iFi iDSD Micro DSD512 / PCM768 DAC and Headphone Amp. Impressions, Reviews and Comments.
Apr 1, 2021 at 9:59 PM Post #8,986 of 9,047
Although I don't have a manual you asked for, it should be fairly straightforward. Both front and rear panel are held via four bolts each, and upon removing them the main PCB should easily slide outside.
i think the volume pot holding screw has to be removed as well... and then there are those finicky switches.

any idea why there was no sound all of a sudden and now it's back again? Ghost in the Machine (pun intended)?
 
Apr 3, 2021 at 5:11 PM Post #8,987 of 9,047
i think the volume pot holding screw has to be removed as well... and then there are those finicky switches.

Yes, a smal screw holds volume knob in place and has to go too.

any idea why there was no sound all of a sudden and now it's back again? Ghost in the Machine (pun intended)?

Although I have no idea what could cause this, you might want to let our support team know about this: https://support.ifi-audio.com
 
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Apr 21, 2021 at 1:34 PM Post #8,988 of 9,047
How reliable has the Ifi Micro Black label been for everyone? I bought a used unit that came with the blinking blue light and then the blinking red and blue light which meant it wouldnt work on battery power. I sent it to ifi to get a new battery but it must have been pcb, usb power issue or something because I was told the pcb was reseated and had the micro sent back free of charge but with the same issues. Still battery wont charge but now I can get it to work on a charging brick. However now I cant get it to work off of the charging brick anymore. I get blinking lights. I let it charge overnight, I unplug and replug cables, but still the unit wotn work again.

I want a new unit but I dont want to be stuck with this issue again. I've read that some other people have had this issue and would like to know how wide spread it is before I consider buying another ifi micro bl. I like how it sounds but I dont like that it can possible have issues down the road considering the price.
 
Apr 21, 2021 at 1:44 PM Post #8,989 of 9,047
I want a new unit but I dont want to be stuck with this issue again. I've read that some other people have had this issue and would like to know how wide spread it is before I consider buying another ifi micro bl. I like how it sounds but I dont like that it can possible have issues down the road considering the price.

Although I can't give you specific numbers, % of faulty micro iDSD BLs is very low and in the range where it should be considering how many were sold (lots!!!). Getting a new unit also means warranty, so this makes things easier in the event of any failure. Additionally, you might want to take a look at our micro iDSD Signature which effectively replaced micro iDSD BL.
 
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Sep 15, 2021 at 3:06 PM Post #8,991 of 9,047
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Nov 1, 2021 at 4:36 PM Post #8,992 of 9,047
I've been unable to get my iDSD BL to work as the audio device from my Android 11 phone. For a long time it worked just fine out of my old Nexus 5, but on my newer Android I can't get it working.

I was able to find links to a now dead FAQ page that I remember describing the developer USB settings needed on the phone, but the article's gone now, so I'm not sure what needs to be done.
 
Nov 2, 2021 at 8:21 AM Post #8,993 of 9,047
I've been unable to get my iDSD BL to work as the audio device from my Android 11 phone. For a long time it worked just fine out of my old Nexus 5, but on my newer Android I can't get it working.

I was able to find links to a now dead FAQ page that I remember describing the developer USB settings needed on the phone, but the article's gone now, so I'm not sure what needs to be done.

Not sure if this is of any help, put here goes:

Also, you can always ask our support team: https://support.ifi-audio.com
 
iFi audio Stay updated on iFi audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
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Nov 29, 2021 at 8:07 PM Post #8,994 of 9,047
How reliable has the Ifi Micro Black label been for everyone? I bought a used unit that came with the blinking blue light and then the blinking red and blue light which meant it wouldnt work on battery power. I sent it to ifi to get a new battery but it must have been pcb, usb power issue or something because I was told the pcb was reseated and had the micro sent back free of charge but with the same issues. Still battery wont charge but now I can get it to work on a charging brick. However now I cant get it to work off of the charging brick anymore. I get blinking lights. I let it charge overnight, I unplug and replug cables, but still the unit wotn work again.

I want a new unit but I dont want to be stuck with this issue again. I've read that some other people have had this issue and would like to know how wide spread it is before I consider buying another ifi micro bl. I like how it sounds but I dont like that it can possible have issues down the road considering the price.
I have had mine since early 2017. Got it with a significant discount. It is in my computer system now and has been for about 3 years. Basically on 24X7. Using it for headphones when I don't want to fire up the surround system, and analog out to an FM transmitter. It has never given me any problems. I used to keep it at work and it drove a Gustard H10. the BL is One of, if not THE best audio purchase I have made.
 
Nov 30, 2021 at 1:05 AM Post #8,995 of 9,047
I have had mine since early 2017. Got it with a significant discount. It is in my computer system now and has been for about 3 years. Basically on 24X7. Using it for headphones when I don't want to fire up the surround system, and analog out to an FM transmitter. It has never given me any problems. I used to keep it at work and it drove a Gustard H10. the BL is One of, if not THE best audio purchase I have made.
I’ll second that! THE best and one of the most frequently used audio devices I own. And that’s quite something considering I have a £30k HiFi which I love and no TV (by choice)!

I’ve had mine (both the original and the BL) since soon after they were first released and they’ve never skipped a beat. Not even any sign of significant battery degradation despite the BL being used for 10-30 hours per week, all on internal battery power, and left to recharge overnight 2-7 times per week - for all these years!

Wherever I go, if I take headphones (full size, or sometimes just IEM’s) I’ll take the BL, just drop it in a tough plastic bag inside my backpack with the appropriate cables and I know I’ve got music, YouTube, etc., for at least 2 or 3 days use or the longest journey I’ll ever take, plus backup power for my phone just in case there’s a mains power outage, I’m stranded, zombie apocalypse or whatever and my regular power bank doesn’t survive!

A powerful headphone amp that’s fine with IEM’s, a thoroughly capable DAC covering every bitrate you’ll ever have, a preamp And a USB charger in one bombproof metal unit that lasts forever? It is the ultimate audio version of a Swiss Army knife - far too useful to even consider parting with!
 
Nov 30, 2021 at 5:49 AM Post #8,996 of 9,047
I have had mine since early 2017. Got it with a significant discount. It is in my computer system now and has been for about 3 years. Basically on 24X7. Using it for headphones when I don't want to fire up the surround system, and analog out to an FM transmitter. It has never given me any problems. I used to keep it at work and it drove a Gustard H10. the BL is One of, if not THE best audio purchase I have made.
Thanks a lot! It's always a pleasure reading about our older products that still make folks very happy :beerchug:

I’ll second that! THE best and one of the most frequently used audio devices I own. And that’s quite something considering I have a £30k HiFi which I love and no TV (by choice)!

Yes, that says a lot about where you are with your BL :wink:

On a side note, what's your stereo setup like?

A powerful headphone amp that’s fine with IEM’s, a thoroughly capable DAC covering every bitrate you’ll ever have, a preamp And a USB charger in one bombproof metal unit that lasts forever? It is the ultimate audio version of a Swiss Army knife - far too useful to even consider parting with!

Although micro iDSD BL was designed with sound quality as the top priority, we truly aimed at a device loaded with utilities to please as many people as possible and our approach didn't change since then :wink:
 
iFi audio Stay updated on iFi audio at their sponsor profile on Head-Fi.
 
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Nov 30, 2021 at 10:59 AM Post #8,997 of 9,047
Thanks a lot! It's always a pleasure reading about our older products that still make folks very happy :beerchug:



Yes, that says a lot about where you are with your BL :wink:

On a side note, what's your stereo setup like?



Although micro iDSD BL was designed with sound quality as the top priority, we truly aimed at a device loaded with utilities to please as many people as possible and our approach didn't change since then :wink:
Pleased to be able to give such positive comments! I used to be a retail manager and understand the value of happy customers!

This is my system. I use the AURALiC Taurus MkII primarily as a preamp as well as headphone amp; it’s added a whole new dimension to the clarity, detail, dynamics and imaging precision. There’s also a lot of high quality cables hiding round the back! Next on my list is a new power amp. I’ve had the MF A5 integrated longest of all current components and it drives the Martin Logan’s very well indeed, especially since adding the Taurus in place of the A5’s preamp section, but I’m always seeking the next step in sound quality! I must update my profile with the latest additions and upgrades. Happy listening! :)
1638286230323.jpeg

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Nov 30, 2021 at 3:57 PM Post #8,998 of 9,047
Pleased to be able to give such positive comments! I used to be a retail manager and understand the value of happy customers!

This is my system. I use the AURALiC Taurus MkII primarily as a preamp as well as headphone amp; it’s added a whole new dimension to the clarity, detail, dynamics and imaging precision. There’s also a lot of high quality cables hiding round the back! Next on my list is a new power amp. I’ve had the MF A5 integrated longest of all current components and it drives the Martin Logan’s very well indeed, especially since adding the Taurus in place of the A5’s preamp section, but I’m always seeking the next step in sound quality! I must update my profile with the latest additions and upgrades. Happy listening! :)
1638286230323.jpeg
B

That's a very nice setup! These MLs probably allow you to hear every nuance as clearly as it gets, don't they :) ?
 
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Dec 2, 2021 at 5:53 AM Post #8,999 of 9,047
That's a very nice setup! These MLs probably allow you to hear every nuance as clearly as it gets, don't they :) ?
Thanks. Yes, they are extremely revealing speakers with incredible soundstage and imaging. Despite being quarter of a century old they just keep giving! Every so often I toy with the idea of upgrading them but thus far they’ve kept up with every upgrade to the source and amplification components. As long as that continues to be the case I’ll keep them - they sound amazing and they are also very good looking speakers! I feel very fortunate to have such a wonderful system. :)
 
Dec 2, 2021 at 5:58 AM Post #9,000 of 9,047
Thanks. Yes, they are extremely revealing speakers with incredible soundstage and imaging.

You've said it. Those are the exact traits why people go after Maggies, MLs and other estat speakers.
 
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