[iFi audio]

  Hello All,

While I am waiting on the great people over at iFI Audio tech support, thought I would post a couple of observations I am seeing with my new setup having replaced a non DSD M2TECH Young DAC with my new IDAC2 which I have to say, I am loving the sound!!

 
My setup is as follows:
 
PC running JRiver MC 21 --> Mercury --> IP2 --> iUSB2 --> Gemini --> iDAC2
 
Question I have, is about the LED lights on the iDAC2 and iP2. How have you all seen these LEDs display based on your usage? For example, should the play light remain lit on the iDAC2 when no audio is being streamed from the PC? Mine always seems to remain on and colored to the last audio resolution file played back. So for example, if I played a 16/44/1kHz file, it will remain green even though I stopped playback on JRiver.
 
Also, should both lights (Green and Blue) on the iP2 always remain in an on state when no audio is being played back from the PC? I would expect the iP2 power light to be on drawing power from PC but not the data light when no playback is happening.
 
Last but not least, does anyone hear a little electrical hiss noise when listening to quiet passages of music in the background at a higher volume level using headphones? I guess I expected a truly dark black background especially given the setup I have which I have to confess, I was using iPhone earbuds (!) for my test but still expected things to be quieter in the background.
 
Anyone experiencing similar behaviors? Looking forward to your feedback in advance...
 
Cheers,
Vin.

 
Hi,
 
The iDAC 2 Headphone output has around 3.5V maximum output with around 114dB SNR.
 
Meaning if a headphone is around 105dB/1V it should be completely silent, but if the headphone is (for example) 125dB/1V some background hiss will be audible.
 
With Apple Earpods, these are 122.5dB/1V. With the iDAC 2 at max output this will produce > 133dB, so the background noise level would be around 19dB(A), so like a very quiet PC fan from 1m. So with this setup, this there is notihng untowards.
 
Cheers.

 

[technobear]

Last but not least, does anyone hear a little electrical hiss noise when listening to quiet passages of music in the background at a higher volume level using headphones? I guess I expected a truly dark black background especially given the setup I have which I have to confess, I was using iPhone earbuds (!) for my test but still expected things to be quieter in the background.

Anyone experiencing similar behaviors? Looking forward to your feedback in advance...

Cheers,
Vin.

There could be two causes. Does the hiss continue if you PAUSE play? If it does then you are hearing the noise floor of the amp. If it doesn't then you are hearing tape hiss or other hiss in the recording.

 

[VinBob]

There could be two causes. Does the hiss continue if you PAUSE play? If it does then you are hearing the noise floor of the amp. If it doesn't then you are hearing tape hiss or other hiss in the recording.

 
Thanks technobear.
 
The hiss does not continue when I pause play and does seem to be with the actual recording. I tested another FLAC file at a higher resolution and the background noise was practically non existent on that one - so I guess it must depend on the actual recording more so than the headphones although granted, a better set of headphones would probably yield even better results...?!
 
The other thing I am hearing, is slight static clicking that happens when you go from one audio file resolution to a different resolution format just before playback - but I would assume this is normal with the DAC switching gears to go from say 16/44.1 to 24/96 and vice versa...would you agree on that...?
 
Cheers,
Vin.

 

[VinBob]

   
Hi,
 
The iDAC 2 Headphone output has around 3.5V maximum output with around 114dB SNR.
 
Meaning if a headphone is around 105dB/1V it should be completely silent, but if the headphone is (for example) 125dB/1V some background hiss will be audible.
 
With Apple Earpods, these are 122.5dB/1V. With the iDAC 2 at max output this will produce > 133dB, so the background noise level would be around 19dB(A), so like a very quiet PC fan from 1m. So with this setup, this there is notihng untowards.
 
Incidentally, earpods are another example of "high Impedance does not mean lower sensitivity" (re HP Characteristics), they are 45 Ohm (relatively high impedance) but very sensitive (122dB/V).
 
Cheers.

Thanks for the information iFi Audio!
 
If I am understanding correctly, my experience is normal given the type of headphones I am using and that there is nothing to be concerned with on the iDAC2 correct?
 
Just to add, it seems like the hiss sound is being generated by the audio file playback as I am noticing different levels of this hiss depending on what album and audio file I am listening to. In addition, things are dead quiet when I pause playback...
 
The only other thing like I mentioned in a prior posting, is that I hear a static click sound when moving from one file format type to the other during playback, but I assume this is a normal characteristic of the DAC engaging between formats internally correct?

Cheers,
V.

 

[iFi audio]

HI,
 
 

 
Thanks for the information iFi Audio!
 
 
Cheers,
V.

 
Hi,
 
> If I am understanding correctly, my experience is normal given the type of headphones I am using and that there is nothing to be concerned with on the iDAC2 correct?
Yes because Apple Earpods, these are 122.5dB/1V. With the iDAC 2 at max output this will produce > 133dB. So with this setup, this there is nothing untowards.
 
> Just to add, it seems like the hiss sound is being generated by the audio file playback as I am noticing different levels of this hiss depending on what album and audio file I am listening to. In addition, things are dead quiet when I pause playback...
You are likely hearing 'into the recording' itself, not the DAC. When you pause, the file is not 'there' anymore.
 
> The only other thing like I mentioned in a prior posting, is that I hear a static click sound when moving from one file format type to the other during playback, but I assume this is a normal characteristic of the DAC engaging between formats internally correct?
 
You need to check the audio playback software settings and ask the manufacturer. The computer is the host and the DAC is the client. So something upstream. But you can open an STS ticket with the iFi techs and see if they can shed more light.
 
Cheers.

 

[Middy]

Hi all + IFI scousers...8^p ty again..

Just a little update.
Now the IFI IPURIFIER 2 is making my rig sound much better. Remembered with my old dial up Internet I cleaned the cable wire and connectors to the modem from the house to the phone. It got me 2 meg more years ago. I looked into more modern contact cleaners and got some Deoxit by CAIG this morning.
I have cleaned all connecting interfaces from my phone battery, memory cards, usb conn,otg cons, Supra conns, IFI2 and oppo ha1. 4pin xlr and headphone ETHER mini connetors.
I got 2 2mg tubes red and Yellow(gold).
We don't use it in our AEROSPACE company, but I borrowed a few 70% lint free IPA wipes. Cleaned all the above for dust and grease. Ripped a piece off and wrapped it around fine tweezers for pins an inside usb connectors.
I have just used the red DEOXIT, applied it by using a pin with a tiny drop and coating all mating surfaces in the chain.
My phone USB mini for charging/ data/ otg has now stopped being intermittent.
Otg to head phones... 2% tp 4% better IMHO. A bit more shimmer and depth.
This is stage one... In a couple of hours a will clean and repeat with the gold version and try the electrical sockets power lead ect

****Note do no do this unless you have the competence and knowledge to be safe) use trained help if unsure) mains electrics is for professionals only... Even though the power is disconnected..

If not, stick with USB lead/connector cleaning.

The amount I used for the whole chain with 2mg tube...I could redo it a hundred times..

Probably the wrong place to post but IFIP2 and cleaning, it all adds up.

Keep smiling

Dave.
Shop around for it. 2 little tubes of fluid £6 is each..

Good luck

 

[d1sturb3d]

  Hello All,
 
 
Also, should both lights (Green and Blue) on the iP2 always remain in an on state when no audio is being played back from the PC? I would expect the iP2 power light to be on drawing power from PC but not the data light when no playback is happening.
 
 
 
Cheers,
Vin.

 
The data light is always on once the source (PC) recognized the DAC.

 

[VinBob]

   
The data light is always on once the source (PC) recognized the DAC.

 
Thanks for the confirmation. I noticed this on my Mac Pro too - so totally normal although, I would still like to know why the playback LED on the iDAC2 remains on all the time - sometimes it will stay on the color representing the last file played back while other times, it will stay on the CYAN color for the higher res file playback. Not going to lose any sleep over it as it works, but just seems odd to me while the light would stay on if there is no playback...

 

[VinBob]

  HI,
 
 
 
Hi,
 
> If I am understanding correctly, my experience is normal given the type of headphones I am using and that there is nothing to be concerned with on the iDAC2 correct?
Yes because Apple Earpods, these are 122.5dB/1V. With the iDAC 2 at max output this will produce > 133dB. So with this setup, this there is nothing untowards.
 
> Just to add, it seems like the hiss sound is being generated by the audio file playback as I am noticing different levels of this hiss depending on what album and audio file I am listening to. In addition, things are dead quiet when I pause playback...
You are likely hearing 'into the recording' itself, not the DAC. When you pause, the file is not 'there' anymore.
 
> The only other thing like I mentioned in a prior posting, is that I hear a static click sound when moving from one file format type to the other during playback, but I assume this is a normal characteristic of the DAC engaging between formats internally correct?
 
You need to check the audio playback software settings and ask the manufacturer. The computer is the host and the DAC is the client. So something upstream. But you can open an STS ticket with the iFi techs and see if they can shed more light.
 
Cheers.

Thank you for the feedback and confirmation on the above - I have an open ticket which the the excellent IFI Audio support is dealing with for me. I think this may be system dependent as I was noticing this to be less obvious when I was using my Mac Pro and switching between the different file formats. Unfortunately, I can't use my Mac for my audiophile needs!
 
Cheers,
Vin.

 

[iFi audio]

 
Thank you for the feedback and confirmation on the above - I have an open ticket which the the excellent IFI Audio support is dealing with for me. I think this may be system dependent as I was noticing this to be less obvious when I was using my Mac Pro and switching between the different file formats. Unfortunately, I can't use my Mac for my audiophile needs!
 
Cheers,
Vin.

 
Hi,
 
For sure, ask the playback software vendor - they know what is going on behind the curtain, not really our place to say how they should program.
 
Cheers.

 

[glassmonkey]

Hi everybody,
 
I've written a review with comparisons between the iPurifier2 and the Micro iUSB3.0 here on head-fi. I know some folks have been looking for more of these comparisons to help with purchasing decisions. I hope my input is helpful.
 
Here is my quote of the review:
 
"Others have proclaimed miracles about the expansion of sound stage. The iPurifier2 will not be keeping a drunken party going like a tiny British Jesus, but it will add some power to the cocktails already there. I didn’t hear miracles. I did hear improvement in depth, a little improvement in width and no discernible difference in height with the iPurifier2."
 
Viva la iFi!

 

[Middy]

I wondered how it sounds off a noisy pc usb.So far I have it from an Sammy S5/ OTG/Supra/OPPO HA1. I find treble has a little more tingle and crisp snappy bass. So far would I complain if someone took it from me...Yes.

Higher up the audio food chain, some Diminishing returns are a lot more value for money.

Computer audiophile guys play with high spec power supply just to feed the new IUSB 3.O. Their new switching Walmart is value for money and quieter than some linear supplys.

I like IFI as it still caters for the low end and multi $1000 dollar set ups.

Thanks for the review Glass,did you notice much change with your collection of HQ Daps as transport..?

Good luck and keep smiling
Dave

 

[ostewart]

My iDAC2 + iPurifier2 review:
 
http://www.head-fi.org/products/ifi-micro-idac2-usb-dac-hp-amp/reviews/15464

 

[rickyleelee]

really really nice review. fun reading and useful findings. are you a professional reviewer?

 

[ostewart]

Wouldn't say professional as I don't work for a magazine or earn anything from it, but I have been doing it for a few years and work with a few companies