to get the most of whisky.